Common pregnancy problems

In this blog, we discuss some of the most common pregnancy problems that we are faced with, offering a professional explanation on why, as well as advice on how we can best deal with the issues. 

Low back pain

We can seek advice from a Physiotherapist who can review our posture and provide us with tailored exercises and stretches to reduce low back pain. They can also give advice on day to day activities, posture in work, review lifting techniques and provide hands-on treatment to reduce the aches and pains.

Symphysis pubis dysfunction

SPD symptoms may include: a bruised bone sensation (even with light pressure), burning or altered sensation along the pubic bone, sharp pain radiating down the inner thigh or grinding/clicking noises from the pubic bone. Although we cannot stop the production of relaxin during pregnancy, there are things we can do to reduce and alleviate SPD

Getting in and out of bed – we should roll to our side, slide our legs off the bed as one and then sit ourselves up. Walking – we should reduce our stride length and pace so our legs are not as far apart. Climbing stairs – we should take it one step at a time or go up the steps side on, again, helping to reduce leg separation. Sitting – we shouldn’t cross our legs as this can put increased pressure on the sore area. Carrying – we must try to keep the weight of the object central to our body rather than carrying it on the hip, helping to maintain symmetry. Resting – we can apply something cool to the centre of the groin to reduce ache – we just need to ensure that our skin and bump is protected with a towel.

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP)

A Physiotherapist will be able to assess us and determine if we have PGP and which joints are affected. They can give us advice and education about how to move, postural advice when standing, sitting and lying down, and manual therapy to help alleviate the aches and pains, as well as exercises to keep things mobile and comfortable.

Carpal Tunnel and De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

A Physiotherapist will be able to assess the painful areas and provide exercises, stretches, manual therapy as well as advice on the use of splints and activities during the day.

Hip pain

A Physiotherapist can help guide you on appropriate exercises, stretches, sleeping positions and posture.

Diastasis recti

Pelvic floor weakness & incontinence

It is important to spend some time completing pelvic floor exercises to help keep the muscles strong and prevent incontinence. The muscles of the pelvic floor are a combination of fast twitch and slow twitch muscle fibres. This is important because it means the muscles need to be trained in two different ways. The first exercise is quick squeezes of the pelvic floor – try to complete three sets of ten repetitions. The second exercise is a slow, long squeeze of the pelvic floor – aim to hold the squeeze 10 seconds before relaxing.

If you feel that you are suffering from some of the most common pregnancy problems we have discussed, try using our FREE Ask A Physio advice service online at www.physiofusion.co.uk to speak directly to our clinical manager about your queries. Alternatively, you can find fantastic information about common pregnancy problems on the NHS’s website, here.