Hip Pain After Pregnancy C Section – Get pain relief with these 8 effective tips

Pregnancy can take its toll on a women’s health. Apart from the usual stretch marks, swollen feet and nausea, some pregnant women may also experience pelvic pain and hip pain after pregnancy C section that might persist for months or years. Although this may be worrisome, it is not uncommon.

As much as one in five postpartum women will experience some form of hip pain after pregnancy in few weeks. It usually goes away on its own within 6-12 weeks after delivery. However, if you’re still experiencing hip pain after pregnancy c section, two months postpartum then here are 8 ways to reduce the risk of long-term damage and relieve the pain.

Is hip pain normal after C-section?

Hip pain is one of the most common complaints after C-section. The reason for this is that there is a significant amount of pressure created on the hip joint during childbirth as a result of the uterus pushing against the muscles and ligaments surrounding it. This pressure leads to inflammation in the tissues, which can cause pain and swelling.

However, not all hip pain after pregnancy C-section is normal. If you have sharp pains or tenderness, it could be a sign of an underlying issues. You should see your healthcare provider immediately for additional treatment if you experience this type of pain, especially if it’s accompanied by fever or swelling. Your healthcare provider would recommend treatment options based on case report.

Source – If these scars could talk – Post C-Section Recovery

How long does hip pain last after C-section?

The short answer is, “it depends.” Hip pain may last from a few days to several months. The most common reason for hip pain is that you’re in the recovery phase of your labor and delivery. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 5-10% of women in United States experience hip pain following a cesarean delivery, and 80% of those cases are mild.

Most women experience this pain after their incision heals and they begin to exercise and use the muscles around their incision. Some women also experience hip pain during the first couple days after delivery because their body’s hormonal balance has changed. Two factors that can play a role in postpartum hip pain are your baby’s position post time on the birth canal and your body’s reaction to pregnancy hormones produced by your uterus during weeks of pregnancy and childbirth.

Reasons behind hip pain after pregnancy C section

Hip pain is one of the most common postpartum symptoms experienced by new moms. The hip joint is made up of the femur bone and the acetabulum socket, which allows the femur to glide smoothly over the pelvis. When there is a sudden increase in weight or pressure on the hip joint during pregnancy or delivery, the cartilage in this area can become compressed or damaged, contributing to pain and stiffness.

One of the most common causes for hip pain during pregnancy is simply too much weight being put on your hips. If you are carrying around too much extra weight, it can place considerable strain on your body. The excess weight may not only be putting a strain on your hips but also on your back, shoulders, and neck as well.

Hip pain can be caused by a number of other factors as well. One of the most common causes is stretching or tearing of ligaments that support the hip joint. Hip abductor muscles may also become strained due to heavy lifting or poor posture while sitting at work. Weak gluteal muscles may also contribute to hip pain during pregnancy c section.

8 effective tips to relief hip pain after Pregnancy C section

New mothers know how challenging it is to get back into shape after pregnancy. The first weeks after the delivery are even more difficult for the new mommies who have gained a lot of weight during their pregnancy. No matter what type of delivery was done, you might find your body feeling weak, tender and unable to perform even the simplest tasks like walking or climbing up the stairs.

This is because your body has gone through a physical transformation during pregnancy and also because you’ve put so much stress on your muscles with demanding activities like lifting heavy objects, prolonged standing and sudden jerks followed by lifting something heavy once again! Even if you don’t feel any pain, there are certain signs that indicate that you need to take care of your hip pain after pregnancy C section immediately.

Stay active

The best way to keep your body moving after pregnancy is to stay active. Start gradually with easy exercises like walking or swimming. You can also take yoga or a dance class, which will help with your recovery and is an excellent way to keep moving without putting too much stress on your pelvic joints.

