Muscle Pain During Pregnancy: Part 3

Help!  What Is This Pain I Am Experiencing During My Pregnancy?

You’re pregnant!  It’s an exciting and busy time for you.  So, why are you having pain?

Round ligament pain

This pain occurs most often during the second trimester of pregnancy. The round ligaments are one of the ligamentous supports for the uterus. They are located at the anterior uterus and attach at the groin area. During pregnancy, the round ligaments become stretched as both your uterus and baby grow. This increases the chances to strain this ligament. With a sudden movement, the ligament tightens quickly which will cause a sudden and sharp pain sensation at the lower abdomen near the groin on the right, left or both sides. The pain will last just a few seconds and then subside. The pain can occur while walking, exercising, sneezing, coughing, laughing, and quick positional changes.

Some tips to help you:

• Avoid sudden motions, or quick positional changes.  Slow down when you are standing up, walking, or changing directions.
• Exercises to strengthen the core muscles will allow the muscles to support the area.
• Bend forward at the hips when coughing, sneezing or laughing to take the strain off the ligaments.
• Physical therapy can assist with teaching exercises to strengthen the core, adjust your body mechanics during daily activities to support the ligaments and soft tissue work to decrease the muscular tension.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins that are caused by weak vein walls or faulty valves. They are common during pregnancy especially if there is a family history of them.  Typically, the varicose veins are located in the legs, but it can also occur in the vulvar area and they can become quite painful.  With the growing uterus during pregnancy, there is additional strain placed on your veins. The veins return the blood from the legs and when they are not able to work properly, the blood can pool in the legs causing an enlargement of the veins.

Some helpful tips:

• Perform regular exercise to improve your circulation.
• Compression stockings or support garments can help to prevent the pooling of blood.
• Avoiding prolonged positions such as standing or sitting which will allow the blood to pool.
• Elevate your legs frequently to allow gravity to assist the veins with the blood return.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome presents as numbness, tingling, pain, or a dull achy sensation in your hands.  The symptoms typically come and go and are more frequent at the end of the day. They occur more often in the latter part of pregnancy due to women retaining fluid. The fluid builds up in the relatively small space at the wrist where the nerve is located and causes compression on the nerve.  The symptoms are typically relieved after delivery as the swelling subsides.

Looking for relief?

• Avoid the activities (as much as possible) that tend to cause or aggravate the symptoms for you.  In some instances, this may mean modifying your activities to avoid the stress on the area. Taking breaks from typing to stretch and shake out the hands can be helpful.
• Prop the arm up while sleeping or occasionally during the day to help decrease the swelling.
• Use of a splint or brace to put the wrist in a neutral position allows more space for the nerve. This will stabilize the wrist during the day and at night to allow for less pain as well.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and need help with relieving your pain, please contact one of our Women’s Health Physical Therapists.  We can help to teach you the appropriate strengthening and postural exercises, stretches, body mechanics for safe performance of activities, and soft tissue mobilization to decrease muscular pain and spasms.