Many women feel left side pain while pregnant. It can occur early in your pregnancy. This could be a sign your body is trying to make space for your baby. It can also be caused by ligament stretching later in pregnancy. It could also be a sign that your ligaments are stretching.
Urinary tract infection ( UTI), or kidney infections can lead to pain in the left side of your body at any time during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant are more likely than others to get urinary tract infection. This is due to hormonal and structural changes that take place during pregnancy.
Signs and symptoms during pregnancy of left side discomfort
There are many types of left side discomfort that can occur during pregnancy.
- Cramping pains similar to menstrual cramps
- Your pelvic area should be pressured
- Place your left hand on the lower abdomen
- Pain in your pubic region
- Lower back pain
- You feel pain in your thighs
- Clicking sensation in your pelvis
- Urination pain
What causes left hip pain during pregnancy?
- First trimester
Normal bodily changes during pregnancy are usually responsible for left side pain in the 1st trimester. You may also experience digestive problems that are more severe during pregnancy like GERD. miscarriage may also cause left side pain during early pregnancy. An ectopic is the most serious reason for left side pain during early pregnancy. This needs immediate treatment. Left side pain can be caused by UTIs or kidney infections at any stage of pregnancy.
- Second trimester
The most common reason for pain in the second trimestre is round ligament pain. Round ligaments support the uterus. They can stretch to accommodate your growing baby during pregnancy. This is a sharp pain felt in the abdomen, hip area or both. Pain can be caused by sudden movements that cause these ligaments to retract rapidly. It lasts only a few seconds, and usually gets better in the 3rd trimester.
- Third trimester
Pelvic girdle discomfort (PGP), also known as symphysis Pubis dysfunction (SPD), is a condition that can happen at any stage of pregnancy, but it is more common in later stages. It may be located in your pubic bone on either side of the lower back or in your perineum (the area between your anus and vagina). The pain may also spread to your legs. There may be a clicking or grinding sensation in your pubic region. Although PGP isn’t harmful for your baby, it can make you feel very uncomfortable.
Others causes include, but are not limited too:
- Hip and pelvis instability can be caused by hormonal changes or your ligaments loosening in preparation for childbirth.
- Commencing vigorous exercise
- Repeated movement your body isn’t used to (e.g. Increase your running, walking, or gym time too fast
- Direct trauma, such as a fall on your side,
Due to the way our pelvis and hips are constructed, women are more susceptible to lateral hip pain (GTPS). Our hips are more wide and our stance is narrower, which places extra strain on the tendons.
Diagnosing left side pain during pregnancy
Your doctor will ask you questions, take your medical history, and perform a physical exam. Your doctor may order an ultrasound, magnetic resonance image ( MRI) to pinpoint the cause of your left-side pain. To rule out other conditions, they may order urine or blood tests.
Home remedies for lateral hip pain
These are our top tips to reduce pain and minimize common situations that can worsen the problem.
- When sitting, avoid crossing your legs and even your ankles. This can cause more pressure on your hips and worsen your pain.
- To get in your car, put your bottom first. Next, place your feet together and then bring your legs forward.
- To get out of the car, extend your legs straight out (reverse of how you did when you got in), and then get up.
- You can set an alarm to wake you up every hour if your job requires that you sit for long periods of time.
- It is difficult to sleep on your side. To make your bed a little more comfortable, try applying more pressure to your front thigh.
- Take a moment to check your posture while you’re sitting at work. Your hips should be slightly higher than your knees to reduce hip and lower back pain.
- You can heat your body with heat (wheat pack, heat pack, or hot water bottle). Pregnant women should not heat their stomachs.
Roll on a tennis or spikey ball for five minutes daily to massage your bottom muscles. These tips can be incorporated into your daily life. Some habits may be more difficult than others, and some can be hard to break. But we know that you have to keep at it.
Preventing lateral hip pain during pregnancy
Strength exercises that target your hips, pelvis, and buttock muscles are great for preventing lateral hip pain. They can also be used to treat existing symptoms.
While you won’t see immediate results, consistency is key! For specific exercises that are suitable for your situation, speak to your maternal health physio.
Treatments for left hip pain during pregnancy
The cause of your left side pain is what will determine the treatment. The treatment may involve a combination home remedies, medication, or therapy.
