Numbness & Nerve Damage During Pregnancy and After Birth
Lacey It’s no secret that pregnancy takes a toll on a woman’s body. From the moment those two pink lines appear on the pregnancy test, her body is changing in ways she never thought possible. And for many women, those changes don’t stop after she gives birth. In some cases, women can experience numbness and nerve damage during and after pregnancy. More commonly in C-section births where surgical procedures are done. Here’s what you need to know about this condition.
During Pregnancy
As your abdomen grows to accommodate your growing baby, the skin stretches and becomes thinner. This can sometimes lead to areas of numbness or even complete numbness across the stomach. Additionally, the extra weight can put pressure on your nerves, causing them to feel numbness in your feet or hands or even become damaged.
One way to help relieve this pressure and encourage circulation is through abdominal massage and exercise. Massage can also be useful post-delivery to stimulate the nerve endings and get them working again. However, if the numbness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or tingling, it’s important to see a doctor as there may be an underlying medical condition causing these symptoms.
After Childbirth
It’s not just during pregnancy that women have to worry about nerve damage. It’s also possible to sustain minor nerve damage after a C-section, which is the more common situation for abdominal numbness and nerve issues. Cesarean delivery that causes nerve damage is caused by the incision being made too close to the nerves. The good news is that with time and proper care, this damage is usually reversible.
Massaging the area and doing strength-training exercises can help dissipate nerve damage over time. However, if you experience persistent pain or other symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor as these could be signs of a more serious problem.
Continue with the abdominal massage helps stimulate blood flow to the nerves under the skin to help resolve any nerve damage. It can also help to keep active with light exercise. Walking can help to encourage blood flow back into the damaged nerve endings, so as soon as you feel able.
Experiencing Nerve Damage & Numbness After a C-Section?
Almost all mothers will feel much better after 3 months post-c-section but some may still have residual numbness or pain in the area where the incision was made. If this is the case for you, Muscle Activation San Jose has treatments to regain feeling in these areas. Remember, you’re not alone in this – millions of other women have been through (and are currently going through) exactly what you are.