Postpartum hip pain, also known as Pelvic Girdle Pain, is more common than you may think. Pelvic Girdle Pain is pain that occurs in your pelvic region and may radiate to your back, hips, or thighs. Fortunately, most women begin to feel relief within four months after delivery. Unfortunately, only 20 percent of those women may experience hip pain that lasts three or more years postpartum. Hip pain may reduce your mobility and affect your daily life. This article we will discuss postpartum hip pain and what you can do to relieve the associated symptoms.
Why does hip pain happen after giving birth?
During pregnancy, our ligaments and joints weaken and move to make room for your growing uterus. In addition, the added weight from the baby during your second and third trimester can add pressure and pain on your pelvic floor, hips, and thighs. This shift of movement causes other ligaments and joints to compensate and work harder. As a result, your ligaments may feel tighter postpartum and experience increased pain on the pelvic floor.
Common causes of postpartum hip pain
Hormonal
During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called Relaxin. Relaxin is responsible for relaxing your pelvic floor to make room for your growing uterus. In addition, Relaxin increases the flexibility of the ligaments and joints that support the pelvic floor. This is important because Relaxin helps widen the birth canal to make way for the baby during labor and delivery.
Physical Changes
Our pelvic floor and abdomen are responsible for maintaining the proper balance of our bodies. However, as the baby grows, our weight shifts towards our bellies, resulting in weakened stability. When our center of gravity is shifted forward, our sacroiliac joints must take on the added pressure and work harder to keep us standing straight.
Another physical change that occurs during pregnancy is the spine creates a curve to accommodate the growing belly. If the spine curves, it not only throws off your balance but may add pressure and tightness to your back muscles and surrounding ligaments. After childbirth, it may take time for the curvature of your spine to straighten out. Fortunately, with proper treatment, such as chiropractic or yoga, you may be able to straighten your spine and release the tension.
Trauma
Our bodies go through a lot of physical changes during pregnancy. Unfortunately, about 52% of women with pelvic floor dysfunction during pregnancy may develop further issues such as hip pain or changes in motor control after pregnancy.
Is it normal to have hip pain after pregnancy?
Yes! Postpartum hip pain is normal and common after pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body goes through miraculous changes to accommodate your growing baby. After pregnancy, your body works hard to recover from pregnancy during the postpartum period. Just like all those weird and painful feelings you felt during pregnancy, they may also continue after birth for a few months.. Regardless of having a c-section or a vaginal delivery, all women have the possibility of developing hip pain.
Common postpartum hip-related issues
- Pain in your pelvic region and hips
- Worsening of pain during working out or moderate exercise
- Tightness or pain in your hip joints or pelvic region
- Muscles feeling tight
- Radiating pain across the lower back
- Hip joint clicking
- Hip joint feels like its locking when moving around
- Dull or intermittent pain in hip joints.
Tips for managing postpartum hip pain
- Rest
- Decreased activity
- Postpartum Belly Wrap or Binder
- Physical Therapy
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
- Acupuncture
How long does postpartum hip pain last?
Most women start to see relief from hip pain soon after delivery. However, postpartum hip pain may last up to four months. In rare cases, hip pain may last a few years.
When to see a doctor
Most symptoms of postpartum hip pain resolve over time with at-home care. However, it may be time to see a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms that are so severe it is causing you depression or anxiety.
Shop Belly Bandit collection for Belly Wraps
Belly Bandit supports you from pregnancy to postpartum. The 2 in 1 Hip Bandit is excellent for hip pain during pregnancy. However, the B.F.F. Belly Wrap is perfect for supporting your hips after pregnancy. It is truly your best friend while you are postpartum. The B.F.F. Belly wrap offers six support panels to support your hips and your waist and belly. In addition, the belly wrap offers support while doing your daily activities so you can have increased mobility. The best part, is this B.F.F. slims with you with 9 inches of adjustable sizing so you can tighten the wrap as you size down. Many women find that wearing this belly wrap after delivery offers benefits such as minimizing hip and pelvic pain. We suggest you wear the belly wrap for 6 to 10 weeks after delivery for maximum benefit. If you are breastfeeding, wearing a belly wrap after 10 weeks may help improve blood circulation as well as posture while breastfeeding. Maintaining proper posture while breastfeeding will decrease lower back and pelvic pain.
Closing thoughts
It is truly a miracle what a woman’s body can do to accommodate a growing baby. However, with all this change, may come challenges such as hip pain and decreased mobility. Pregnancy is a journey from the first trimester to at least 6 weeks postpartum. With today's technology, we have come a long way in women's health with pregnancy and postpartum care. Utilize the resources provided for you to get the best care for yourself. Always listen to your body, if something does not feel right, reach out to your medical professional. Enjoy those little moments because babies grow up so fast. When you are looking for the best maternity and postpartum care, consider Belly Bandit for all your needs. With a women owned and women operated company, they know what is important for a new mom.
