Vaginal muscle pain during pregnancy

Pelvic pain in pregnancy - NHS

Some women may develop pelvic pain in pregnancy. This is sometimes called pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).

PGP is a collection of uncomfortable symptoms caused by a stiffness of your pelvic joints or the joints moving unevenly at either the back or front of your pelvis.

Symptoms of PGP

PGP is not harmful to your baby, but it can be painful and make it hard to get around.

Women with PGP may feel pain:

• over the pubic bone at the front in the centre, roughly level with your hips
• across 1 or both sides of your lower back
• in the area between your vagina and anus (perineum)
• spreading to your thighs

Some women may feel or hear a clicking or grinding in the pelvic area.

The pain can be worse when you're:

• walking
• going up or down stairs
• standing on 1 leg (for example, when you're getting dressed)
• turning over in bed
• moving your legs apart (for example, when you get out of a car)

Most women with PGP can have a vaginal birth.

Non-urgent advice: Call your midwife or GP if you have pelvic pain and:

• it's hard for you to move around
• it hurts to get out of a car or turn over in bed
• it's painful going up or down stairs

These can be signs of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.

Treatments for PGP

Getting diagnosed as early as possible can help keep pain to a minimum and avoid long-term discomfort.

You may be referred to a physiotherapy service that specialises in obstetric pelvic joint problems.

Physiotherapy aims to relieve or ease pain, improve muscle function, and improve your pelvic joint position and stability.

This may include:

• exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor, stomach, back and hip muscles
• equipment, if necessary, such as crutches or pelvic support belts

These problems tend not to get completely better until the baby is born, but treatment from an experienced practitioner can improve the symptoms during pregnancy.

Coping with pelvic pain in pregnancy

Your physiotherapist may recommend a pelvic support belt to help ease your pain, or crutches to help you get around.

It can help to plan your day so you avoid activities that cause you pain. For example, do not go up or down stairs more often than you have to.

The Pelvic, Obstetric & Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) network also offers this advice:

• be as active as possible within your pain limits, and avoid activities that make the pain worse
• rest when you can
• ask your family, friends or partner, if you have one, to help with everyday activities
• wear flat, supportive shoes
• sit down to get dressed – for example, do not stand on 1 leg when putting on jeans
• keep your knees together when getting in and out of the car – a plastic bag on the seat can help you swivel
• sleep in a comfortable position – for example, on your side with a pillow between your legs
• try different ways of turning over in bed – for example, turning over with your knees together and squeezing your buttocks
• take the stairs 1 at a time, or go upstairs backwards or on your bottom
• if you're using crutches, have a small backpack to carry things in
• if you want to have sex, consider different positions, such as kneeling on all fours

POGP suggests that you avoid:

• standing on 1 leg
• bending and twisting to lift, or carrying a baby on 1 hip
• crossing your legs
• sitting on the floor, or sitting twisted
• sitting or standing for long periods
• lifting heavy weights, such as shopping bags, wet washing or a toddler
• vacuuming
• pushing heavy objects, such as a supermarket trolley
• carrying anything in only 1 hand (try using a small backpack)

The physiotherapist should be able to provide advice on coping with the emotional impact of living with chronic pain, such as using relaxation techniques. If your pain is causing you considerable distress, then you should let your GP or midwife know. You may require additional treatment.

Find out more on the Pelvic, Obstetric & Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) website.

Labour and birth with pelvic pain

Many women with pelvic pain in pregnancy can have a normal vaginal birth.

Plan ahead and talk about your birth plan with your birth partner and midwife.

Write in your birth plan that you have PGP, so the people supporting you during labour and birth will be aware of your condition.

Think about birth positions that are the most comfortable for you, and write them in your birth plan.

Being in water can take the weight off your joints and allow you to move more easily, so you might want to think about having a water birth. You can discuss this with your midwife.

Who gets pelvic pain in pregnancy?

It's estimated that PGP affects up to 1 in 5 pregnant women to some degree.

It's not known exactly why pelvic pain affects some women, but it's thought to be linked to a number of issues, including previous damage to the pelvis, pelvic joints moving unevenly, and the weight or position of the baby.

Factors that may make a woman more likely to develop PGP include:

• a history of lower back or pelvic girdle pain
• previous injury to the pelvis (for example, from a fall or accident)
• having PGP in a previous pregnancy
• a physically demanding job
• being overweight

Further information

Find support and advice from other women with PGP at the Pelvic Partnership.

Listen to women’s experiences of pain and discomfort in pregnancy, including PGP, on healthtalk.org.

Read more about coping with common health problems in pregnancy, including nausea, heartburn, tiredness and constipation.

Find maternity services or physiotherapy services near you.

Vaginal pressure during pregnancy: Causes and relief

During pregnancy, many women feel pressure, or heaviness, around the vagina. This is normal and can happen in the first, second, or third trimester.

A pregnant woman’s uterus will expand from the size of an orange to the size of a watermelon or larger. Her body will not only need to provide space and nutrients for a new person to develop but will have to produce an entirely new organ in the form of a placenta.

With so many changes happening, it is not surprising that many women notice sudden and unusual shifts in how their bodies feel. Vaginal, pelvic, or lower abdomen pressure is common in all three trimesters of pregnancy.

Read on to learn about the causes and symptoms of vaginal pressure during each stage of pregnancy, as well as treatment options and possible complications.

Women will have different experiences of vaginal pressure during pregnancy.

