During pregnancy, complaints of various pains, numbness and weakness are common due to reasons such as secreted hormones, weight gain, and deterioration of body posture. Failure to perform various tests and treatments to protect the fetus may sometimes cause problems, but many problems can be solved in a short time when the necessary recommendations are followed and appropriate treatments are made.
Low back pain
The incidence of low back pain during pregnancy is approximately 50 percent. It is between -70. Low back pain that occurs at the beginning of pregnancy is usually due to the growth of the uterus and increased blood flow. In the following weeks, as the uterus and the baby grow, the expectant mother's center of gravity shifts forward, the head and back automatically turn backwards for the balance of the body, and as the waist arch (lordosis) of the expectant mother increases, pain occurs in the lower back. In addition, the "relaxin" hormone, which loosens the hip joints in the period close to birth, also loosens the supporting ligaments in the spine, making pain easier to develop.
Low back pain during pregnancy is not a completely preventable condition, but the risk of its occurrence can be reduced with some precautions. The first precaution to be taken is to stabilize weight gain. Simple precautions that can be taken include first turning sideways when getting out of bed, then sitting up, supporting the waist with a pillow while sitting, and not remaining in a standing or sitting position for a long time. Strengthening the waist muscles with individually planned exercises before pregnancy and in the early weeks, and physical exercises that strengthen the midline muscles, such as swimming and pilates, will be extremely beneficial.
In case of low back pain that occurs or continues despite the precautions, corsets specially produced for pregnant women. dry needling and kinesiotape applications can be performed. Paracetamol, magnesium-containing tablets and herbal creams can be used in medical treatment.
Herniated disc
In various studies investigating the frequency of herniated disc during pregnancy, it has been stated that this rate is approximately one in every 10 thousand pregnant women. However, since imaging techniques are not preferred during pregnancy, research on this subject is not clear. The most important thing in the diagnosis and treatment of a herniated disc is the patient's examination findings. Unless examination findings requiring urgent surgery are detected, the waist should be examined without resorting to any imaging method. Treatments for pain are applied and the expectant mother is followed closely.
Hip pain
Due to the hormones secreted during pregnancy, loosening of the joints and ligaments, especially in the hip area, causes functional impairment and serious problems in the hip joints, which we call the sacroiliac joint. It may cause pain.
For these pains, which intensify with the increase in the weight of the baby, regulation of the expectant mother's posture and activities, individually planned exercises that strengthen the abdominal and waist muscles, corset, kinesiotape and dry needling treatments can be performed.
Leg cramps
Leg cramps are encountered in 15-30 percent of pregnant women. Cramps are associated with reasons such as hormones secreted during pregnancy, increased water retention in the body, inactivity, and calcium and magnesium deficiency. To prevent these cramps, various exercises, light walking before sleep and a warm bath may be recommended. Calcium and magnesium supplements are also useful in some cases.
Nerve compression
The risk of compression on the nerves increases as a result of the hormones secreted during pregnancy loosening the ligaments around the joints, increased water retention in the body and weight gain, resulting in numbness in the arms and legs. Nerve compression may occur, causing pain and weakness. The most common nerve compression during pregnancy is carpal tunnel syndrome. It is more common in pregnant women who use their hands a lot, gain excessive weight, have diabetes or hypothyroidism. It typically presents with numbness in the first three fingers and palm, which often wakes up at night and is relieved by shaking the hands. If left untreated, wasting and loss of strength may develop in some hand muscles. As a precaution, it is recommended to reduce salt consumption in order to reduce water retention in the body, pay attention to weight gain during pregnancy, not sleep on the hand, avoid repetitive hand movements, and expectant mothers who use their hands a lot should rest their wrists at regular intervals. In nerve compression, which usually occurs due to pregnancy, the symptoms disappear after birth. The methods used in the treatment are bandage and splint applications, heat application and various exercises to keep the wrist straight. In appropriate cases, dry needling and kinesiotape can be performed. In severe cases, non-risky steroids for pregnancy Injection of medications into the wrist may be considered. If these do not resolve the nerve compression problems, the nerve can be released with a minor operation.
Bone Resorption
It is a rare condition that can be seen in the last 3 months of pregnancy. In expectant mothers who have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as various hormonal disorders and various drug use, and for back and waist pain that occurs in the last 3 months of pregnancy, the patient is monitored with rest, corset, calcium and vitamin D supplements. Bone mineral density is measured after birth. In people who develop fractures due to osteoporosis and have pain that does not go away despite treatments, breastfeeding is discontinued if necessary and osteoporosis medications are started.
Transient osteoporosis of the hip (Transient osteoporosis)
The sole disease that occurs in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Temporary osteoporosis of the hip should be considered in the presence of bilateral hip pain, limited hip movements, or limping gait complaints. If necessary, ultrasound or MRI may be requested for diagnosis. In treatment, it is essential to avoid placing any load on the hip and to provide the necessary calcium and vitamin D support during pregnancy. Exercises are gradually increased depending on the severity of the complaints. Since temporary osteoporosis of the hip is a condition that only occurs in the hip and limits itself with appropriate treatment, osteoporosis medications are generally not used.
EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY
Musculoskeletal problems, hypertension, varicose veins and Regular exercise is very important to prevent circulation problems such as lymphedema. However, exercise activities during pregnancy must be done under the supervision of a physician. Ideally, appropriate exercises should be planned after the examination by a physical therapy and rehabilitation physician and followed up in communication with the gynecologist throughout the pregnancy.
The most suitable exercises are aerobic exercises such as swimming, walking, exercise bike, and individually planned exercises. are some pilates exercises. These exercises,
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Strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure, regulate breathing, and prevent the formation of varicose veins and clots.
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Body weight, body Fat ratio, bone density, muscle tone and bladder functions are positively affected.
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It corrects posture (body posture).
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It provides control in the waist, abdomen and especially the pelvis (roof) muscles, and facilitates birth by increasing the elasticity and strength of the muscles related to birth.
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Reduces depression and anxiety of the expectant mother.
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Helps the expectant mother sleep soundly and increases her energy level.
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It prepares the expectant mother for birth as psychological, physical and respiratory awareness and reduces the fear of birth.
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It enables the mother to recover quickly after birth.
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