This may come as a surprise to some, but pain during pregnancy is not NORMAL!! It is unfortunately very common, which leads women and their doctors to assume that ‘it’s just part of the process’. There are numerous changes in a woman’s body during the 40 weeks of pregnancy. Some of these changes (weight gain, changes in center of gravity, hormones) can make some things more difficult to do and even result in pain. There are many things that you can change during pregnancy to keep discomfort to a minimum.
Having a baby (regardless of the mode of delivery) is very hard work for the mother. The stretching and possible damage to a woman’s pelvic floor during vaginal delivery is often what women blame for issues after childbirth, such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and pain with intercourse. All of these issues can be improved or resolved with Physical Therapy!
Some women are lead to believe that a C-section is ‘easier’ than a vaginal delivery. Even though the baby does not pass through the pelvic floor, the pelvic floor has spent some time supporting the baby! It can be tired and weak. And a C-section is a major abdominal surgery, and the recovery takes time. Physical Therapy can help with recovery, including scar mobilization and appropriate abdominal training.
Finally, if you’re experiencing low back, pelvic or neck pain during pregnancy you cannot count on it magically going away. Between actually getting the baby out and then all of the physical requirements of taking care of the new baby, it is possible that the pain will persist.
Don’t let pain take away the enjoyment of your new baby. Get assessed by a trained Physical Therapist at Entropy, and start feeling better today!