Some may feel an intense pressure in the vagina, while others will have a dull ache throughout the pelvis, or feel like a weight is bearing down on their entire lower body.

Late in pregnancy, this pressure is often due to the baby’s weight pressing down on the pelvic floor, but many other factors can cause pelvic pressure during pregnancy.

Below, we discuss the different causes of vaginal pressure according to the trimester a woman is in:

First trimester

For most women, the first trimester is too early in pregnancy for weight gain to cause vaginal pressure.

Instead, the hormone relaxin is often responsible. This hormone helps relax the muscles, making it easier for the baby to pass through the pelvic area during birth. However, relaxin levels are at their highest in early pregnancy. High levels of this hormone may help the fertilized egg to implant in the lining of the uterus.

For some women, relaxin can cause muscle pain or tension, including in or around the vagina.

According to studies in animal models, relaxin may also weaken the ligaments that support the pelvis. This can lead to a feeling of pressure, as though something is pushing down on the vagina.

Second and third trimesters

In the second and third trimesters, the combination of a weakening pelvic floor and increased weight putting pressure on the pelvis can cause vaginal pressure.

The pelvic floor resembles a sling made of muscle. It supports the organs of the pelvis, including the uterus, vagina, urethra, and bladder. Pregnancy can weaken the pelvic floor.

Women who have given birth previously may have damage to their pelvic floor, which could cause it to weaken further with a subsequent pregnancy.

The extra weight of pregnancy often becomes more noticeable in the second trimester. As pregnancy progresses, the uterus puts more and more pressure on the lower body.

As the pelvic floor weakens, this pressure can cause a feeling of fullness in the vagina or generalized pain and pressure in the hips and pelvis.

For some women in the later stages of pregnancy, a pressure in the pelvis may be an early sign of labor. If cramping in the stomach also occurs or they feel a sensation of something pressing down on the uterus, it could mean that they are about to give birth.

Common problems in all trimesters

Some factors can cause a feeling of vaginal or pelvic pressure in all stages of pregnancy. These include:

Constipation

Many women struggle with constipation throughout their pregnancy. Constipation can cause a feeling of fullness or pressure in the vagina, especially when the stool is hard or several days have passed since a bowel movement.

Drinking plenty of water and eating fruit and other high-fiber foods may help with constipation.

Bladder infections

For some women, pressure or pain can signify a bladder infection. Women are more likely to develop a bladder infection during pregnancy.

If the vaginal or pelvic pressure occurs alongside difficulty going to the bathroom, pain when urinating, or fever, it is essential to see a doctor.

Bladder infections are easy to treat, but, without treatment, they can worsen and increase the risk of health issues during pregnancy.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP)

When vaginal pressure is intense, it could be a sign of POP. POP happens when organs in or near the pelvis move down, sometimes into the vagina or rectum.

POP is treatable but can cause incontinence, intense pain, and severe complications.

Women who suddenly feel intense pressure, have difficulty controlling their bowel or bladder, or notice that something seems to be pushing down into their vagina, should consult a doctor.

A weak cervix

Some women have a weak cervix, which is sometimes called cervical incompetence or cervical insufficiency.

Some women with this condition may have a miscarriage or go into premature labor because the cervix is not strong enough to support the uterus. In most cases, a weak cervix is treatable with early intervention.

Women who feel unexplained vaginal pressure, especially early in pregnancy, could ask a doctor to check their cervix. A previous cervical procedure or injury, including those resulting from childbirth, may increase the risk of a weak cervix.

As vaginal pressure is often due to weak muscles and pressure on the pelvis, gentle stretches may help. Try stretching the back and hips to relieve pain and pressure.

A pregnancy yoga or gentle stretching class can help with finding comfortable and safe stretches.

Using a foam roller can help loosen tense muscles. If the pain is intense, applying a heating pad to the sore area may help. Keep the heat low, and remove the pad after a maximum of 10 minutes.

Other strategies may not offer immediate relief, but can reduce the risk of certain conditions that cause vaginal pressure. These strategies include:

• Doing Kegel pelvic floor exercises. Tense the pelvic floor muscles as though trying to avoid urinating, hold for 10 seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times at least twice a day. This can also strengthen the muscles that the body uses to push out the baby.
• Remaining active during pregnancy. Even low-intensity exercises such as walking can help strengthen the muscles and promote good posture. This may relieve pain and pressure and keep the pelvic muscles strong.
• Drinking plenty of water. Stay hydrated, especially after exercising and in hot weather. This can help prevent constipation, which could otherwise lead to pressure.

Share on PinterestA doctor will prescribe treatment if an infection is causing the vaginal pressure.

In most cases, vaginal pressure is just an unpleasant pregnancy side effect resulting from weakened pelvic muscles and weight gain.

However, sometimes a more severe cause will need treating so that it does not harm the woman and baby. An untreated infection, for example, can spread throughout the body and put the baby in danger. It might even cause premature labor.

Very weak pelvic muscles can lead to POP. This painful condition can cause incontinence, pain during sex, and changes in the appearance of the genitals.

Some women experience muscle injuries during pregnancy or when giving birth. The hormone relaxin may increase the risk of muscle injuries. So it is important to remain physically active to keep the muscles strong. Always lift with the legs rather than the back, and see a doctor for unexplained muscle pain.

