Safe Ways to Manage Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you’re likely to experience common aches and pains from time to time, but how you remedy them is very important. While your baby is in utero, you won’t have all the same options you normally would, which means coping with pain can be more tricky. That being said, you aren’t relegated to nine months without any sort of relief. With a little research and planning, you can safely manage pain throughout your pregnancy to help you feel better quickly while looking after the wellbeing of your baby at all times.

Typical Aches and Pains During Pregnancy
While you’re pregnant, you may experience aches and pains you would normally, as well as some new ones that came with the territory of carrying a baby. These pains may include:

  • Strained muscles
  • Back pain
  • Headache
  • Sore feet and or legs
  • Tender breasts
  • Cramping

These pains can be expected due to all the changes happening within your body. Pregnancy brings along with it major hormonal changes as well as weight gain, milk production and the expansion of the uterus — all of which can cause pain.

Remedies for Pain During Pregnancy
You’ll most likely experience some form of pain or another during your pregnancy. When that happens, you have several different options to help you cope:

  • Take a warm (not hot) bath
  • Use a heating pad
  • Massage the sore area gently
  • Perform gentle stretches or prenatal yoga
  • Get as much rest as possible
  • Take a low dose of acetaminophen, as directed by your physician, or another non-opioid painkiller

How can you prevent pain from occurring in the first place? Here are some ways to help you stay more comfortable during pregnancy:

  • Adhere to your prenatal vitamin regimen to prevent nutrient deficiency. Liquid versions are a good idea especially if you feel nauseous, as the nutrient absorption is much better. Organic whole-food supplements are generally more bio-available.
  • Drink plenty of water, since dehydration can lead to cramping and headaches.
  • Keep your weight gain within the recommended range for your height to avoid excess pressure on the joints and nerves.
  • Exercise regularly and in a way that is approved by your physician.
  • Always be mindful of your posture and avoid sudden movements that could strain you.

Knowing When to See a Doctor
While a certain measure of discomfort is to be expected, there are definite signs something more may be going on. If you experienced any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor immediately:

  • Bleeding
  • Sharp abdominal pain or contractions
  • Severe, persistent headache
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Severe vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Watery discharge (heavy)
  • Excessive swelling throughout the body
  • No movement from the fetus

It’s possible to treat pain safely and effectively while pregnant. Give these suggestions a try to help you stay active and well during your pregnancy, and be sure to remain in regular contact with your doctor about any discomfort you experience.