Pregnancy: Pelvic and Hip Pain
As your pregnancy progresses, you may develop aches and pains in your
hips and pelvic area. This is a normal sign that your pelvic girdle is
preparing for childbirth. Pregnancy hormones are relaxing your
ligaments, loosening up your pelvic bones so they can
shift and open for childbirth.
For pelvic girdle pain, you can use acupuncture or learn pelvic
stabilizing exercises from a physical therapist. These exercises strengthen the
muscles that support your pelvis. Both acupuncture and stabilizing exercises
have been shown to reduce pelvic pain during pregnancy.
1
To help manage pelvic and hip pain at home, try the following.
- When lying on your back, propped up on your
elbows or a pillow, squeeze a pillow between your knees. This can help realign
your pelvic bones and may give you temporary pain relief.
- Wear a
prenatal belt or girdle around your hips, under your abdomen, to help stabilize your
hips.
- Sleep with a pillow between your knees.
- Rest as
much as possible, applying heat to painful areas.
- Talk to your
health professional about whether a safe pain reliever might help.
Citations
-
Elden H, et al. (2005). Effects of acupuncture and
stabilising exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in pregnant women with
pelvic girdle pain: Randomised single blind controlled trial. BMJ, 330(7494): 761.
|
By
| Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
| Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
| Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|
Last Revised
| July 23, 2012 |
Last Revised:
July 23, 2012
Elden H, et al. (2005). Effects of acupuncture and
stabilising exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in pregnant women with
pelvic girdle pain: Randomised single blind controlled trial. BMJ, 330(7494): 761.