Any injury that a woman experiences during pregnancy can make childbirth more difficult. Pregnancy-related complications may also make the postpartum period more difficult, slowing recovery and potentially harming mental health.

Women should see their doctors or midwives routinely during pregnancy. It is vital to use these visits to discuss all symptoms, even if they seem minor.

Early in pregnancy, women may only see a doctor every few weeks. If they are experiencing intense pressure or pain or have other symptoms, such as fever, painful urination, bleeding, or a change in the baby’s movements, it is important that they seek medical care immediately.

If it is after hours, they should go to the emergency room. Prompt treatment of pregnancy conditions can save both the woman and the baby.

Vaginal pressure during pregnancy is just one of the many symptoms women may experience while pregnant. It should not usually be cause for concern and can be a good sign that the body is releasing the right hormones, and the uterus is growing as expected.

A bit of caution in pregnancy can help to detect problems before they become emergencies. Never hesitate to see a doctor, even if the issue seems minor. It is unlikely that there is a severe problem, but reassurance can make pregnancy easier. If something is wrong, it is best to catch the issue as early on as possible.

Read the article in Spanish.

Muscle pain during pregnancy

Muscle pain during pregnancy is considered an inevitable phenomenon associated with natural processes, changes in the functioning of many organs and systems.

Literally from the first week of conception, the smooth muscles that line the hollow organs (uterus), striated muscles, the vascular and hormonal systems begin to “prepare” for childbirth. Such a general transformation of the body of the expectant mother really provokes discomfort of varying degrees of intensity, especially if the woman before pregnancy did not bother herself with sports, strengthening muscle fibers, and maintaining physical fitness. In this case, the contractile property of the muscles is initially reduced, and the activation of the function of muscle tissue provokes a pain symptom due to chronic hypertonicity, overstrain. nine0003

Causes of muscle pain during pregnancy

Pregnancy, in addition to bringing joyful expectation, sometimes causes quite understandable discomfort and even pain. Most often, pain is concentrated in muscle tissue and ligaments, since it is they who are subjected to increased stress, sprains.

The causes of muscle pain during pregnancy can be both physiological and pathological.

• Physiological causes of muscle pain in pregnant women. nine0014

  Before proceeding to the enumeration of the reasons, here are some statistics:

  • The woman's body becomes like a "double" - two hearts beat in it, her own and the heart of the fetus, respectively, an additional circle of blood flow appears.
  • The heart muscle of a pregnant woman experiences an increased load and increases in size.
  • The volume of blood flow increases to 6-7 liters.
  nine0013 The body of a pregnant woman needs a double volume of oxygen for normal tissue nutrition, including muscle tissue.
  • The spine and surrounding muscles are subjected to a special load, the weight of a pregnant woman can increase by 10-20 kilograms.
  • 70-75% of women experience pain symptoms of varying intensity in the back due to temporary dysfunction of the spine.
  • An increase in the size of the uterus inevitably entails a shift in the center of balance, gravity, respectively, the muscles of the lower back and pelvis are subjected to increased stress. nine0014
  • The posture and gait of a woman changes, the muscles of the shoulder girdle, cervical, thoracic region have to work in hypertonicity mode.
  • An increase in body weight leads to a violation of venous blood flow, respectively, the muscles of the legs hurt.
  • Overeating or vice versa, lack of nutrients due to nausea and vomiting caused by toxicosis, can disrupt the vitamin-mineral balance, respectively, the muscle tissue does not receive proper nutrition, myalgia develops. nine0014
• Pathological causes of muscle pain during pregnancy:
• Disease of the cardiovascular system, reduced blood supply to muscle tissue.
• Atherosclerotic changes in the vascular system.
• Inflammatory processes in muscles, fascia, joints caused by infections.
• Neurological conditions associated with osteochondrosis of the spinal column.
• History of fibromyalgia. nine0014
• Local muscle injury (ossifying process).
• Nephropathology (pyelonephritis).
• Infectious pathologies, most often genital herpes.
• Inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia.
• Varicose veins, including vaginal varicose veins.

In what areas can muscle pain occur during pregnancy?

• The most susceptible to changes are the muscles of the abdominal region - the rectus abdominis muscles. Before pregnancy, these skeletal muscles performed the function of maintaining an elastic press, forming it. After conception, the rectus muscles must perform a completely different task - to support the growing uterus. Atonic, untrained abdominal muscles are at risk of painful sprains, resulting in pain. nine0014
• Muscles of the pelvis, which not only support the uterus and other organs in their proper places, but are also directly involved in the process of labor.
• The muscles of the back may ache due to an atypical shift in the center of gravity, excessive load on the growing body. The atonic muscle corset is not able to cope with the additional load, the muscles are stretched, inflamed, the woman feels back pain.
• Muscles of the legs that can hurt from the first trimester. The most typical cramps of the calf muscles during pregnancy, such a symptom most often develops in the initial phase of sleep, or at night, less often in the morning. nine0014
• Breast muscles, which, under the influence of changes in hormonal balance, increase due to increased blood circulation, activated lymph flow.
• Inguinal muscles can hurt for various reasons, but most often the pain symptom is due to physical overexertion or the effect of a specific hormone relaxin on the ligamentous apparatus. A pain symptom in the groin may not touch the muscle tissue, but the sensations are reflected precisely in the muscles, this happens with nephropathologies, diseases of the digestive tract, and even with constipation. Also, pain in the muscles of the groin during pregnancy can be caused by many non-physiological causes - varicose veins of the pubic joint, infectious diseases of the pelvic organs, and others. nine0014
• During pregnancy, the muscles of the vagina experience an increased vascular load, venous hemodynamics change, the elasticity of muscle tissue decreases, and pain appears.
• Statistics say that 70-75% of pregnant women experience pain in the lumbar region, the muscles of which are subject to increased stress due to increased body weight and physiological displacement of internal organs

