Pregnancy is one of the few moments in life that can be wonderful and painful at the same time. The impressive changes in your body may reinforce how magical pregnancy is but there are also many moments when this time isn’t a picnic. Pregnant women experience a number of various pains that are actually normal. Let’s tale a look at them:
1. Leg pain
Leg pain often occurs in pregnant women due to different factors. For instance, compression of certain nerves in your legs, an increase in your weight, swelling, and varicose veins can provoke leg discomfort and pain. Fortunately, you can try some remedies for this issue. In addition to compression stockings, you can lie down and put your feet up. This improves blood circulation. Roll your feet around and flex them. Swimming can also be helpful as it takes off any pressure and makes your legs feel better.
2. Lower back pain
Pregnancy always causes changes in your spinal curvature. Weight gain can provoke muscle spasms and back pain. Luckily, you can do some things that will help you relieve back soreness during pregnancy:
- Use a maternity support belt. Actually, extra support is a good option. Wearing a maternity support belt may help encourage proper posture, lower the risk of falls, and reduce some pregnancy aches and pains.
- Improve your posture. Try to stand up straight and tall with your shoulders back and relaxed. If this helps, take a wider stance when standing so you feel more stable.
- Apply heat or cold and get a massage. Applying heat or cold on your lower back can relieve the lower back pain as well as a proper and gentle massage.
- Learn to sleep right. Use pregnancy or support pillows that rest between your bent knees, under your belly, or behind your back, and remember that sleeping on your back during pregnancy can bring back pain.
3. Abdominal pain
Many pregnant women experience pains caused by the digestive system. This is due to the fact that high progesterone levels relax smooth muscles like your intestines. It means that food doesn’t pass through the digestive system as quickly as usual. Additionally, a lot of prenatal vitamin supplements contain iron that actually causes heartburn and upset stomach.
Constipation can be normal, but you should definitely consult your doctor after a certain point. Drink more water, eat more fiber-rich foods, and use stool softeners, (they are typically safe during pregnancy) but you should always check in with your health care provider if you’re not sure about using any of these remedies while you’re pregnant.
4. Round ligament pain
Ligaments are cords in your body that connect some structures to other structures. Round ligaments are connections between your uterus and your groin. Ligaments contain collagen and elastic fibers and therefore they can soften and stretch a bit. This offers some support for your enlarged uterus during pregnancy. Your round ligaments get stretched as your uterus expands, therefore women can feel a pulling sensation around the hip bones. Round ligament pain may also occur if the ligaments spasm.
Round ligament pain can worsen at certain times, for instance, in the morning or when you’re moving quickly or intensely. To get rid of round ligament pain, wear a pregnancy support belt, apply heat to the aching areas, take a warm bath, avoid quick or repetitive movement whenever possible, and try pain reliever like acetaminophen.
5. Breast pain
Breast pain can occur when fluctuating hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Increased blood flow makes your breast tissue much more tender than usual and your breasts swell and prepare to make milk. To relieve breast pain doctors recommend taking a warm bath and a pain reliever. Also, wear a bra that provides sufficient support.
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