A GUIDE TO HEALTHY PREGNANCY MANAGING AILMENTS AND FINDING SOLUTIONS

A_Guide_to_Healthy_Pregnancy

COPING WITH PREGNANCY-RELATEDPAIN

Meltem Çalışkan

İstanbul Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, İstanbul, Türkiye

Çalışkan M. Coping with PregnancyRelated Pain. Çetin A, ed. A Guide To Healthy Pregnancy: Managing Ailments and Finding Solutions. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.61-70.

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy represents a pivotal phase in a woman’s life, marked by profound physical and emotional transformations. Throughout this journey, hormonal fluctuations, mechanical stress, and psychological influences often play a role in triggering pregnancy-associated discomforts. Frequently reported issues include back discomfort, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), and headaches, which can interfere with routine activities and adversely affect overall quality of life. PGP often arises during pregnancy or postpartum and can significantly reduce quality of life. Its causes are multifactorial, involving hormonal shifts, mechanical stress, and sometimes trauma. Back pain typically emerges in the second trimester and may persist postpartum in some cases. Headaches, influenced by hormonal and vascular changes, require careful assessment and management. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for managing these discomforts, incorporating physical therapy, tailored exercise programs, safe analgesics, and occasionally complementary methods. Effective pain management strategies prioritize the health of both the mother and the fetus while enhancing the quality of life. Regular follow-ups and personalized care plans play a key role in ensuring a smoother and healthier pregnancy experience.

Keywords: Pregnancy; Pelvic girdle pain; Low back pain; Headache; Migraine disorders; Muscle cramp

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