Prenatal

The Sacro-Iliac (SI) joint is in fact two joints – one on each side of your sacrum where it meets the back of your pelvis. SI Joint pain presents it’s self locally on one or both sides of the sacrum/tailbone. SI Joint pain is the most common complaint during pregnancy, often flaring in the 3rd trimester.

Pubic bone pain, or Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction (PSD), occurs at the pubic symphysis, which is at the front of the pelvis where the two halves connect.

This pain can feel like a pulling or tugging inside the vagina or sensitivity of the pubic bone area. This can occur when you are working-out or simply walking around.

CAUSES

1. The body to soften the pubic symphysis in preparation for birth, destabilizing this area where the two halves on the pelvis join, produces relaxin.

As the uterus grows during pregnancy, the round ligament stretches, commonly causing pain.

CAUSES

1. The pain can be from the strain on the ligaments as the pelvis widens, the ligaments spasm, or by the ligaments pulling on nearby sensitive structures.
2. It can feel like pelvic pain or back pain and can be a sharp pain, a dull ache or a tugging sensation. The pain is more often experienced on the right side.

Flattening and general widening of foot making them larger, provide less structural support for the musculoskeletal system, weaken the muscles of the foot, and lead to pain and problems during pregnancy and after.

CAUSES

1. The additional weight of pregnancy.
2. Shift in the placement of weight on the feet can cause pregnant woman’s feet to flatten – effectively reducing the transverse arch of the foot.

WHAT TO DO

Most of us have had these - pregnant or not. Often referred to as a “charlie horse”, legs cramps during pregnancy occurs predominately at night.

CAUSES

1. Additional weight gain of pregnancy
2. Changes in circulation.
3. The uterus may also press on the nerves and blood vessels that go to the legs.
4. They may also be caused by dehydration or electrolyte imbalances common during pregnancy.

CAUTION - Both of these factors may contribute to early labor so severe leg cramps, while common and often harmless, should be referred to their doctor.

WHAT TO DO

Placenta previa is a condition which describes the position of the placenta during pregnancy as either partially or totally covering the cervix.

In most pregnancies, the placenta attaches at the top or side of the uterus. In placenta previa, the placenta attaches to the lower area of the uterus.

*The vast majority of Placenta Previa cases - almost 90% - will resolve itself during the 2nd trimester!

CAUSES

There are many contributing factors to back pain during pregnancy, sometimes the pain is in the upper back, mid back and predominately - the low back.

CAUSES

1. Hormonal Changes – Hormones released during pregnancy cause ligaments in the pelvic area to soften and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birthing process. This destabilizes the body and particularly the pelvis, often resulting in back pain.
2. Posture - The additional weight along with the shift forward in the center of gravity may cause postural misalignment.

Swelling, or edema, during pregnancy, is normal and can affect the face, hands, legs, ankles, and feet.

CAUSES

1. It occurs because the body has 50% more fluid (blood and other bodily fluids) during pregnancy. 

WHAT TO DO

• Working-out your legs aids the circulatory and lymphatic systems of the body, countering this swelling whilst toning at the same time – Standing Footwork on the Barre, squats, lunges