Pregnant women can also experience sciatica. This condition can also cause hip pain. Here are seven ways to relieve hip pain while pregnant, regardless of the cause.
1. Pregnancy Pillow
Many women use a full body pillow, also known as a pregnancy cushion, to relieve hip pain. Many pregnant women feel hip pain while lying in bed. This is due to poor posture and a lack in support in the pelvic region. The shape of your body will be adapted to your pregnancy pillow, providing great support for your back and stomach.
2. Side sleeping
When you are in your last trimester, and nearing your due date , it is best to lay on your side with your legs bent. Support pillows can provide support for your abdomen and upper legs. Side sleeping can make your hip pain worse. You might consider sleeping on your lower back with a blanket or pillow to help ease the pressure.
3. Heat Therapy
StemCellTherapy heat may be able to relieve a variety of pains and aches in the body, including pregnancy-related hip pain. You can use a heating pad or hot water bottle to help. Also, you can take a warm bath in warm water. However, make sure the water is not too hot. A gentle massage using warm oil is another option.
4. Rest
Your hip pain during the last trimester will be worsened if you spend too much time on your feet. You should try to sit down every day to relieve your hip pain and to relax. You can raise your legs and support your back while you are sitting or lying down.
5. Prenatal Massage
This is what heat therapy can do. A prenatal massage can ease many of the pains and aches associated with pregnancy, such as hip pain. Massages can help relax your muscles which will ease some of your pain. You will feel relaxed and calmer.
6. Swimming
“If exercising, walking, etc. You might want to swim or exercise in water if you have hip pain. While this is as effective as any other form of exercise, it is also less painful. According to an expert from pain Physicians, swimming can relieve pain and strain on joints including the hip joint.
7. Pregnancy Belt
A girdle, or pregnancy belt, can be a great idea. They help relieve pressure and stabilize the hips. Although you may initially find it uncomfortable to wear one of these items, once you get used the them, your hip pain will be relieved.
Exercises that can relieve pain in the hips during pregnancy
Fire log pose; Cross your ankles over the other knee while sitting comfortably on the edge a folded blanket. If possible, stack the other knee and ankle. Otherwise, just let the bottom leg go. You can now sit down or lean forward. The outer hip should feel stretched immediately.
Standing sideways stretch; Place your shoulder in alignment with the doorway. Next, cross your inner leg across the outer leg and lean toward the door frame with both of your hands. If this isn’t enough stretch, you can push down into the top hand.
Standing from ankle to knee; This pose can be used to increase strength and balance in your standing leg if you are able to balance. Stand on a ledge that is at least hip height and place your foot in front. Next, place your opposite leg on the ledge and then fold forward. Your standing leg should be bent gently. The more you lean forward, the more intense the stretch.
Place a pillow; between you knees on your back and lie down on your stomach. Although this isn’t a physical exercise, it can help relieve sciatic pain. Lay on your back, and place your hips at 90 degrees. Keep your knees straight and space between the knees. Place a pillow on your lower leg, and then relax. This position for at least 15 minutes can help your spine.
Bridge pose; If you are in your second or third trimester, place a blanket under your lower back. Move your heels inwards until your hands reach the back of your heels. Next, lift your hips upwards to form a straight line from your knee to your hips. For about 30 seconds, relax your hips and hamstrings. You will begin to feel your spine support muscles and your lower back starting to work after a while.
Baby smiling; Because their bodies are so well balanced, I believe babies are happy. Place a blanket on your lower back and lie down. Then, raise your legs high up so that your feet are in contact with the ground. As if your feet were flat on the ground, lift your legs up towards the ceiling and extend your tailbone.
Stand with your pelvis tilted; Standing with your legs straight out, your hips in front of a wall and your feet at your sides, your knees bent. Inhale and arch your back towards the wall. Exhale and flatten your lower back. Slowly and carefully, you can do this exercise up to 15 times.
Walk engaging your glute muscles; This is a great tip for paying attention to your posture throughout each day. It’s easy to tilt your pelvis forward and arch your back as your belly grows. Your baby will be happier if you engage your glute muscles each step. Also, tucking in your pelvis and lengthening the tailbone will reduce pain.