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Groin pain during pregnancy may be associated with certain changes that occur during pregnancy, such as weight gain, changes in the body or hormone release, for example.
In addition, during pregnancy, the pelvic joints may become rigid or unstable, to prepare the woman's body for childbirth, which may cause discomfort, pain or even affect mobility, however, the mother should not worry, because this condition does not harms the baby.
Groin pain usually does not indicate a pregnancy problem and usually resolves soon after the baby is born. However, if groin pain is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chills, vaginal discharge or burning when urinating, for example, medical help should be sought immediately. It is important to consult your obstetrician-gynecologist frequently and have prenatal examinations regularly to ensure a safe and secure pregnancy.
1. Increased baby weight
One of the main causes of groin pain in pregnancy is the increase in the baby's weight, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is because at this stage, the ligaments and muscles of the pelvis become more relaxed and stretched to accommodate the growing baby, which can cause pain in the groin.
What to do: to reduce discomfort you should avoid lifting or carrying weight and do activities such as water aerobics, light walks or Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the pelvis. Learn how to do Kegel exercises.
2. Change in the body
The changes in the woman's body are normal and physiological during pregnancy, one of the main changes being the curvature of the spine to adjust to the baby's growth and prepare for the moment of delivery and this can cause loosening of muscles and ligaments of the pelvis and cause groin pain.
What to do: physical activities should be done to strengthen the muscles of the skin and also the back. In addition, one should avoid wearing heels, rest with the back supported, avoid resting on one leg when standing and sleeping with a pillow between your knees. In some cases, your doctor may advise you to use a belly support belt or physical therapy to strengthen your pelvic muscles.
3. Hormone release
Groin pain can be caused by the release of the hormone relaxin that works by loosening the ligaments and joints of the hips and pelvis to accommodate the growing baby during pregnancy. In addition, this hormone is released in greater quantity during labor to facilitate the passage of the baby, which can cause pain in the groin that improves after delivery.
What to do: rest and invest in exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvis and, in addition, the doctor can recommend the use of a hip brace that helps to stabilize the joint and improve well-being.
4. Increased weight of the mother
During the nine months or 40 weeks of gestation, a woman can gain weight from 7 to 12 kg and this weight gain can overload the muscles and ligaments of the pelvis causing the groin pain that may be more frequent in overweight or sedentary women before get pregnant.
What to do: avoid wearing high heels and prefer more comfortable and low shoes, in addition, avoid straining your spine, always using your arms as a support when sitting and standing. It is important to do light physical activities such as walking or water aerobics, for example, to control weight and strengthen the muscles of the pelvis. A balanced diet can be followed with a doctor or nutritionist, so that weight gain in pregnancy occurs in a healthy way.
Watch the video with weight management tips during pregnancy.
5. Detachment of the placenta
The detachment of the placenta can occur at any stage of pregnancy and one of the symptoms is sudden pain in the groin that is accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding, severe abdominal pain, weakness, pallor, sweating or tachycardia.
What to do: seek medical help immediately or the nearest emergency room for the most appropriate assessment and treatment. The treatment of placental detachment is individualized and depends on the severity and stage of pregnancy. Learn more about placental detachment.
6. Infections
Some infections such as urinary, intestinal infections, appendicitis or sexually transmitted infections can cause pain in the groin and usually show other symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, for example.
What to do: seek medical attention immediately to begin the most appropriate treatment, which may be with antibiotics that can be used in pregnancy, as prescribed by the doctor.
When to go to the doctor
It is important to seek medical help as soon as possible when groin pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Fever or chills;
- Pain or burning when urinating;
- Languages;
- Pain in the region of the intestines;
- Severe pain on the right side of the abdomen.
In these cases, the doctor should order laboratory tests such as blood count and hormonal dosage, make blood pressure assessments and tests such as ultrasound, cardiotocography to assess the health of the mother and baby and start the most appropriate treatment.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- SILVA, Anne Caroline Luz Grudtner. Musculoskeletal changes during pregnancy. Its influences on the pregnant woman's work performance. EFdeportes. 14. 141; 2010
- DINIZ, Júlia Souki et. al .. PELVIC PAIN IN THE MANAGEMENT PERIOD: A BIBLIOGRAPHIC REVIEW . Latin American Graduate Meeting - University of Vale do Paraíba. 1688-1691,
- MANN, Luana; et al. Biomechanical changes during pregnancy: a review. Driving. 16. 3; 730-741, 2010