Common Pregnancy Related Aches, Pains and Concerns

Pregnancy related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP)

PPGP is a term used to describe aches and pains experienced during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period around pubic bone, groin, buttocks, hips and/or lower back.

Use the links below for advice on how to manage PPGP:

Video with relevant exercises (Pelvic floor, pelvic tilting and deep abdominal exercise)

External Resources

Working from Home – Advice and Exercises: www.csp.org.uk/publications/do-you-sit-desk-all-day-leaflets

Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (pogp.csp.org.uk) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (csp.org.uk).

NHS Highland Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Information Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v731EXFR2k4

Pregnancy related Low back pain

Pregnancy related Low Back Pain is pain experienced during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period around the bottom of your back. If you have pain in other areas around your back, this information will also be useful.

Use the links below for advice on low back pain during pregnancy or after having a baby:

Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscles (DRAM)

DRAM is part of the normal changes that occur during pregnancy. It involves stretching of the tissues and muscles around your tummy to accommodate your growing baby. This can take up to a year to recover.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing DRAM are;

Multiple Pregnancy or larger babies
Stretching in previous pregnancies
Poor abdominal muscle tone
Genetics

A small amount of separation of the tummy muscles, 2-3 fingers width, is common after most pregnancies and likely to resolve with time. You can check your DRAM by following the steps below;

Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the bed
Place 4 fingers across your tummy just above your belly button
Raise your head and shoulders slightly off the floor
You will feel the two tummy muscles coming together against your fingers

If you notice the following then you may require a specialist physiotherapist to review;

The space is more than 3 fingers wide
A visible bulge in your tummy
Your fingers sink deeply into your tummy

You can self refer for this up to 6 months after you have had your baby by completing the following form;

self referral form

External Resources

POGP Fit for Future
POGP: Post Natal Pilates
Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (http://pogp.csp.org.uk)

Bladder, Bowel and Pelvic Floor Concerns

Use the links below for advice on bladder, bowel and/or pelvic floor concerns:

Please use the following Relaxation Video to use alongside pelvic floor relaxation.

External Resources

Continence Information Leaflet

Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises Information Leaflet

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Leaflet

Bowel Function Leaflet

NHS Highland Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Information Video

SqueezyApp for Information Leaflets and Videos on Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises

Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (pogp.csp.org.uk) and SqueezyApp.com

Coccydynia

Coccydynia or tailbone pain is pain experienced on the sitting bone, specially when sitting. This can appear during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period due to the changes happening to your body.

Use the links below for advice about coccydynia or tailbone pain:

External Resources

Working from Home – Advice and Exercises

Reproduced with permission of Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (pogp.csp.org.uk) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (csp.org.uk).

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is pain, numbness, pins and needles and tingling of the fingers and hand(s). There may be also swelling of the hands and you might feel your hands are clumsy, weak and tire easily. This can appear during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period due to the changes happening to your body.

Use the links below for advice on how to manage carpal tunnel syndrome:

Wrist Splint Size Guide

DeQuervains Synovitis

DeQuervains Synovitis is pain on the base of the thumb, swelling and reduced movement. This can appear during pregnancy or in the early post-natal period due to the changes happening to your body.

Use the links below for advice on how to manage DeQuervains Synovitis: