A pregnant woman’s body undergoes massive changes and continues to do so throughout pregnancy. Each of these changes leads to a slew of problems that need to be adequately dealt with to ensure optimal health and a safe course. Hip pain is one such problem that women often complain about during pregnancy. The hip pain and discomfort are more pronounced in the third trimester of the pregnancy as the body prepares itself for labor.
In todays’ blog let us understand this common hip pain during pregnancy and know ways to relieve this hip pain from a top orthopaedic doctor in Mumbai Dr Chirag Patel. Read on:
How to relieve hip pain during pregnancy?
Hip pain during pregnancy is both a common and natural phenomenon that happens as the body prepares itself for labor. As a woman comes closer to the end of the trimester human body releases the hormones which loosen the bones, joints and ligaments in the pelvic area to enable the movement of the baby.
This hormonal release when coupled with abnormal posture, heavy uterus or lower back pain further may aggravate resulting in throbbing pain while sleeping during pregnancy according to orthopaedic specialist Dr Chirag Patel. In addition to the above, some of the common reasons for hip pain during pregnancy include:
- Poor posture
- Transient Osteoporosis
- Sciatica – Pressure on the sciatic nerve due to enlarged uterus
- Abnormal sleeping position
How to relieve hip pain during pregnancy while sleeping?
Yes, hip pain in pregnant women is quite common and natural due to hormonal changes, posture problems and transient osteoporosis. It is estimated that around 40% of pregnant women in India experience hip pain during pregnancy, according to the top orthopaedic doctor in Mumbai .
What is the treatment for hip pain during pregnancy?
At-home remedies, medications, stretches, or a combination of any of these methods are commonly used by orthopaedic doctors in Mumbai to treat hip pain after exactly identifying the cause of the pain.
How to prevent hip pain during pregnancy?
Taking a warm bath or applying warm compression, using a pillow to support the upper leg or abdomen and sleeping on the side with legs bent are some ways to instantly alleviate hip pain. In addition to them following are a few practices suggested by an orthopaedic doctor in Mumbai Dr Chirag Patel to reduce the incidence of hip pain during pregnancy:
- Regular exercises that strengthen back and abdomen muscles after consultation with the specialist.
- Focussing more on low impact exercises like swimming, walking and cycling.
- Practising good posture during resting, sleeping sitting and standing.
- Ensuring flat shoes that give good arch support for everyday and exercise activities.
- Avoiding activities like prolonged standing or lifting heavy objects that may aggravate the hip pain.
- A pregnancy support belt can be considered to lend support to the hip.
When to consult the doctor for hip pain during pregnancy?
Though hip pain is common, pregnant women should consult an orthopaedic specialist as soon as they feel hip pain is interfering with their daily activities. It is a must if the hip pain is severe since the pain may also be an indication or ore term birth. If you are in Mumbai you can directly contact orthopaedic specialist Dr Chirag Patel if you are looking to alleviate your hip pain: https://www.drpatelchirag.com/