Shoulder dying is one of the most uncommon and less known symptoms that women experience during pregnancy. It is a sensation that feels like a stabbing pain in the shoulders, and it is something that should be taken seriously.

If you are experiencing shoulder dying during pregnancy, then you need to understand what it means and how to deal with it.

What is Shoulder Dying?

Shoulder dying is the sensation of pain, numbness, tingling, or a prickly sensation in the shoulders. It can happen to anyone but is mostly seen in pregnant women.

Shoulder dying can be caused by pressure put on the nerves in the shoulder area, which can be due to the growing uterus’s weight during pregnancy.

Shoulder dying is a symptom that can be caused by various conditions like gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, cholecystitis, gallstones, and other conditions.

That is why it is always essential to speak to your gynecologist if you experience this symptom.

The Symptoms of Shoulder Dying

The symptoms of shoulder dying are generally easy to recognize. Women often experience the following symptoms:.

Sharp, stabbing pain in the shoulders
Numbness or tingling sensation in the shoulders or arms
Difficulty in moving the shoulders
Difficulty in lifting the arms

Causes of Shoulder Dying During Pregnancy

Shoulder dying can occur due to various reasons during pregnancy, some of them include:.

Gestational hypertension: It is the high blood pressure that occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. It can lead to complications like pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, which can cause shoulder dying.
Pre-eclampsia: It is a severe condition that can cause complications like high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling in the feet, legs, and hands. Pre-eclampsia can cause shoulder dying due to the excess pressure it puts on the nerves.
Gallstones: Pregnant women are also at risk of developing gallstones due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Gallstones can cause pain and inflammation in the gallbladder, which can lead to shoulder dying.
Cholecystitis: It is the inflammation of the gallbladder that can cause shoulder dying.
Pressure on Nerves: Growing uterus can put pressure on the nerves that go through the shoulders, which can cause shoulder dying.
Other Causes: In rare cases, shoulder dying can be caused by other conditions like heart disease, lung diseases, and liver diseases.

How to Treat Shoulder Dying During Pregnancy

If you experience shoulder dying during pregnancy, the first thing you should do is speak to your gynecologist. They will examine you and suggest the right course of treatment based on the underlying cause of the symptom.

Here are some treatments that your gynecologist may recommend:.

Medication: If the shoulder dying is caused by conditions like pre-eclampsia or cholecystitis, your doctor may prescribe medication that can alleviate the symptoms and improve your condition.
Physical Therapy: If pressure on the nerves is causing shoulder dying, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help alleviate pressure and pain in the shoulders and other affected areas.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove gallstones or treat other conditions that cause shoulder dying.
Positioning: Changing your position and avoiding lying on your back can help alleviate the symptoms of shoulder dying.

Preventing Shoulder Dying During Pregnancy

While there is no definite way to prevent shoulder dying during pregnancy, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition. Here are some tips to keep in mind:.

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients and low in fats can reduce your risk of developing conditions like gallstones, cholecystitis, and pre-eclampsia that can cause shoulder dying.
Stay Active: Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure, which can lead to shoulder dying.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce your risk of developing conditions like pre-eclampsia that can cause shoulder dying.
Regular Prenatal Checkups: Regular prenatal checkups can help your gynecologist catch any potential issues that can cause shoulder dying early on and treat them before they become severe.

Conclusion

Shoulder dying can be a distressing symptom that can be caused by various conditions during pregnancy. Understanding the underlying cause of the symptom and taking appropriate steps to treat it can help alleviate the pain and discomfort it causes.

Speaking to your gynecologist is the first step towards finding the right course of treatment and ensuring a healthy pregnancy.