If you have been prescribed stay-off exercises because your doctor is concerned that you might have developed a pelvic floor disorder (PFD), then try alternative exercises that don’t put excessive pressure on your pelvic floor muscles. You can also do breathing exercises to relieve your anxiety around the pain. Learning to reduce your stress, get more sleep, and manage your anxiety is essential to shorten recovery time and allow your body to heal itself. It would also help you deal with baby blues.

Yoga or gentle cardio

Yoga is excellent for hip pain since it is a low-impact activity. Gentle yoga poses like Child’s Pose, Supported Bridge, and Reclined Twist are particularly good for your hips. You can also try low-impact cardio activities such as swimming or stationary cycling, especially if you’re not ready for high-impact activities like running. Gentle daily activities like these will help keep your body active without putting excessive stress on your hips.

Massage the area with a heating pad

Gentle massage of the painful area can help increase blood flow to the area and reduce the pain. A hot pack or a heating pad placed over the painful area for about 10-15 minutes can help relax the area and reduce your hip pain after pregnancy C section. However, if you see no improvement after two to three weeks, then you may need medical attention

Try TENS therapy

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a commonly used device that sends gentle electrical impulses to the painful area to control inflammation and manage pain. Studies show that TENS is effective in reducing pain in postpartum women with hip pain after pregnancy c section. TENS therapy is best used in combination with other pain-relieving techniques (e.g. gentle stretching, hot/cold therapy). Make sure to discuss the effectiveness of TENS therapy with your doctor before using it.

Keep a good posture

Proper posture is crucial for keeping the joints in your body aligned and reducing the risk of pain. It is especially important after pregnancy since your body is not used to the extra weight you’re carrying. Wearing supportive, well-fitted clothing is recommended to help you maintain the correct posture and reduce the stress on your hips. It is a good idea to try doing yoga to strengthen your core muscles, improve your posture, and help relieve low back pain and hip pain.

Strength your core muscles

Your core muscles are the ones that support your spine and keep your hips aligned. Regularly strengthening your core muscles and back muscles is recommended as a postpartum exercise, particularly for women who’ve had a caesarean section. Exercises like pelvic tilts, Kegel exercises, yoga poses like Boat or Cobbler’s Pose or simple abdominal crunches with a resistance band can be very helpful in strengthening your core muscles. Indulging in some kind of physical therapy and relaxation therapy during postpartum period is important for recovery of women’s body

Read what medicines are safe during pregnancy, Robitussin DM, Mucinex, Azo, Vicks, etc

Other useful tips to relieve hip pain after pregnancy

• Moist heat: Applying moist heat to the painful joint for about 45 minutes can help relax the muscles and reduce pain.
• Massage: Applying a massage oil or lotion to the painful joint can help relax the muscles and reduce pain.
• Change your position: Changing your position while sitting or lying down can help reduce your hip pain after pregnancy c section
• Use a pillow: Using a pillow while sitting or lying down can help reduce your pain.
• Keep moving: Don’t let yourself sit still all day long. Try to walk as much as possible to keep your blood flowing and reduce your hip pain after pregnancy cesarean section.
• Postpartum hip pain exercises

Pregnancy can be a stressful time for anyone, but the added physical changes can be especially hard on the body. In addition to hormonal changes and weight gain, many women experience hip pain and lower back pain as they prepare for childbirth. While it’s natural to want to take care of yourself during pregnancy, it’s important to keep in mind that your hips are still healing after giving birth.

Try to avoid exercise that puts too much pressure on your knees and hips until your hip strength and range of motion are back to normal. Hip exercises such as walking, riding bikes, and swimming are great ways to stay active during pregnancy. It’s also a good idea to get regular massages during pregnancy, which will help ease hip pain.

Conclusion

Hip pain after pregnancy c section is pretty common and usually goes away in a few weeks. To reduce the risk of long-term damage, stay active, maintain a good posture and core strength, and use gentle exercise like yoga. You can also use moist heat, massage, or electrical stimulation to reduce the pain. Lastly, don’t let yourself sit still all day long. Keep moving and change your position regularly to stay active.

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