While groin pain is a common problem that affects expectant mothers during pregnancy, it is generally considered normal. A fast growing uterus, hormonal changes, increased blood flow and increased weight gain can cause groin pain. Ligaments extending from the upper part of the uterus to the groin during pregnancy are stretched as the uterus grows and expands, and can again cause groin pain. In addition; Hormones released during pregnancy can slow down the digestive system and cause problems such as gas pain and constipation, leading to groin pain. /> There are many different causes of groin pain encountered from the early stages of pregnancy, depending on the week of pregnancy and the character of the pain. Severe groin pain may be observed in the early weeks of pregnancy for reasons such as the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, or it may develop due to reasons such as premature birth and premature separation of the baby's partner (placenta) in the following weeks. In addition to pregnancy-related inguinal pain, diseases related to other systems such as gynecological diseases, digestive system, urinary tract, musculoskeletal and circulatory system can also cause inguinal pain. The most common causes of inguinal pain are vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, appendicitis, and kidney stones. In the later weeks of pregnancy, an increase in groin pain can be observed as the baby grows. Again, with the approach of delivery in the last months of pregnancy, slight contractions called false labor pains are considered normal.
When Does Groin Pain During Pregnancy Start?
Inguinal pain is observed in approximately 30 percent of expectant mothers, and the period of inguinal pain can be variable. In many expectant mothers, groin pain begins in the early weeks of pregnancy, when the embryo attaches to the uterus. With the growth of the uterus and the baby, there may be an increase in groin pain as the gestational week progresses, and groin pain may be observed in each pregnancy month. /> Every expectant mother While a complaint of groin pain may not be present, the pain levels and characteristics of pregnant women with groin pain are also different. Although there is often no significant underlying problem, the complaints of pregnant women with groin pain complaints continue until delivery.
How Can We Distinguishing Pain in Pregnancy from Groin Pain?
Groin pain during pregnancy is often mild to moderate. Expectant mothers describe a cramp-like, menstrual-like pain in the early stages. In the later weeks, however, groin pain is often irregular in the lower abdomen, short-term, usually changing with position, and may increase with eating and drinking. Abdominal examination of expectant mothers shows that the abdomen is soft. Pregnancy pains, on the other hand, are of a higher intensity and gradually increasing character, coming at regular intervals. Concomitant examination may reveal that the abdomen has hardened and the cervix has opened as a sign of the onset of labor. expectant mother should consult a doctor. In addition; In the presence of vaginal bleeding accompanying inguinal pain that develops during pregnancy, water coming from the vagina, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, high blood pressure, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burning during urination or blood in the urine, a physician should be consulted. After a detailed evaluation, the cause of the groin pain can be determined and its treatment can be arranged with tests such as ultrasonography to be performed and blood and urine tests to be performed when necessary. It is not always possible for expectant mothers to distinguish groin pain that develops in the last weeks of pregnancy from real labor pains. Therefore, expectant mothers who have groin pain that does not improve in a short time or whose severity increases, should definitely consult a 'Gynecology and Obstetrics' physician.
Is There a Way to Relieve Groin Pain During Pregnancy?
- Usually, resting during pregnancy relieves pain. Lying down, resting and relaxation exercises will also have an effect.
- It would be appropriate to avoid sudden movements, standing for a long time, movements that increase intra-abdominal pressure such as heavy lifting, or excessively strenuous activities. Supporting the abdomen with pillows helps relieve groin pain.
- Applications such as light massage to the aching area, hot compresses, warm showers and yoga can also be effective.
- Although there is not much of a drug option, it is mild. pain relievers or supplements such as magnesium calcium can be used as treatment options.
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