Pregnancy is one roller coaster ride, taking you through a thousand of emotional and physical changes. A pregnant woman is vulnerable to many musculoskeletal conditions, but most of them can be managed conservatively, with right guidance, education and support. The enlarging gravid uterus modifies the center of gravity of the maternal body, physically strains axial and pelvic structures which allows hormonal levels fluctuate and liquid retention exert.
If you are pregnant and are experiencing random pains, read on, as we talk about the symptoms, clinical examination, diagnosis, and orthopedic conditions associated with pregnancy.
1. Lower Back Pain
During pregnancy, baby’s weight and uneven weight distribution creates a fast muscle fatigue and can lead to muscle spasm, often severe development. Nearly half of women who are pregnant suffer from severe lower spinal pains.
While it may be difficult to treat lower back pain during pregnancy, symptoms usually linger following birth. During pregnancy having a strong back will brace you for physical changes in the future. Additionally, exercises for back strengthening during first and second trimester of your pregnancy can help you during the latter half of the pregnancy.
2. Numbness in hands and fingers/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is pinching of median nerve of wrist. Women with carpal tunnel syndrome typically report of aching, tingling and numbness in hand and fingers. Due to fluid retention during delivery especially in the third trimester, carpal syndrome can be aggravated. It becomes more difficult when you gain more weight accentuating the need for proper weight management. Keep your weight under control.
3. Excessive Pain in the heels/Plantar Fasciitis
It is usually associated with excessive weight gain during childbirth and may cause sharp pain in the heel. During mornings and later phases of pregnancy the pain becomes worse. Applying ice, using orthopedic shoe inserts, night splints and regular foot therapy can help to relieve this type of pain. If this aggravates, injections of cortisone are given when it interferes with mobility.
4. Numbness on the thigh/Meralgia Paresthetica
When the baby grows, the nerve tension produces a noticeable patch of numbness on the thigh as well as tingling or burning sensations. Cortisone treatments around the nerve can aid if the affects become sever.
This condition is called Meralgia Paresthetica, which is relatively unusual, but is seen during pregnancy and overweight people because the lateral femoral skin nerve is squeezed and causes sensation in the upper leg. Meralgia Paresthetica usually resolves itself like any other orthopedic disorder after the delivery.
5. Groin Pain/Osteitis Pubis
Osteitis pubis is an inflammatory disorder which affects bones at the front of the pelvis called the pubic symphysis. It is likely because of the additional weight of infant; the interconnection of the main bones can often be inflamed throughout childbirth. To reduce groin pain and inflammation you can apply ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or being off your feet will also help.
6. Hip bone deterioration/Transient osteoporosis of the Hip
Transient osteoporosis is another hip disorder linked with late-term pregnancy. This disease can lead to temporary bone loss which makes hip joint fragile. The origin is not fully known, but the factors involved are weight pressure and blockage of small blood vessels around the neck. Sudden onset of the discomfort, generally in the leg area, abdomen, hip side, or on the body, characterizes the disease.
Crutches or a walker may be used for care. NSAIDs can help treat inflammation, although severe bone deterioration can be avoided by diet and calcium supplementation.
Take care of your body during this delicate time.