It should be noted that during pregnancy, not all types of muscles spasm, there are those that, on the contrary, relax. Relaxation of smooth muscles, on the one hand, allows the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the placenta, on the other hand, it can cause reflex radiating pain from excessively atonic organs (gall bladder, stomach, intestines). nine0003

Summarizing, we can say that the body of the expectant mother sometimes experiences an overwhelming load, comparable, according to experts, only with the intensity of the training of astronauts. Accordingly, a woman periodically feels pain symptoms, most often localized in the back, pelvic region, abdomen and legs.

Why muscles hurt during pregnancy

Why does a pregnant woman experience muscle pain? The simplest answer is this - due to systemic physiological changes in the body. The stages and types of transformation can be described as follows: nine0003

• Hormonal changes in the body.
• Progesterone and estrogen levels change, increased secretion of relaxin begins. Progesterone is needed to increase the tone of both the smooth muscles of the uterus and other muscle tissue, the production of progesterone in the first trimester is especially important so that the conception really goes into pregnancy and becomes fixed. In addition to influencing the state of the uterus, progesterone stimulates breast development, the muscles of the mammary glands soften, and the glands increase. In addition to the clearly beneficial effect on the body, progesterone inhibits the activity of the immune system so that it does not reject the embryo (fetus) that has invaded the uterus in the process of “recognition”. Thus, reduced immune protection is a potential risk of infectious, bacterial infections, diseases, often accompanied by muscle pain. Also, progesterone can contribute to the retention of salt and fluid in the body, which in turn disrupts the rate of normal blood circulation, venous outflow and provokes pain of a different nature, including myalgia. nine0014
• An increased level of estrogen performs the task of activating the growth of the uterus, if there is too much estrogen, it works like diuretin, sometimes too actively. As a result, a violation of the water-salt, electrolyte balance develops and muscle pain appears
• Chorionic gonadotropin and somatomammotropin do not provoke myalgia by themselves, however, they accelerate all metabolic processes, and somewhat increase the muscle mass of the chest, less often than other zongs of the body (buttocks, feet).
nine0013 Diseases of the organs and blood supply systems of the small pelvis in history can also be the answer to the question - why do muscles hurt during pregnancy. Among them, the following are common and most often diagnosed:
• Ovarian cyst.
• Uterine fibroids.
• Adnexitis.
• VRVMT - varicose veins of the small pelvis
• Pain in the muscle tissue during pregnancy can also be caused by the following pathologies and acute conditions:
• Pyelonephritis.
• Inflammation of the appendix.
• Cholelithiasis.
• Incarcerated inguinal hernia.
• Infringement of the intervertebral disc.
• Threat of miscarriage.
• Constipation, flatulence.
• Sprain.
• Muscle injuries.
• Placental abruption.
• IBS - irritable bowel syndrome.
• Intestinal obstruction. nine0014
• Genital herpes.
• Symphysitis (third trimester).
• General venous insufficiency, vein occlusion.
• Urolithiasis.
• Braxton-Hicks contractions, false, training contractions.

Symptoms of muscle pain during pregnancy

Signs and symptoms of muscle pain in pregnant women are most often transient, more intense sensations, especially chronic ones, need immediate diagnosis, hospitalization and treatment. nine0003

Myalgia - pain in muscle tissue can be felt as:

• Shooting pain.
• Sharp, dagger pain (rare).
• Aching, pulling (often).
• Breaking.
• Burning, tingling.

Depending on the provoking factor, the symptoms of muscle pain during pregnancy can be temporary, situational, transient, or permanent, chronic. As a rule, discomfort in a particular area of ​​the body in a future mother is transient, the pain may subside or even be neutralized during pregnancy, changing trimesters. This is due to constant changes in the body of a woman, which directly affect the state of muscle tissue. nine0003

Symptoms of physiologically acceptable conditions:

• Aching pain in the legs, subsiding with a change in body posture, at rest.
• Drawing pains in the back, relieved by light massage, relaxing procedures.
• Pain in the groin that improves with rest.
• Bursting, drawing pain in the back, in the pelvic region, due to a sprained ligament.
• Cramping pain associated with exercise cramps, Braxton-Hicks contractions. nine0014

Warning signs that require a doctor's call, examination and medical attention:

• Sudden, spontaneous severe pain with a tendency to worsen.
• Pain that does not subside at rest or with a change in posture, body position.
• Myalgia accompanied by fever.
• Muscle pain that lasts more than 2-3 days, not even sharp or intense.
• Cramping muscle pain with abnormal vaginal discharge (blood). nine0014
• Symptoms of "acute abdomen" - pain, drop in blood pressure, tachycardia, cyanosis of the skin.

