The Hidden Dangers of Untreated Pain During Pregnancy
A nurse researcher is raising urgent awareness about the significant harms caused by untreated pain in pregnancy, a condition affecting up to three-quarters of expectant mothers. Many women avoid medications and treatments due to fears of harming their unborn baby, yet remain unaware of the severe consequences of leaving pain unaddressed.
Beyond Temporary Discomfort
Pregnancy pain is often dismissed as a minor, temporary discomfort that naturally resolves after birth. However, when pain persists to the point where mothers cannot sleep, work, or care for existing children, it becomes a serious health issue requiring intervention. For some, back pain and headaches can last longer than three months, developing into chronic conditions that impact overall well-being.
Normal physiological changes during pregnancy frequently lead to pain. Hormonal shifts can cause headaches and loosen pelvic joints, while the weight of the developing baby contributes to back and pelvic pain, and can abnormally curve the spine in a condition known as lordosis. Pain typically intensifies in the third trimester as baby weight peaks.
Despite this, a meta-analysis of existing research found that over 50% of mothers reporting pain receive little to no treatment from healthcare providers. This treatment gap highlights a critical need for better medical response and validation of women's experiences.
Inadequate Treatment Options
Current pain management approaches during pregnancy are severely limited. Tylenol, while generally safe, only addresses mild pain and proves ineffective for moderate to severe muscle discomfort. Alternative treatments like heat or cold applications, massage, chiropractic adjustments, exercise, and physical therapy can be beneficial but often require combination use and ongoing application.
These alternatives are not always covered by insurance, creating financial barriers. The most effective strategy typically combines multiple treatments, including exercise through physical therapy, but cost and variable provider awareness limit accessibility for many mothers.
Consequences of Unmanaged Pain
Research indicates that when mothers report pregnancy pain, they are commonly advised to rest, take Tylenol, or begin maternity leave early. This advice fails mothers who must continue working or caring for other children, and early leave is impractical for those wanting to preserve limited postnatal leave.
Mothers often prioritize childcare or work over their health when they perceive no alternatives. This can lead to guilt about unmet expectations, contributing to mental health challenges. Untreated pain leaves mothers feeling minimized, unheard, and overwhelmed, potentially progressing to helplessness and hopelessness—symptoms of depression.
Approximately 44% of women with severe pain report moderate to severe depressive symptoms during the third trimester. Untreated depression can escalate to suicide, accounting for 5% to 20% of maternal deaths in the United States.
Additionally, opioid pain relievers prescribed for severe pain carry risks. One in five women with pain report misusing these medications during pregnancy, increasing the likelihood of newborns experiencing withdrawal symptoms after birth. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome is becoming more prevalent, costing the nation over $462 million annually.
With suicide and drug overdoses now leading causes of death in the year after childbirth, effective pregnancy pain management is urgently needed.
Advocating for Better Pain Management
Managing pregnancy pain begins with open communication between mothers and healthcare providers. Studies show that by adjusting expectations, expressing feelings, and inquiring about available treatments, mothers can actively ensure their pain is understood and addressed.
Pregnancy is a time to listen to your body and modify expectations. Balance is key—if pain prevents lifting a toddler, focus on alternative bonding moments like snuggling on the couch.
Discussing pain with loved ones can be challenging. Choose calm, distraction-free moments for conversations, using "I" statements to clearly express needs and feelings. Sharing reliable articles or inviting family to medical appointments can foster better understanding. If someone dismisses your pain, seek support from others.
Initiating conversations with healthcare providers is crucial. Before appointments, note main concerns and questions. Be honest about pain severity, especially if it disrupts sleep or daily activities. Describe pain characteristics—whether constant or intermittent, achy, throbbing, sharp, or dull. Even mild ongoing pain that affects rest or routine matters.
Share attempted treatments and their effectiveness. If pain persists, discuss alternatives like prescription medications or physical therapy referrals. Sometimes multiple conversations are needed to find relief.
If pain continues, consider consulting a specialist for another perspective. If insurance denies ongoing treatment, ask your provider to help appeal the decision. Continuous care throughout pregnancy may be necessary to manage pain effectively.
Relief is achievable when pain is taken seriously rather than dismissed as an unavoidable aspect of pregnancy. Proactive communication and comprehensive care can significantly reduce suffering and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.
