What causes pain during pregnancy?
There are many factors involved in causing pain, of any kind, in the body of a pregnant woman. Below are listed some of the more common causes: Pain in the back, neck, hips, legs and feet can be caused by a significant change in posture and joint positioning. These changes are largely due to: a) the hormonal action of relaxin on ligaments allowing more spinal and joint movement and instability, b) Increased breast and uterine weight anteriorly, and C) a change in the location of the body’s center of gravity. Musculoskeletal imbalances such as weakness and lengthening in the postural muscles of the anterior neck, upper back, and lower abdominal muscles along with a shortness or tightness of the hip flexors, hamstrings, chest muscles and low back muscles can cause instability and pain. The increase of bodily fluids necessary to support the changes in a pregnant woman’s body as well as to support the life functions of her growing fetus can cause significant swelling in some pregnant women
