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Many mothers-to-be these days have been experiencing SI joint pain pregnancy due to the many additional weight and hormonal changes. This pain typically manifests around the lower back and hips and can be remedied by simple solutions like using a Momcozy Ergonest Maternity Belly Band.
What Is The Sacroiliac Joint
The sacroiliac joint links the spine to the pelvis and carries weight during movement. Problems in this joint can lead to SI joint pain while pregnant. The sacroiliac joint can be:
- A strong link between the lower spine and pelvis
- A weight distributor for the upper body to the legs
- A shock absorber when standing, walking, or moving
- A stabilizer that helps with balance during pregnancy
- A support for posture throughout daily activities
The body experiences difficulties in various ways when the sacroiliac joint malfunctions. During pregnancy, the additional weight, hormone variations, and changed posture are the factors that lead to an increased load on the joint. And this is the reason why many pregnant women end up with pain in that area.
Causes Of Sacroiliac Joint Issues During Pregnancy
These are the typical reasons for sacroiliac joint pain during pregnancy:
Hormonal Changes
During pregnancy, the body emits relaxin which is a hormone that loosens the ligaments in the pelvic area to make things easier during birth. Though the loosened joints are beneficial for the delivery, they can also cause the sacroiliac joint to be unstable which is a factor for the pain in the lower back and hips.
Weight Gain and Added Pressure
As the baby develops, there is additional weight that puts pressure on the sacroiliac joint. The pelvis, which is the support for the mother’s body and the baby, can be a source of increased stress on the joint.
Postural Changes
Pregnant women usually change their posture to counterbalance the bulging belly. The rearrangement of the body causes the pelvis and lower back to be struck unevenly by the strain, which is the reason the sacroiliac joint is giving off an ache.
Weakened Core Muscles
The stomach muscles have been extended to accommodate the baby and weakening the core strength. When the core is weak, it becomes difficult to support the pelvis and spine, thus more sacroiliac joint pressure is felt.
Previous Joint Problems
Women who already had lower back or pelvic issues before pregnancy may feel the pain more strongly. An existing weakness or injury increases the chance of SI joint pain while pregnant.
Symptoms Of Sacroiliac Joint Issues in Pregnancy
SI joint pain pregnancy is frequently misinterpreted as lower back pain, as it is a common area where the trouble might have come from. It can range from mild to severe. Its symptoms may include:
- Discomfort that originates in the lower back area and radiates into the buttocks or thighs
- Aching that intensifies when standing up, climbing stairs, or turning in bed
- The pain is quite severe and limited to the one side of the hip that becomes more apparent when you walk so walking faster cannot be done
- Stiffness in the lower back after sitting or lying down for a long time
- In severe cases, moms with SI joint pain pregnancy can’t walk without difficulty
Risk Factors Of Sacroiliac Joint Issues while Pregnant
Sacroiliac joint pain and pregnancy often go together because the body goes through many changes that affect the pelvis and lower back. The common risk factors include:
- Injuries to the lower back that have reduced the strength of the sacroiliac joint
- A fast increase in body weight while being pregnant that led to higher pressure on the pelvic area
- The condition of being pregnant with twins or multiples, , which adds extra strain on the joints
- Poor posture that causes the spine and pelvis to be subjected to uneven stress
- Family history of joint problems that raise the chance of discomfort
What Are The Complications Of Sacroiliac Joint Issues During Pregnancy
Problems with the sacroiliac joint may interfere with movement, posture, and even rest of pregnant women. Many mothers who deal with SI joint pain pregnancy notice that the discomfort affects more than just their lower back. The possible complications can be:
- Restricted movement that causes difficulty in walking or going up stairs
- Sleeping problems due to hip or lower back pain
- Overloading with stress on the surrounding muscles, which results in more pain
- Greater risk of falls when balance is affected by joint pain
- Episodes where SI joint pain during pregnancy causes difficulty standing up
- Long-term strain on the pelvis that may extend into the postpartum period
How To Manage Pregnancy-Related SI Joint Pain
During pregnancy, the sacroiliac joint area receives extra pressure and sometimes the mother may start having pain in the lower sacroiliac area. The SI joint pain pregnancy can make doing daily tasks like walking, sitting, or resting more difficult. The following are the two main ways to treat the pain:
Physical Therapy
Cooperating with a physical therapist will be beneficial for muscle strengthening which will support the pelvis and the lower back. A therapist can suggest safe positions for standing, sitting, lifting as well as SI joint pain sleeping positions. The regular sessions may not only stop the pain from getting worse but also increase the general comfort during pregnancy.
Other Methods
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Support Belts: Putting on a maternity support belt not only makes one comfortable but also ensures the pressure is taken off the pelvis and the lower back. One of the best options is the Momcozy Ergonest Maternity Belly Band as it makes breathing easy, takes the pressure off the hips, reclines the pelvis, and makes walking or standing more comfortable.
306,99 zł PLNBack Support Comfort Effectiveness
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Inflammation and pain can be alleviated with the use of cold packs. Meanwhile, warm compresses are generally used for the relaxation of tight muscles.
- Improving Posture: A straight posture along with the preventing self from slouching will lessen the uneven distribution of joint strain.
- Non-Intensive Exercises: The body can still be kept fit with the help of mild exercises such as swimming, walking or prenatal yoga without the need of extra pressure on the pelvic area.
When To Seek Help
Even if discomfort in the pelvic area is considered normal, sacroiliac joint pain in pregnancy that affects the performance of your daily activities and is not relieved should not be ignored. If you have these indications, you might be in need of some professional help:
- The pain that extends to the hips and thighs and increases in intensity over time
- Any movement or standing difficulties that cause a limitation of daily activities
- No improvement even after trying SI joint pain relief pregnancy methods
- Suddenly occurring sharp pain, causing an interruption to rest or sleep
- The sensation of numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs along with pelvic discomfort
FAQs
Is Joint Pain Normal During Pregnancy?
At the time of pregnancy, joint pain is usually connected to the hormonal changes in the body which slacken the ligaments and get the pelvis ready for childbirth. The additional weight and the changes in posture are also the main reasons that the joints are under more pressure. But, if the pain is very strong, it can be a sign of SI joint pain pregnancy which is generally a serious condition and a longer treatment is needed.
What Does SI Pain Feel Like?
Sacroiliac joint pain during pregnancy is typically associated with sharp, stabbing, or aching sensations in the lower back, hips, or buttocks. The discomfort can extend to the thighs and walking becomes difficult due to the pain in the legs. A lot of women experiencing the same problem have also pointed out that the pain intensifies when they perform certain actions, e.g. they are turning in bed or getting up from a chair.
When Does SI Joint Pain Start In Pregnancy?
Usually, the SI joint pain in pregnancy is felt from the second or the third trimester as the hormonal changes and the extra weight cause more pressure on the pelvic area. Some women may sense a few very mild signs much earlier, especially if they have some history of back problems or have suffered from pelvic injuries in the past.
Conclusion
Mothers can gain relief from SI joint pain pregnancy through effective pain relief techniques and gentle movements guided by health professionals. With some SI relief techniques and care, results can include enhanced mobility and improved posture during pregnancy.
