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About half to three-quarters of expectant mothers experience this Pain during pregnancy Which is largely untreated, contributing to preventable suffering and harm. Many mothers avoid medications and treatments during pregnancy out of fear that they may harm their unborn baby. Yet, most people are unaware of the harm that untreated pain during pregnancy can cause.
Like many women, I too experienced severe pain during pregnancy. As a nurse researcher, I listen to women’s stories and analyze data from across the United States. I share these findings through publications, presentations, and media to raise awareness and ease the suffering of untreated pregnancy pain.
Not just a minor ‘inconvenience’
Moms are often told that the pain that comes with pregnancy is a temporary discomfort that comes with the territory — and that it goes away with the baby being born.
But when the pain and discomfort persist to such an extent that mothers are unable to sleep, work, and care for their other children, mothers are experiencing pain that needs to be addressed. And for some moms, the pain doesn’t eventually subside. back pain And for example, headaches can last for more than three months, becoming a long-term condition that affects overall health.
The normal changes that occur during pregnancy often cause pain. Pain during pregnancy is usually caused by hormonal changes which can cause headaches and loosening of the pelvic joints. Loosening of the joints and the weight of the unborn baby contribute to back pelvic pain. The weight of the developing baby also causes the spine to curve abnormally, a condition called lordosis.
Back and pelvic pain increase in the third trimester of pregnancy, when the baby’s weight is at its peak. That’s why it’s incredibly important for doctors and loved ones to believe the mother when she reports pain. However, a meta-analysis, meaning a thorough review of existing research, found that more than 50% of mothers who reported their pain received little or no treatment from their doctors.
Inadequacy of current treatments
Current treatments for pain during pregnancy are extremely limited.
Tylenol, although safe – despite existing controversy – only treats mild pain and is ineffective for moderate to severe muscle pain.
Alternative treatments that are also recommended and that may be effective, such as the use of heat or cold, massage, chiropractic adjustments, exercise, and physical therapy, may need to be used together and on an ongoing basis. These treatments are not always covered by insurance.
The most effective approaches combine several treatments, including exercise that can be provided through physical therapy. Unfortunately, this care can be expensive for mothers without adequate insurance, and awareness of these options varies among providers.
Disadvantages of Untreated Pregnancy Pain
My team’s research shows that when moms tell their health care providers and loved ones about pain during pregnancy, moms are usually instructed to go home, rest, take Tylenol, go on maternity leave, or a combination of these. However, this does not meet the needs of mothers who have to work or care for other children. Furthermore, going on leave early is not an option for many mothers who want to save their limited maternity leave after childbirth.
If mothers feel they have no other choice they will almost always continue to care for their children or work at the expense of their own health. However, when mothers do not meet expectations for their work, family, or themselves, they may feel guilty for not being a good mother or employee. This cycle can contribute to mental health challenges.
About the author
Julie Vignato is an assistant professor of nursing at the University of Iowa.
This article was first published Conversation And it is republished under a Creative Commons license. read the original article,
When pain is untreated, mothers can feel undervalued, unheard, and overwhelmed. In turn, they may begin to feel helpless and depressed, which are symptoms of DepressionMy colleagues and I found that approximately 44% of women with chronic pain report moderate to severe depressive symptoms during the third trimester of pregnancy,
Untreated depression can also lead to suicide, which is responsible for 5% to 20% of maternal deaths in the US.
Equally important, opioid or narcotic painkillers may be prescribed for expectant mothers experiencing severe pain. Yet, 1 in 5 women suffering from pain report abusing these prescribed medications to get pain relief during pregnancy. In turn, this puts newborns at increased risk of withdrawal from these drugs after birth, causing significant distress. Sadly, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome is becoming more common, costing the country more than US$462 million annually.
As suicide and drug overdose have now become the leading causes of death in the year following childbirth, there is an urgent need for effective pain management in pregnancy.
Being vocal about pregnancy pain
Managing pregnancy pain starts with open communication between the mother and her health care provider. Our study shows that by gently adjusting expectations, sharing how they feel and asking about available treatments, mothers can play an active role in ensuring that their pain is understood and addressed.
Pregnant mothers are strong, but it is natural to be slow. Pregnancy is a time to listen to your body and adjust expectations. I believe balance matters. If pain prevents you from picking up your baby, that’s okay. What your child will remember most are the moments when you sat with him on the sofa.
My team’s study shows that talking to loved ones about pain can be a challenge. So choose a quiet, calm time without distractions – when everyone can listen and respond thoughtfully. Be open about how you feel and clear about the help you need. Using “I” statements like “I feel…” also helps. Allow for questions.
Share credible articles or invite loved ones to a medical appointment so they can better understand what you’re experiencing. If someone is dismissive of your pain, reach out to people who are more supportive.
It is also important to start Conversation With your doctor, midwife or nurse practitioner. Before your appointment, write down your main concerns and any questions you want to ask.
Be honest about your pain, especially if it’s keeping you from sleeping or doing your normal activities. Tell your provider if the pain is constant or comes and goes, and describe how it feels – aching, throbbing, sharp or dull. Even mild ongoing pain is significant enough to disrupt comfort or daily living.
Share what you’ve already tried and how well those treatments have worked. If your pain is not improving, reach out to discuss other options, such as prescription medications or a referral to physical therapy. Sometimes, it takes more than one conversation to find relief.
If your pain continues, ask about consulting a specialist or other health care provider for a different approach. If treatment relieves your pain but your insurance requests stopping, ask your provider for help in appealing the decision. Continued treatment may be necessary during pregnancy to control your pain.
Relief is possible when pain is taken seriously, not dismissed as an inevitable loss of pregnancy.