Month six
Ligaments and abdominal pain
REMEMBER THAT PREGNANCY doesn’t just happen in the uterus, but affects your entire body, especially the shape and size of your abdomen. As your uterus grows out of your pelvis, some subtle and some not-so-subtle changes start to take place. Due to the growth of the uterus, as well as the influence of the pregnancy hormones, your internal organs shift place, and ligaments and muscles make adaptations in order to accommodate your expanding belly.
SHARP PAIN IN SIDE OR GROIN, LASTING LESS THAN TWO MINUTES
Usually felt in the first and third trimester, pain felt along the sides of the abdomen is common during pregnancy. Often described as a stitch-like pain on the right or left, it can be extremely uncomfortable and can take your breath away when it strikes.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Spasm of round ligament holding the uterus in place in the pelvis. This is usually due to the stretching and straining of the short and thick round ligaments that support the uterus in the pelvic area. These strong ligaments don’t like to be overstretched, which can happen as you get out of bed or move in an awkward manner. During the first 20 weeks of pregnancy they grow a little, and during the second half of pregnancy, they stretch – a lot! ■
WHAT HELPS?
When pain strikes be sure to breathe deeply and slowly and bend towards the pain. Two tablets of mag phos (tissue salt no 8) under the tongue three times a day may help alleviate this spasm.
WHEN TO WORRY…
Pain accompanied by rigid abdomen, nausea or vomiting, or dizziness, or pain lasting more than two minutes. This may indicate an emergency with the placenta or uterus.
PRESSURE OR PULLING IN YOUR LOWER ABDOMEN
Usually felt in second half of pregnancy. POSSIBLE CAUSES As your pregnancy progresses, it’s normal to feel pressure or pulling in your lower abdomen. This sensation is usually caused by the increasing weight of your uterus, along with the placenta, the amniotic fluid and your growing baby. As your abdomen starts to bulge over your pubic bone in the middle of your pregnancy (and certainly in the third trimester when your abdomen starts to protrude beyond your pubic bone and gravity takes over) the hip bones that support this added weight start to feel sore and tired. The ligaments supporting the joints of the pelvis start to soften and loosen in response to the pregnancy hormones. This allows laxity and movement in the joints, sometimes causing debilitating discomfort and pain.
WHAT HELPS?
Don’t stand for long periods of time. If your occupation demands extended weight-bearing periods, you may wish to purchase an abdominal brace or support of some kind. Support panties sometimes help, but if you’re a hairdresser or teacher, something a little stronger is recommended. This may be covered by your medical aid. Do exercises that strengthen your back and abdominal muscles and adopt positions that take the weight of your baby off your lower abdomen. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles will alleviate a lot of abdominal discomfort.
WHEN TO WORRY…
Should you have a watery, pinkish discharge along with this pressure, consult your caregiver. It could mean premature labour.
SENSITIVITY IN THE ABDOMINAL WALL
Usually felt in the third trimester.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
You may experience navel discomfort towards the end of your pregnancy,
caused by the thinning of the abdominal muscle underneath the skin, making the skin on top feel paper thin and very sensitive.
WHAT HELPS?
Gentle abdominal massage with a little lotion or oil will soothe and relax the abdominal area. This is also a good time to bond with your unborn baby and a chance to relax while listening to calming music. Do appropriate exercises under supervision to strengthen the abdominal muscles and correct your posture.
WHEN TO WORRY…
If the separation of your abdominal muscles becomes severe, you could experience extreme backache as your back picks up the slack.
SHARP, BURNING PAIN IN THE PUBIC BONE/GROIN AREA
Usually felt in the third trimester.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Relaxation and loosening of the pelvic ligaments due to pregnancy hormones can cause movement and discomfort at the symphysis pubis joint.
WHAT HELPS?
Don’t do anything that makes this pain worse. Take small steps, and keep your knees close together and not crossed when sitting. Avoid awkward movements, especially when getting in and out of bed. Limit your weightbearing periods and wear an abdominal support belt if necessary.
WHEN TO WORRY…
If this pain stops you from walking normally, consult a physiotherapist or chiropractor.
SENSITIVE RIBS
Usually felt in the third trimester.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
During the second half of pregnancy, your growing baby pushes your abdominal organs up towards your chest, forcing your rib cage to remain more expanded than normal. This constant tension in the muscles and ligaments in your chest may leave the area just below your ribs feeling sore or even numb in spots.
WHAT TO DO
Do exercises that involve lifting your arms up and out to the sides. Make sure your posture is the best it can be and do not slouch over your already crowded uterus. Whenever you can, sit up as straight as possible and do focused belly breathing to relieve some of the tension and discomfort of aching ribs.
WHEN TO WORRY…
Any pain felt under the ribs, particularly on the right side, may be a cause for concern, especially if you have high blood pressure. Always check with your caregiver if you are worried.
LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLES MAKE ADAPTATIONS IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR EXPANDING BELLY