Pregnancy-Related Joint Discomfort: Root Causes, Remedies, and Prognosis
Joint pain is a common symptom during pregnancy, affecting many women. This article explores the causes, affected joints, and potential treatments for joint pain during pregnancy.
Commonly Affected Joints
The pelvic joints, including the symphysis pubis (front pelvic joint) and the sacroiliac joints (rear pelvis), are the primary joints affected by pain during pregnancy. Other joints commonly affected are the lower back, hips, thighs, knees, and even the inner thighs and groin. Knee joints are particularly susceptible due to hormonal and mechanical changes.
Causes of Joint Pain During Pregnancy
Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy triggers increased production of hormones like relaxin, progesterone, and estrogen, which soften and loosen ligaments to allow the pelvis to widen for childbirth. Relaxed ligaments increase joint laxity (looseness), making joints less stable and more prone to pain from normal movement or added stress.
Mechanical and Postural Changes
Weight gain and the growing fetus shift the center of gravity forward, altering posture and increasing stress on pelvic and lower limb joints. Postural adaptations can cause uneven joint loading and muscle imbalances, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Existing muscle weakness, previous injuries, or poor pelvic support exacerbate joint strain and instability.
Joint Instability and Altered Movement
Increased mobility of pelvic joints (especially symphysis pubis and sacroiliac joints) can lead to Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). These conditions cause pain during activities like walking, climbing stairs, or turning in bed and sometimes produce clicking or grinding sensations. Inner thigh, groin, and lower back pain often accompany this instability.
Knee Pain Specifics
Hormonal ligament laxity combined with extra weight and altered biomechanics raise the risk of knee pain. Joints become less stable, and overloading during movement causes discomfort—especially towards the second and third trimesters when relaxin peaks.
Managing Joint Pain During Pregnancy
Early intervention can help prevent joint pain from worsening and improve a person's overall pregnancy experience. Treatment for joint pain during pregnancy may include gentle exercises such as prenatal yoga, swimming, and walking. Applying a warm compress or ice pack, having enough rest, elevating affected joints, wearing supportive gear, trying prenatal massage, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated may help manage joint pain during pregnancy.
Persistent or severe joint pain after the postpartum period should be discussed with a doctor. Speaking with a healthcare professional is advisable for pregnant people experiencing joint pain. Pregnant people should avoid certain medications, intensive exercise, high impact activities with a high risk of injury or falls, and hot tubs or saunas.
Factors such as a poor diet and low exercise levels can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of joint pain. It is important to speak with a doctor about joint pain for further advice about treatment options and safe ways to manage pain.