Abdominal pain during pregnancy

A painful abdominal symptom in a pregnant woman is wrongly considered a common occurrence, a natural signal of muscle strain due to an increase in the uterus. Indeed, every day the uterus is getting bigger, this is especially noticeable in the second trimester, when the shifted center of balance provokes a change in the woman's gait. Pain in the abdominal muscles during pregnancy may indicate a pathological development of the process of bearing a fetus or other serious diseases - a cyst, inflammation of appendicitis. Fortunately, the pain symptom in pregnant women in the abdomen in 75-80% is due to tension and sprain of the round ligament, which performs the function of supporting the uterus. The bottom of the pelvis is lined with three-layer muscle tissue and fascia, which provides support for almost all organs of the reproductive system, as well as for the abdominal organs. The uterus is supported by thick ligaments, one of which, round, directly holds the uterus in place. An increase in the size of the uterus provokes a stretching of the round ligament, which is quite naturally accompanied by pain in the abdomen. nine0003

In the same way, the musculature is also subjected to stress, especially smooth (walls of the uterus) and abdominal muscles. If the expectant mother has not strengthened muscle tissue in advance through sports, exercise, the rectus and abdominal muscles during pregnancy are stretched or overstressed, as they have to participate in supporting the growing uterus. It is too fast stretching, muscle hypertonicity that provokes pain symptoms, while carrying a baby, the waist circumference can almost double, for example, from 65 to 100 centimeters. nine0003

The pain of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy most often does not require the intervention of a doctor and special treatment, however, a woman needs to be alert if the pain symptom does not subside when changing posture, rest, relaxation. Therefore, for any disturbing pain, it is better to consult with the attending gynecologist.

The list of the main emergency conditions in which a painful muscle symptom in the abdomen may appear:

• Obstetrical conditions:
• Threat of miscarriage.
• Septic miscarriage (acute abdomen clinic).
• Ectopic pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy.
• Fibromyoma.
• Placental abruption.
• Aneurysm rupture (splenic artery, renal artery, etc.).
• Distension and rupture of the uterus.
• General pathologies manifesting as abdominal pain, including muscle pain:
nine0012
• Acute pyelonephritis.
• Appendicitis.
• Spontaneous hematoma in the rectus abdominis muscle (bleeding into muscle tissue).
• Acute cholecystitis.
• Cystitis (pain in the lower abdomen, in the perineum).
• Chronic inflammation of the ovary.
• Umbilical hernia.
• Groin hernia.

If your leg muscles hurt during pregnancy

Most often, leg pain in pregnant women is either vascular disorders (varicose veins) that provoke aching, pulling pains, or convulsions, especially at night. nine0003

Why do leg muscles hurt during pregnancy?

• Flat feet, which, of course, was before pregnancy, but the period of gestation aggravates the load on the muscles and provokes their overstrain (hypertonicity). To prevent pain symptoms, which are most often localized in the calves of the legs and intensify when walking, a woman should purchase orthopedic insoles and choose shoes with a stable, medium heel with a fairly rigid sole that fixes the foot. nine0014
• Vascular dysfunctions. An increase in the weight of a pregnant woman inevitably entails an additional burden on the vascular system. If before pregnancy there was already a history of varicose veins, you should wear compression underwear, stockings to reduce pressure on the walls of blood vessels. Muscles with varicose veins hurt due to the fact that they do not receive proper nutrition.
• Non-compliance with the rules of a complete, rational diet, as a result of which the muscle tissue does not receive the necessary proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and microelements. Often, convulsive syndrome is observed in women who adhere to a strict vegetarian diet. nine0014

Often during pregnancy, the leg muscles in the calf area, that is, the calf muscles, hurt. Cramping is a severe pain that women describe as “bringing their legs together”. Night cramps of the calf muscles are the most common, which is due to the natural relaxation of the body and the dissonance between relaxation and chronic muscle hypertonicity. Also, hypnogogic convulsions, that is, muscle spasms before the deep sleep phase, often occur. Convulsive syndrome in 65% of cases is diagnosed in the middle of pregnancy, when the needs of the developing fetus are growing rapidly, and the resources of the mother's body are already significantly depleted. nine0003

Possible causes of seizures:

• Deficiency of B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, calcium.
• Persistence of bad habits - smoking, abuse of caffeinated drinks.
• Decreased blood sugar levels.
• Anemia, low hemoglobin level.
• Varicose veins.
• Syndromum venae cavae inferioris syndrome - the inferior pudendal vein, when in a horizontal position (at night) the uterus presses on a large vessel, venous outflow is disturbed, convulsions develop. This syndrome occurs in 80% of pregnant women in the third trimester. nine0014
• Misuse of diuretics to eliminate edema.

If the muscles between the legs hurt during pregnancy

Despite all the joyful and exciting moments of waiting for the baby, the period of gestation is accompanied by transient discomfort. In addition to the fact that the expectant mother has pain in the lower abdomen, in the lower back, there are many symptoms that can further complicate pregnancy, for example, the muscles between the legs hurt. In fact, such pain most likely does not appear in the muscles, but in the ligaments, nerve endings. nine0003

This is due to the increased secretion of a specific hormone - relaxin. Its main task is to reduce (inhibit) the contractile function of the uterus in the first trimester in order for the pregnancy to continue. In addition, later relaxin is needed to relax, soften the pelvic bones, symphysis, and prepare them for labor. Relaxin begins to be produced literally from the first week of conception, but the consequences of its influence are felt later, in the 2nd, and especially in the 3rd semester. Usually a pregnant woman complains of “muscles between her legs hurt” at precisely these times, pain is also felt in the hips, in the pubic region, and in the lower abdomen. nine0003

Another reason that provokes a pain symptom in the groin, between the legs, may be a neurological factor - infringement of the sciatic nerve. Pinching of the nerve roots occurs due to the pressure of the growing uterus, and the pain is projected onto the buttocks, groin area, and lower limbs. Such pain cannot be attributed to true myalgia, although it affects muscle tissue.

