What are the Causes of Hip Pain During Pregnancy?

Hip pain during pregnancy is common. It can be an early sign of pregnancy. Some may also feel stomach pain due to the expansion of the stomach. The fact is that pregnancy bears stress on knees and hips while sitting or standing. It causes pain and can become severe in certain conditions. But, it is completely normal to have it. There is nothing to worry about. And even if you are worried, we suggest you not neglect your inner instinct. Consult the doctor and get your queries solved. Most of the women also experience rib pain, sciatic pain, and tailbone pain during or after pregnancy. 

Causes of Hip Pain During Pregnancy

There can be several reasons for hip pain during pregnancy. However, it is not a particular complication of pregnancy. There are different conditions that may happen to different people at different times. So, it is not always guaranteed that you will be caught by the pain. Moreover, there are a few common reasons for pain and these are:

• Relaxin

This is the type of hormone that increases during the time of pregnancy. As the name implies, it helps to relax the tissues connecting the bones throughout the body. The increase in the release of hormone relaxin can cause discomfort in the back and hip portion.

• Weight gain

Weight gain is normal to have during pregnancy. But, it often causes stress on the bones and joints. Excessive weight gain can increase the pressure on the hip area and thereby causes discomfort. In general, doctors recommend weight gain between 11 and 40 pounds, i.e, 4 to 18 kgs.

The amount of weight gain depends on the starting weight of the would-be mother. And in general, a healthy woman should gain weight between 11 and 22 kgs. Following the recommendations of the doctor, you can work on your weight gain. Moreover, this weight can cause hip pain during pregnancy that is of course due to an increase in pressure on the lower body.

• Poor posture

The posture of the body may change during pregnancy. This is one of the common causes that is brought with weight gain. In certain cases, babies in the womb may set to only one side, which can also increase pressure on the body causing extreme pain. Holding a child, carrying a baby, and maintaining weight without proper posture can be the other cause of hip pain.

To practice good posture, you can try wearing supportive shoes throughout your pregnancy. If possible, try to reduce your routines involving the use of heavy lifts. Also, take breaks so that it can give comfort to your body and may help in achieving good posture.

• Transient osteoporosis

Some hip pain can also be the cause of demineralization of the hip bones. This is called transient osteoporosis. Transient osteoporosis generally starts in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. This is related to the calcium and potassium levels of the body.

You may experience pain in the hips or groin. To get diagnosed with this particular medical condition, you may need an MRI. This causes temporary bone loss which can yield severe pain in the hip portion. In general, transient osteoporosis gets better as soon as you are done with your pregnancy but in rare cases, you may also experience fractures that may take a long time to heal.

• Sleeping position

Side sleeping is another cause of hip pain during pregnancy. Side sleeping puts pressure on your hips and joints. Sleeping is the most comfortable routine that may help you restore your active lifestyle. But, with fewer sleeping positions, it can be severe in certain cases.

If your position is bothering your body posture or the hip portion, you may take a pillow supporting your knees and legs. A standard pillow will work or you can also go with snoogle, which is a special pregnancy pillow.

How can you prevent hip pain during pregnancy?

Even if it is mild, start working on pain relief methods. You can follow the following tips to get rid of your hip pain.

• Stay active: try to have a routine including low impact exercises like walking, cycling, and swimming.
• Keep a regular check on your weight gain: you may require extra calories to gain weight. Keep a track of your weight gain. For this, you may use certain apps that may support the food indicating calories gained with each meal.
• Wear flat and supportive shoes: go for good arch and supportive sandals or shoes. Exercise every day using special footwear. Stay off your feet and extend your periods when you notice mild pain.
• Maintain good posture: avoid carrying heavy items if it is making you deal with bad posture. Do small activities involving sitting, standing, and lifting small-loaded objects with a routine of exercise.
• Avoid doing aggravated activities like crossing your legs, standing for long intervals, heavy lifts, etc.
• Purchase a pregnancy support belt that may give you relief while you are in pain. It will support you throughout the day.
• Consider scheduling your prenatal massages.

Some women also experience jaw pain also during pregnancy. There are best hospitals around where you can find the best doctors and surgeons treating hard and complex diseases. The hospital serves you premium care with affordability, accessibility, and strengthened treatment procedures.