22/06/2022
Experiencing aches & pains in pregnancy is something the majority of women will experience, but whatās normal?
This is a round up of what you may experience from anywhere between the 1st-3rd trimester!
š«¶š¼Boobs - soreness, sensitivity, ni**le burn, aching are all common as youāre breasts go through rapid changes in preparation for breastfeeding. Any lumps or red areas that are warm to touch and donāt settle in a few days should be highlighted to your midwife or GP!
š«¶š¼Bottom - due to the increase in blood flow, swelling, constipation & more pressure on the back passage, a lot of women experience a**l pain/itching that is commonly caused by haemorrhoids/piles! This is easily treatable - see post on piles for tips.
š«¶š¼Tummy - as your bump starts to grow rapidly it is normal to feel tightness/stretching/itching across the tummy. Abdominal muscle separation or diastasis happens to us all by week 40 and occurs earlier in subsequent pregnancies. This is a normal part of pregnancy but keeping active & maintaining core strength can help manage symptoms.
š«¶š¼Pelvis - there is a difference between āgrowing painsā & PGP/SPD! It is common to experience sharp pains around the lower tummy/groin with movements as the uterine ligaments stretch in pregnancy, but these should be short lived! You can get a sharp pain in the p***c bone/va**na but again these shouldnāt last long & are related to hormonal effects/babyās position/kicks.
Pain that is still in these areas or coccyx & occur more often especially on walking, turning in bed, sitting, getting dressed is more likely PGP/SPD & seeing a Pelvic Health Physio can help improve symptoms early. Pregnancy related growing pains are generally sharp & donāt last long and are more sporadic!
š«¶š¼Legs - restless legs or cramps are a common factor of pregnancy. You can also experience weird sharp like a trapped nerve if baby has got themselves in an awkward position but this should disappear as soon as they move! Leg pain that refers down the back of the leg/s could be sciatica & should be assessed.
Did you experience any other aches & pains?