Pregnancy, the muscles between the legs hurt - this condition can be caused by a banal overstrain, when a woman overestimates her own physical capabilities and continues to engage in sports exercises without taking into account her special position. Such cases are not uncommon among professional dancers, athletes who continue their activities during pregnancy. nine0003

What can relieve pain in the muscles between the legs?

• Rest and reasonable physical activity (no overload).
• Bandage supporting muscles, ligaments.
• Gentle physiotherapy treatments (by prescription only).
• Warm compresses.
• Performing a set of special exercises for pregnant women for preparatory muscle stretching.

If your groin muscles hurt during pregnancy

The entire period of pregnancy there is an increase in venous pressure, especially for the vessels of the lower extremities. This process is due to increased venous pressure of the enlarging uterus and at the same time slower pressure in the veins of the groin and legs. The growing uterus compresses the pelvic veins, the outflow of blood from the legs is difficult, this is one of the reasons why the groin muscles hurt during pregnancy.

In addition, pain in the groin is explained by another physiologically acceptable reason. nine0003

In the second trimester, the round ligament is significantly stretched, the task of which is to support the uterus. Pain in the inguinal region during a sprain can be very acute, but short-term, it can be felt as a spasm, cramp, radiating down the abdomen.

In addition to physiological stretching, the following factors can explain why the groin muscles hurt during pregnancy:

• Inguinal hernia. The pain is localized to the right or left as a result of a decrease in the tone of the local supporting muscle tissue. As a result, intestinal loops can slip out under the pressure of an enlarging uterus right into the groin. A hernia looks like a bulge in the groin area, and when pinched by the muscles, it provokes pain. Strangulation is a medical emergency to avoid necrosis (blood supply cut off) and rupture of the intestine. nine0014
• Enlarged lymph nodes located in the groin. Enlarged lymph nodes may be a sign of an infectious inflammatory process in the pelvic organs. As a rule, a pregnant woman undergoes a thorough examination upon registration, and inflammations are recorded in the card. However, the very process of bearing a fetus can provoke an exacerbation of such diseases as adnexitis, parametritis, proctitis, endometritis, as a result, a pain symptom develops, including in the muscles. nine0014
• Urolithiasis also provokes pain, which in the form of renal colic can be reflected in the muscle tissues of the back, thighs or groin, depending on the location of the calculus. If the stone is localized low, the pain will manifest itself in the groin area.
• Pain in the muscles of the groin during pregnancy can be reflected when, due to the increased load on the spine, the nerve endings in the lumbosacral region are infringed.
• Bruise, blow to the groin. nine0014
• Genital herpes presenting as erythematous papules, pruritus, vaginal discharge, swollen lymph nodes, myalgia and pyrexia.
• VRVMT - varicose veins of the small pelvis, a disease that develops asymptomatically, but becomes acute during pregnancy. Venous hemodynamics is disturbed, pulling pains develop in the groin, in the legs.

When the muscles of the perineum hurt during pregnancy

The muscles of the intestines, gallbladder, esophagus and stomach are physiologically more relaxed during pregnancy, as they are directly involved in the nutrition of the fetus, but the muscles of the back, abdomen and perineal muscles, on the contrary, are subjected to increased stress and strain. This is perhaps the first and most common reason why the muscles of the perineum hurt during pregnancy. nine0003

In addition, the muscle tissue of the perineum can hurt due to the pressure of the growing uterus on the nerve endings and ligaments located in this area. As a rule, pain in the perineum after childbirth subsides irrevocably, which proves the physiological and natural nature of the pain symptom. An exception may be pain caused by a strong stretching of the perineum due to symphysitis, which develops in the second half of pregnancy.

Symphysitis, in turn, is explained by calcium deficiency in bone tissue, primary or secondary. Pain with symphysis is aching, pulling, the sensation of ache spreads in the pelvic region, in the groin, in the perineum, especially if a woman, lying in bed, tries to straighten her legs. nine0003

Overload and a kind of "softening" of the pelvic bones, which, in addition to being subjected to pressure from the uterus, "prepare" for childbirth (the body secretes relaxin for this), lead to a pain symptom. It can be felt as a pulling or shooting pain in the lumbar region, lower abdomen and in the muscle tissue of the perineum. As a compensatory consequence of muscle hypertonicity, hypotension develops, a decrease in the elasticity of the bladder, urethra. For expectant mothers, involuntary urination is typical even with slight tension in the muscles of the abdomen or back - with laughter, with coughing. The same symptom is observed in some women when squatting or exerting pressure on the muscles of the perineum. nine0003

Also, during the period of gestation, a woman may have muscle pain in this area due to venous stasis, insufficiency. If you have a history of varicose veins when registering, most likely a pain symptom in the groin, perineum, and legs will be inevitable, but reversible with the right treatment.

