©Pregnancy bliss 2008

Postnatal mobility

 

Pelvic joints complications in pregnancy and delivery

Joints in the pelvis - mostly at the front, known as the symphysis pubis - may become lax or the bones may actually separate. This uncommon event tends to occur in late pregnancy or after delivery. There is pain, which is aggravated by movement, especially climbing stairs or rolling from side to side.

This can be quite severe and incapacitating. A wide support belt (brace) is available to try to stabilize the joints and prevent joint movement, which is the cause of the pain. In addition, measures such as rest and avoiding lifting are helpful. The condition almost always clears up entirely.

This may take a few days but may also continue for several weeks after delivery.

Coccyx fracture complicating delivery

Occasionally, during delivery, a fracture of the coccyx - which is the lowermost and smallest bone on the spine - may occur. It is also loosely known as the ‘tailbone’. Fracture of the coccyx will cause pain especially on sitting down.

Treatment includes local infiltration with a local anaesthetic (temporary relief), heat therapy and rest.

A simple but ingenious device is a ring cushion for sitting in. This effectively takes the pressure off the affected area. Fracture of the coccyx is rare.

Foot-drop’ as a childbirth complication

Sometimes for a variety of reasons, there could be neuro­logical damage which may show in the form of foot-drop.

 

This, as the name suggests, is the inability to flex the foot upwards at the ankle joint. Consequently, the affected person walks with a limp and with the toes dragging or barely clearing the floor. There may be pain in the rest of the limb or numbness of the ankle and foot.

 

The cause is severe or prolonged pressure on the nerve, either at the level of the spine or lower down in the leg.

 

The problem clears up completely with time. In the mean­time, splinting to relieve the foot-drop may be used. Passive physiotherapy, to keep the joint supple, is strongly recom­mended. In the few cases where the foot-drop is caused by protrusion of a disc in the spine, surgery may be required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continues next page

 

A splint such as this may be needed for a few weeks to support the foot in case of a foot-drop. Full recovery is expected in virtually every case.