The pain in the groin during pregnancy it is quite common, especially during the third trimester. Do you notice this kind of pain? The causes of these and pain in the pelvic area in general are usually related to pregnancy and are therefore temporary, but they can also have other origins and be a symptom of a serious pathology.
The changes in our bodyBoth physical and hormonal can lead to groin pain during pregnancy. But there are other causes not related to this: hernias, inflammations, fibroids, genital tract infections... that's why it's essential to consult your doctor.
Possible Causes of Groin Pain
Groin pain in pregnancy may be related to alterations typical of pregnancy, such as weight gain, hormone release or stiff pelvic joints, which should not worry you. However, they are not all of this nature and some can be the source of serious problems.
Changes during pregnancy
During the pregnant woman's body undergoes many changes that can cause various discomforts. pubalgia It is one of the most common, a sharp pain that occurs in the pubic area and that can be experienced in the first trimester or affecting much more in its final stretch, when the baby has already gained weight, but there are many others and they mainly due to...
- Baby weight gain. One of the main causes of groin pain during pregnancy is the baby's weight gain. It occurs both in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the ligaments and muscles of the pelvis relax and stretch to accommodate the baby growing, but also during the third quarter.
- Physiological changes in the mother. During the 9 months of gestation our weight increases and can overload the muscles and ligaments of the pelvis, causing pain in the groin. Also, especially in the last quarter, the curvature of the spine is altered to adjust to the growth of the baby and prepare for the time of delivery, which can cause the muscles and ligaments of the pelvis to become strained and cause pain.
- Hormone release. Another cause of groin pain is the release of the hormone relaxin, which works by relaxing the ligaments and joints in the hip and pelvis to accommodate the growing baby during pregnancy.
placental abruption
One of the symptoms of placental abruption is sudden pain in the groin, accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding, severe abdominal pain, weakness, tachycardia... Go to the emergency room if this occurs to be evaluated.
Presence of gynecological tumors or infections
Depending on their size or location, gynecological tumors, fibroids or cysts can cause pain in the groin. But they can also do it along with other symptoms such as fever or nausea, certain infections, such as urinary, intestinal or sexually transmitted infections. In these cases it is important to know the diagnosis to start treatment.
Tips to reduce pain
Has the specialist ruled out a serious problem that requires specific treatment? If the discomfort in the groin is normal pregnancy discomfort, you can relieve the pain by following these general recommendations:
- Stabilize the hip with girdles or pelvic belts.
- Improve stability and strengthen the pelvis by practicing some exercises aimed at pregnant women.
- Don't carry weight.
- Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes and lean on one leg when standing.
- Adopt proper postures.
- Apply heat to the lower back.
- Carry out gentle physical activities such as walking or hydrogymnastics, for example.
- Control the weight. Eat a balanced diet so that the weight gain of pregnancy remains within healthy limits.
Needless to say, it is not necessary to wait until you have pain to follow these tips, since they will allow you to carry your pregnancy better if there are no other discomforts or ailments. Taking care of yourself is important, even more so when we must do it for two.