Why do vaginal muscles hurt during pregnancy

The vagina is an organ that contains many nerve endings, receptors, blood vessels, so it is very dependent on the quality of the circulatory system. nine0003

Do vaginal muscles hurt during pregnancy? There may be several reasons:

• Weight load on the pelvic region, respectively, a decrease in active blood flow and a decrease in the supply of vaginal tissues. Congestion, swelling is a typical condition that accompanies pregnancy, the result of which is transient pain in the groin and vagina. In addition to the pain symptom, a woman may feel itching, tingling, which, as a rule, subside at rest, in a horizontal position (blood outflow). nine0014
• Varicose veins, varicose veins of the labia. This pathological phenomenon can only be associated with the period of pregnancy, but can be observed before it. Varicose veins of the labia may be due to a weak valvular vascular system, overweight, inflammatory processes in the internal organs of the small pelvis, constant physical overstrain (carrying weights). In addition, pregnancy varicose veins can be explained by increased secretion of progesterone and estrogens, lengthening and expansion of the entire circulatory network, starting from the 10th week after conception. Uterine blood flow is activated during the entire period of gestation and reaches a peak (600-700 ml per minute) by the time of delivery. Accordingly, the fallopian tubes inevitably thicken and hyperemia, the cervix swells, the labia swells, and pain appears. nine0014

Symptoms of varicose veins can manifest themselves in the following signs:

• Drawing pain in the groin, in the vagina.
• Sensation of fullness in labia.
• Swelling of the vagina.
• Dryness, lack of lubrication, itching.
• Visible varicose nodules may appear on the labia, in the groin.

If the muscles of the vagina hurt during pregnancy, the cause can be looked for in the past. If a woman, long before conception, systematically took hormonal contraceptives or hormonal drugs for the treatment of a chronic disease, her vascular system got used to the help of hormones. During pregnancy, without the usual dose of hormonal substances, the vessels may not work at full strength, the venous outflow is disturbed, congestion develops in the lower abdomen and pain, including in the vagina nine0003

When abdominal muscles hurt during pregnancy

The abdominal muscles, which before conception were responsible for the condition and appearance of the press, during pregnancy should perform a completely different task. Support for the uterus and other internal organs is a new function of the rectus muscles, which are located in the anterior part of the peritoneum. The abdominal muscles are two muscles, the right rectus and the left rectus, which are connected in a place that is very poetically called the “white line” of the abdomen. The rectus muscles originate from the lower part of the sternum, from the lower ribs, extending down vertically along the abdominal region, reach the pubic bone, where they are fixed. The rectus muscles are crossed by specific tendon elements - jumpers, it is this combination of rectus and transverse muscles that gives the desired visual effect of the "cubes" of the press. However, for a normal pregnant woman, the cubes are not as important as the health of the baby and her own health, which is sometimes overshadowed by uncomfortable pain. Rectus muscles (abs) all 9months are subject to changes, because they must hold the growing uterus all the time. In this state, they are able to constantly close in place of the "white line" and gradually diverge evenly on the sides. It is this phenomenon that is called diastasis, it is this that explains why the abdominal muscles hurt during pregnancy.

Not every future mother may have diastasis, for those who previously went in for sports, led an active lifestyle, were on the move, strengthened the press, diastasis is observed very rarely. However, even in those who did not devote time to sports at all and “acquired” diastasis during pregnancy, it disappears 2-4 months after childbirth, such is the unique adaptive property of muscle tissue. nine0003

If the abdominal muscles hurt during pregnancy, this is considered quite acceptable, but under certain conditions and sensations:

• The abdominal muscles hurt only in the navel area, the pain is transient, appears after the 12th week and gradually subsides as the muscles are stretched adaptively.
• The rectus abdominis muscles hurt only during exercise.
• Pain in the abdominal area is not associated with an increase in body temperature, does not move down the abdomen and is not acute, intense. nine0014
• All other pain symptoms in the region of the rectus muscles need to be monitored by a doctor, in this sense it is better to play it safe and minimize the risk of possible complications.

Why groin muscles hurt during pregnancy

A pain symptom in the groin area in pregnant women can be triggered by various factors, the diagnosis of which is rather difficult. The fact is that the groin area is not considered a separate anatomical unit, rather it is a zone of connection between the hips and the articulation of the abdominal cavity. A large number of different muscles are attached to the groin, which are called adductor muscles, they are responsible for the movement of the hips and their attachment to the pelvis. Also in the inguinal zone there is a canal that includes one of the largest arteries of the body - the femoral vessels, there is also an important element - the round ligament of the uterus, which is subject to severe stretching during pregnancy. nine0003

Usually, groin pain is well known to athletes and those who undergo intense physical exertion, but the groin muscles also hurt during pregnancy.

What causes pain in the groin muscles in a pregnant woman?

• Physiological stretching of the round ligament that supports the uterus.
• Varicose veins.
• Infectious inflammatory diseases of the organs located in the pelvic region. Inflammation causes an increase in the lymphatic inguinal nodes, pain. nine0014
• Adnexitis, inflammation of the appendages, ovaries.
• Calcium deficiency associated with its increased consumption during pregnancy.
• Back pain radiating to the groin may not be related to muscle tissue, but felt like pain in the muscles. This happens with urolithiasis, its exacerbation, renal colic.
• Pain in the inguinal region can be provoked by constipation - both a physiological, hormonal factor, and caused by the psycho-emotional state of a pregnant woman (neurotic spastic constipation). nine0014
• Inguinal hernia.
• Varicose veins of the great vein of the leg, located under the skin in the inguinal region.
• Injury, bruised groin.
• Symphysitis in the second half of gestation (softening, stretching of the bones of the pubic joint).
• Excessive strain on the muscles of the thighs during stretching exercises for pregnant women.

