We talk a lot about pregnancy symptoms, right? But pregnancy itself goes far beyond the initial symptoms. Pregnancy is a world of its own for women. While experiencing this world, various symptoms can arise, sometimes even ones a woman never imagined she would feel1, and among these symptoms, pain is of course present.
Common Pregnancy Pains
Most of our mothers, friends, and others can mention them, but each woman experiences pregnancy differently, and this also applies to pain during pregnancy. You may experience pains that another person didn’t, like the infamous back pain2! This pain is typical in pregnancy and can affect any woman after the 20th week. This is due to the weight of the belly and also the spine projecting forward to accommodate the baby. These back pains can be felt much more intensely by slimmer women than by those who are a little fuller.
The pain can be intense in the lower back and also radiate to the front or downward. It’s not uncommon to see a pregnant woman complaining of pain during pregnancy. This is a magical time, but it certainly brings a lot of discomfort as well.
What Other Pains Can Arise?
Aside from back pain, there is also the issue of the sciatic nerve. People who are prone to this problem tend to suffer more when pregnant. The sciatic nerve runs from the spine down to the heel. During pregnancy, the weight can put pressure on this nerve and sometimes cause inflammation, leading to strong pain.
Sciatic Nerve Pain
That’s why it’s important to check whether this pain during pregnancy is being caused by the sciatic nerve. We must remember that pregnant women cannot take any medication without a doctor’s prescription. Medications at this point in life must be strictly controlled to avoid harming the baby.
In the vast majority of cases, sciatic nerve pain is just treated symptomatically. The causes should be noted, but the best medications, such as anti-inflammatories, cannot be taken at this time. The woman may opt for alternatives such as acupuncture or physical therapy, for example. These options can help relieve the pain.
Explanatory Video
Another common pain during pregnancy involves sharp pains and stabbing sensations in the groin and intimate area. These are even more common than pain from the sciatic region. Sometimes, the pain is so intense that it prevents a woman from having a normal life. The discomfort can be so great that it interferes with comfortable sleep.
They are quite common in the final period of pregnancy, due to the weight of the baby and the uterus being very distended. These sharp pains are normal but should be checked by the doctor to see whether there is any dilation. After all, one of the symptoms of labor is this sharp, stinging pain inside the vagina. They can be concerning, but in most cases, they are harmless.
Pelvic Pain
Indeed, pelvic pain is the most prominent from the middle to the end of pregnancy, but another type that can draw attention is muscle pain in the abdomen. Twinges when sneezing, walking, or even turning over can be startling. However, there are no major problems aside from the pain and discomfort.
This pain is more likely to appear when the belly is going through a growth spurt, that is, before the 25th week of pregnancy. The muscles receive an extra dose of hormones so they become looser and more elastic. If the pain becomes nearly unbearable, it’s time to talk to your doctor to investigate for a urinary tract infection. This problem can also cause pain for pregnant women.
Stomach Pain
Another common discomfort and pain during pregnancy is stomach pain3. Eating can become difficult by the 30th week. But pregnant women can experience stomach pain even before then. The pain can be quite intense and, for this reason, some doctors allow the use of medications to protect the stomach even during pregnancy, such as Omeprazole or Esomeprazole.
It’s worth noting that this stomach pain could have been present before pregnancy, but it can also be caused by excessive hormones in the body. So, it’s always better to check with your doctor. If you are experiencing these pains know that they are normal, but should always be reported to your doctor. They will know what to do and what tests to order if something seems wrong. Good prenatal care is the key to good health!
