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Let's Talk about it. |
All
Aches & Pains
Essential Oils In Pregnancy
Labor
Labor Prep
Loss Recovery
The Work Of A Doula
Growing a baby may be fun, but nobody said it was easy! Pain in pregnancy can be extremely common, especially the further along you get. Let's discuss what is common and how to deal with it! Back, Pelvic and Abdominal PainThe increased weight pulls at your spine and that little nugget literally pushes all your organs up, back and to the sides. Of course that's going to hurt! Correcting the pull forward can strain your lower back muscles. In addition, hormones are causing your ligaments to soften, loosen and stretch which provides less support to your back ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). Here are some tips: maintain good posture, get regular and moderate exercise (i.e. strength toning, yoga, pilates, water aerobics), avoid the same position for too long, avoid lifting heavy objects (10-20 lbs is usually max recommendations by your OBGYN), get a massage, take a warm bath, and use a maternity belt or KT tape for extra support ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). Pelvic Pain, SciaticaThe pelvis consists of three bones - the sacrum and two iliac bones (your hips). They are connected in the front by the symphysis pubis joint and in the back by the sacroiliac joints which are stabilized by ligaments that when not pregnant, rarely move. The hormones in pregnancy cause these ligaments to soften and prepare for vaginal delivery, resulting in an unstable pelvis. This can also result in inflammation, discomfort and pain ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). The pain can be felt in various ways. Sometimes it is just in the pelvic area or groin (or sometimes shooting through your vagina!), it can be just in your butt or travel down one leg (much like sciatica). You'll notice this pain more going up or down stairs, first thing in the morning or after a long day, and can range in severity ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). If movement is on one side more than the other, consider a maternity support belt for stability. Physical therapy, abdominal and Kegel exercises, acupuncture, and water exercises can be helpful. Avoid periods of extended exercise and get plenty of rest ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). Round Ligament PainThere are two ligaments on top of the uterus that connect to the abdominal wall and support your torso. When the uterus enlarges, these stretch more and more resulting in brief, sharp pain or aching on one or both sides of the lower pelvis or in the groin. It's typical to see this pain start in the second trimester ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). Here's what you can do. Visit to your doctor to make sure it isn't anything worse, first and foremost, for reassurance. Rest and relax with every episode. Lie on your side and bring your knees to your chest, or take a warm bath ("Aches and pains in pregnancy," n.d.). HeadachesTension headaches to the sides of your head that are dull, aching or squeezing are completely normal in pregnancy due to hormonal shifts. However, if your headaches are accompanied with nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, dizziness, swelling, or if the headache just won't go away - please notify your doctor immediately ("7 common pregnancy aches and pains" BabyCenter. n.d.). HemorrhoidsYou are particularly vascular in pregnancy as your cardiac output increases to compensate for the extra human being. This can result in unusually swollen blood vessels in the rectum, a/k/a hemorrhoids. They can be itchy, painful, and cause bleeding. My advice? Avoid straining! Your motility slows during pregnancy and constipation can be common. Make sure you're getting your fiber in! If you can't through diet, then utilize an over-the-counter Miralax or stool softener. A little probiotic never hurts any either, or warm lemon water to get things moving ("7 common pregnancy aches and pains" BabyCenter. n.d.). HeartburnDid I mention how all your organs are pushed up, back and out by that growing little critter? If you feel burning in your chest, particularly after eating, but really at any time, chances are you are experiencing heartburn or acid reflux ("7 common pregnancy aches and pains" BabyCenter. n.d.). Once again, hormones do not help here either. If TUMS are no longer cutting, talk to your provider about other options. If you are trying to avoid meds, try ginger or peppermint tea and eating in small/frequent meals. If you find you are having some serious cramping or sharp pains to the upper right abdomen following a meal (or not following a meal), please call your doc - they may want to see you or run some basic lab work. Leg CrampsIt's not clear what causes this, but they happen a lot. It could be the weight or the growing uterus ("7 common pregnancy aches and pains" BabyCenter. n.d.). Some people find bananas or magnesium supplements helpful! References
7 common pregnancy aches and pains. BabyCenter. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.babycenter.com/0_7-common-pregnancy-aches-and-pains_10327839.bc Aches and pains in pregnancy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.familyeducation.com/pregnancy/aches-pains/aches-pains-pregnancy leg-cramps-during-pregnancy-hurting-legs [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://motherhow.com/leg-cramps-during-pregnancy/ location+of+round+ligament [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://heppechiro.com/blog/2016/12/8/round-ligament-pain-relief Make Images, Videos and Web Stories for Free in Minutes | Adobe Spark. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://spark.adobe.com/sp//sp/ sciatica-during-pregnancy-722x406 [Photograph]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://bethpagechiropractic.com/landing-page/sciatica-during-pregnancy-722x406/
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