If your back muscles hurt during pregnancy

About 70-75% of pregnant women experience pain of a different nature in the back, lower back. nine0003

Why do back muscles hurt during pregnancy?

• Physiologically acceptable hormonal changes, relaxin secretion, resulting in the expansion and relaxation of the pelvic bones, intervertebral ligaments. At the same time, the muscles still try to perform a “corset” function, but are subject to increased stress, are in hypertonicity. Such pain subsides after the 20-22nd week, when the body is already prepared and the production of relaxin decreases.
• Displacement of the main center of gravity due to an increase in the body weight of the expectant mother. The center is significantly shifted forward, respectively, all the muscles of the back are tensed with double strength. Sometimes the woman herself exacerbates the pain symptom, because she does not follow her posture, her back bends forward too much after her stomach. nine0014
• The pressure of the growing, growing uterus on the nerve endings of the spinal column is also squeezed and blood vessels, blood flow and nutrition of the tissues surrounding the spinal discs are disturbed. Such shooting, strong, but short-term pains in the lumbosacral zone of the back are especially characteristic.
• A significant increase in body weight of a pregnant woman provokes varicose veins, disrupts the venous outflow of blood in the pelvic area, legs and lower back hurt.
• Incorrectly selected shoes, especially high heels, which are not useful in principle, as they provoke an unphysiological gait,

Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles and diastasis of the womb.

— What is muscle diastasis and what is pubic symphysis diastasis?

— Pregnancy is an amazing and wonderful time, but it is also a period of additional loads, which undoubtedly becomes a test of strength for the female body.

The previously existing everyday point of view that pregnancy rejuvenates and gives strength is not confirmed by anything. During the bearing of a child, significant additional loads are placed on the mother's body, which often lead to the manifestation of problems that were invisible before pregnancy. nine0003

Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscles is a divergence of the inner edges of the muscles along the white line of the abdomen (connective tissue structure) at a distance of more than 27 mm. Pubic diastasis is one of the manifestations of pregnancy-associated pelvic girdle pain. This pathology affects the entire pelvic ring, sacroiliac joints and symphysis. And they certainly have common causes for the appearance.

The formation of such problems is facilitated by a decrease in the strength of collagen in the connective tissue. One of the reasons is an innate predisposition, the so-called connective tissue dysplasia, when the tissues are very elastic, extensible. During pregnancy, the body of a woman increases the production of the hormone relaxin, which reduces the synthesis of collagen and enhances its breakdown. This is provided by nature to create maximum elasticity of the birth canal. However, other structures, such as the anterior abdominal wall and the pubic symphysis, also fall under the action of relaxin. nine0003

— How does diastasis of the muscles and diastasis of the pubis affect pregnancy and childbirth?

— Divergence of the rectus abdominis occurs in about 40% of pregnant women. During pregnancy, it does not give serious complications that threaten the life of the mother or the condition of the fetus. However, the inferiority of the work of the rectus abdominis muscles forces the redistribution of the load on the back muscles, which can lead to lumbar-pelvic pain and, accordingly, discomfort in the back. During childbirth, the abdominal muscles are involved in attempts, and the violation of their anatomy and function can affect the birth act. nine0003

With diastasis of the pubis, things are more complicated. As already mentioned, this is only one of the manifestations of a violation of the structure and function of the pubic joint (symphysiopathy) during pregnancy. It occurs in about 50% of pregnant women in varying degrees of severity: in 25% of cases it leads to restriction of the mobility of the pregnant woman, in 8% - to severe disorders up to disability.

With symphysiopathy, the ligaments of the pubic articulation and cartilage that connect the pubic bones suffer. All this leads to severe pain in the pubic joint, pelvic bones, lower back, as well as to a violation of gait and the inability to stand up or lie down without outside help. Women with pelvic girdle pain syndrome experience significant levels of discomfort, disability, and depression, with associated social and economic problems. These include impaired sexual activity during pregnancy, chronic pain syndrome, risk of venous thromboembolism due to prolonged immobility, and even seeking early induction of labor or caesarean section to stop pain. nine0003

During childbirth, such a patient may have a rupture of the pubic symphysis, may require surgery to restore it.

— How to prevent the development of muscle and pelvic diastasis during pregnancy and childbirth? What factors increase the likelihood of its development?

- There is no recipe that will be one hundred percent. There is a wonderful term in the medical literature called "lifestyle modification". Whatever diseases we study, be it symphysiopathy, diabetes mellitus or preeclampsia, the risk group for pathology is always overweight women. You need to prepare for pregnancy, you need to be in good physical shape. During pregnancy, weight gain should be monitored. The recommendation to "eat for two" is not just wrong, but extremely harmful. Pregnant women should maintain reasonable physical activity. Weak and flabby abdominal muscles, combined with the large size of the fetus, undoubtedly increase the risk of diastasis. nine0003

The risk factors for symphysiopathy in numerous studies are hard physical labor and previous injuries of the pelvic bones. Factors such as time elapsed from previous pregnancies, smoking, use of hormonal contraception, epidural anesthesia, mother's ethnicity, number of previous pregnancies, bone density, weight and gestational age of the fetus (post-term fetus) are not associated with an increased risk of symphysiopathy.

— How to diagnose diastasis recti and diastasis pubis? nine0452