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> Pregnancy Articles > Pregnancy Pain |
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Common Pregnancy Pains and How to Get Relief
Something you may not have expected when you became pregnant
was to experience pain well before your delivery date. But a
certain amount of discomfort during pregnancy is normal, as
the body attempts to adjust to weight increase, changes in
balance and swelling in joints. When you’re pregnant, your
center of gravity changes, making every muscle in your body
work differently. As your baby grows, your abdomen enlarges,
creating stress on the lower back, and possibly affecting
your legs as well. Foot and calf cramps, shin pain, back
pain and abdominal pain are some of the usual pains
associated with pregnancy. Other complaints include
hemorrhoids, sore feet and aching arms as you try to
compensate for your bodily changes by doing things
differently—putting stress on new muscle groups.
Pain During Early Pregnancy
The earliest pain in pregnancy may be implantation pain—a
cramping feeling that takes place over a few days when the
embryo is embedding in the uterine lining. Late in the third
trimester, rib or side pains, or tingling and numbness around
the ribs can occur when the baby is resting high in the uterus,
with the weight on the intercostal nerve, which runs between the
ribs. Abdominal or pelvic pain can be caused by the ligaments
near the uterus stretching from the increased weight, pressing
against nerves in that region. Sciatic nerve pain is also fairly
common; as the hormone relaxin starts to loosen the connections
between pelvic joints, muscles tense to take the added weight,
putting pressure on nerves in the legs. Sciatic pain can often
be reduced by exercises, changes in posture, or seating and
sleeping positions. Consult with a reputable chiropractor or
physical therapist for solutions. (Remember—a sharp, sudden pain
shouldn’t be ignored!)
Stomach and Abdominal Pain
Stomach discomfort isn’t unusual in pregnancy; gas, tummy ache
and bloating are normal accompaniments to the body-wide changes
experienced by pregnant women. A mild but effective herbal
remedy is peppermint: try a Lifesaver candy or a drop of
essential oil in a glass of water before moving on to stronger
solutions.
Pregnancy Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common pregnancy problems; the Mayo
Clinic estimates that 50% of pregnant women experience back
pain. In fact, most women probably expect an aching lower back,
but the right exercises can help prevent or reduce back pain.
Wearing the right shoes is crucial to back pain prevention: you
need support, and insoles with some padding can help cushion
your feet and legs. With your feet taken care of, you also need
to pay attention to things you’ve always taken for granted: the
chairs you sit in, the pillows you use and the angle of your
posture. Ergonomics plays an important part of keeping the back
straight and supported; try a body pillow for sleeping, sleep
with your knees bent, and avoid sleeping on your back.
Exercise Offers Relief From Pregnancy Pain
Exercise can also help prevent back pain, as keeping your
muscles strong lessens the chance of strains, or of losing your
balance as your weight gradually shifts to the front. Join a
pregnancy exercise class; walk, swim or dance to keep fit, but
pay attention to your altered form. When you’re pregnant, be
especially careful when lifting things or squatting down; you’re
more prone to injury because your joints are softening and
you’re muscles are working harder. Don’t push your limits!
Remedies for Relief
Back ache relief can come in several forms: sometimes, just
getting off your feet can help relieve the tense muscles and
associated pain. Hot or cold packs, either alone or alternating,
can help. Heat warms the muscles and increases circulation; cold
reduces swelling, which can cause pain by adding pressure to
nerves. Try them both, and go with what works for you.
Sometimes, a warm bath is all you need to relax and take the
strain off. Massage is relaxing and therapeutic: treat yourself
to an occasional rub-down.
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 How Should You Exercise During Pregnancy?
Exercise not only keeps women fitter and happier during pregnancy, but also makes labor easier and lessens the recovery time after delivery.
Learn more about staying fit, healthy, and how to lose weight after having a baby with aerobic exercise during and after pregnancy.
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