When you are pregnant, your body is adjusting to the growth of your baby.
Pregnancy can cause several different aches and pains.
All of these are normal and just part of being pregnant.
It’s important to know what to expect so that you aren’t caught off guard.
Leg Cramps
It’s not known why pregnant women experience leg cramps, but it could be because of the pressure of the uterus putting weight on the nerves of the legs.
These cramps usually start in around the second trimester and can last until delivery.
Headaches
During the first trimester, it is common to have a headache on both sides of your head.
These are known as tension headaches and are thought to be caused by all the body’s excess hormones.
If you are in your second or third trimester and have a severe headache, you should see your doctor to rule out any issues.
Lower Back Pain
As your body goes through the hormonal changes of pregnancy and your uterus grows, you can expect to have some back pain.
This can start as soon as the first trimester.
Pelvic Pain
The experience of pelvic pain in pregnancy is often caused by the weight of the uterus pressing down on nerves and muscles.
The pain can be moderate to severe and travel down into the buttocks and upper legs.
Symptoms of pelvic pain in pregnancy include feeling pain in your pelvic area and feeling sore in that area.
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
When you are pregnant, extra fluid and swelling around your wrists can cause numbness and tingling in both your wrists and hands.
This is what is known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Round Ligament Pain
When you have a sharp pain that is stabbing, and then you have a dull ache in your lower belly and groin, this is known as round ligament pain.
Round ligament pain usually presents itself within the second trimester.
It generally goes away with rest and is not harmful.
How to Treat the Pain and Discomfort of Pregnancy
You can do several things to help manage these aches and pains while you are pregnant.
- Rest. One of the most important things that you can do while pregnant is to get enough rest. If you do not get enough rest, it can cause you to be in more pain. Take frequent breaks and if you are doing something and feel any pains starting, sit down and rest.
- Pain relievers. Speak with your doctor about over the counter pain relievers that are safe during pregnancy. Acetaminophen is generally safe in pregnancy when taken in small amounts.
- Heat pads. If you have aches and pains in your back, you can use a heating pad to alleviate the pain. Be sure that you do not set it on too high of a setting, though. You do not want your body to overheat.
- Massage. Massage can help with various aches and pains. Consider going for a professional massage or having your partner massage the area that is hurting for you.
- Stretching. Stretching and doing things like yoga can help to alleviate pain.
Pregnancy is terrific because you bring a life into this world, but you need to be prepared to have some aches and pains along the way.
Try some of the tips listed above to experience relief, and remember, if your aches and pains are severe, to see your doctor as quickly as possible.