Aches and pains in pregnancy

 

MINOR AILMENTS IN PREGNANCY

 

 

Greetings everyone and here I am on the next chapter of my blog and it is about the Aches and pains in pregnancy

              

                       
Back Pain

Many pregnant women get back pain due to the weight of the baby, the uterus and the amniotic fluid, changes her posture, all this puts a strain on the woman’s bones and muscles. Too much standing in one place, or leaning forward, or hard physical work, can cause back pain. Most kinds of back pain are normal in pregnancy, but it could also be caused by a kidney infection.

                                

This type of back pain can be easily managed with following remedies:

A)  A warm cloth or hot water bottle on your back would make you comfortable                            

B)   Pregnant woman’s family can also help by doing some of the heavy work, such as carrying small children, washing clothes, and other chores

If still no relief then definitely consult to know the other causes and prompt treatment for the same

 

 Joint pains

Hormones in the third trimester (six to nine months of pregnancy) act on the woman’s joints so they get softer and looser. This makes her joints more flexible, including the joints between the bones in her pelvis, this all happens to prepare you for vaginal birth. Sometimes pregnant woman’s joints get too loose and uncomfortable, especially the hips, and she may develop an unstable pelvis, which produces pain.

                                               

Joint pain is not dangerous, but the woman can more easily sprain her ankles or other joints and hence you need to walk slowly with small steps and try wearing flat sandals or shoes with soft soles.

 

 Leg cramps

Many pregnant women get foot or leg cramps (sharp sudden pain and tightening of a muscle). These cramps especially come at night, or when women stretch and point their toes.

To stop the cramp, flex the foot (point it upward) and then gently stroke the leg to help it relax (do not stroke hard).          

To prevent more cramps, a woman should not point her toes (even when stretching), and she should eat more foods high in calcium and potassium, which    can help. (You would get to know about good nutrition in pregnancy in my further blogs) 

    

Sudden pain in the lower side of belly in last trimester

The uterus is held in place ‘suspended’ by ligaments on each side. Ligaments are like ropes that attach the uterus to the mother’s abdomen. A sudden movement will sometimes cause a sharp pain in these ligaments. This is not dangerous. The pain will usually stop in a few minutes. It may help to stroke the belly gently, or to put a warm cloth on it. Please note: if this pain continues to occur at frequent intervals then please consult it could be labour pain as well.

                 

Abdominal cramps in early pregnancy

It could be an alarming sign, that you have an ectopic pregnancy implanted in a fallopian tube, or she may be having a miscarriage, then should get medical help immediately.  

                                         

                                                                                                                                              

It is normal to have mild abdominal cramps (like mild monthly bleeding cramps) at times during the first trimester of pregnancy. These cramps happen because the uterus is growing. However, cramps that are regular (come and go in a pattern), or constant, or are very strong or painful, or come with spotting or bleeding from the vagina, these could be warning signs of miscarriage.

 

 Headaches and Migraines 

Headaches are common in pregnancy, but are usually harmless. Headaches may stop if you rest and relax more, drinks more juice or water, or gently massages your temples.

It is OK for a pregnant woman to take two paracetamol tablets with a glass of water once in a while.

However, headaches late in pregnancy may be a warning sign of pre-eclampsia, especially if there is also high blood pressure, or swelling of the face or hands. (Please consult immediately and seek medical help)

Some women have pre existing migraine headaches. These are strong headaches, often on the side of the head. The woman may see spots and feel nauseated. Bright light or sunshine can make them worse. Migraines may get worse in pregnancy.

It is better for a pregnant woman with a migraine to take 500 to 1,000 mg (milligrams) of paracetamol with a glass of water, and rest in a dark room. Although coffee and black tea are usually not healthy in pregnancy, they are OK occasionally, and they may help to cure migraine.      

                                       

P.S. This information is for you all to get well informed about changes in your body during pregnancy, always feel free to consult whenever in doubt

 

Not every day of pregnancy is easy, but every day brings you closer to your baby!!!