“In the second trimester, many mums-to-be feel less tired and sick as their hormones aren’t fluctuating as much.
“However, as the baby grows, some people find it harder to get comfortable. As the womb gets bigger your centre of gravity changes. The skin across your abdomen might feel tight or like it’s stretching.”
“A hormone called ‘relaxin’ is produced during pregnancy, which is at its highest levels in the second trimester.
“Relaxin softens your ligaments so they can stretch more easily to accommodate the growth of your baby and help the labour process. Sometimes, this softening of your ligaments can cause discomfort in your pelvis and lower back. It is very common, but you should tell your midwife or health professional so they can rule out other conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs).
“To help with the discomfort in your pelvis and lower back, you should avoid sudden movements. Move slowly when standing up to stop ligaments stretching too quickly. You can use your hands to hold your bump when you move to relieve some of the pressure.
“Throughout the day, make sure you take breaks and rest regularly. Being on your feet for a long amount of time can make the discomfort worse.
“You can also try using a hot compress on the area that’s uncomfortable to relax the muscle. Stretching and pregnancy yoga can also help ease discomfort.
“Try to maintain good posture, keep active and use relaxation techniques. If you feel you cannot manage the discomfort yourself, speak to your midwife, who may be able to refer you to a physiotherapist for extra support.”