10 pains that pregnant women need to know how to handle
Contents
Table Of Contents
Introduction
Pregnancy brings many changes to your body, and some of them cause aches and pains. Knowing how to ease them safely, and when to call your provider, helps you feel more in control.
Most pregnancy aches are harmless. They come from hormone changes, a growing uterus and extra weight. A few can be signs of problems such as preeclampsia or preterm labor, so it pays to know the warning signs.
Aches and pains are common during pregnancy
Here are common aches, how to ease them, and when to see a doctor.
Abdominal pain
Mild belly pain is common during pregnancy. It can come from gas, constipation, heartburn or the uterus growing. Some women feel mild cramping in early pregnancy.
Round ligament pain, a sharp pulling pain in the lower belly or groin, is common, often between 18 and 24 weeks.
Braxton Hicks ("practice") contractions can start in the second trimester and become more noticeable near the end of pregnancy. Real labor brings regular contractions that get stronger and closer together.
Treatment
For mild aches, move slowly and change positions gently. Rest, drink plenty of water, and try a warm (not hot) bath or a short walk to ease gas. A maternity support belt may help round ligament pain.
When should you see a doctor?
According to MedlinePlus, see your provider right away for constant or severe belly pain, possible contractions before 37 weeks, or pain with bleeding or fever.
Back pain
Back pain is very common in pregnancy. It is caused by weight gain, a shift in posture, hormones that loosen the ligaments, and the stretching of the belly muscles. Stress can make it feel worse.
Treatment
Keep good posture when sitting and standing, wear low-heeled shoes, and bend your knees when you lift. Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees.
Gentle exercise such as walking, swimming or prenatal yoga helps. Heat or cold on the sore area and massage from a therapist who knows you're pregnant can also ease pain. Some women find acupuncture helpful.
When should you see a doctor?
Call your provider if back pain comes with fever, burning when you pee, vaginal bleeding, or numbness in your legs or around your genitals. Also call if the pain is severe or getting worse.
Vaginal pain
Pressure or aching in the vagina and pelvis is common. It can come from the growing uterus, extra blood flow to the pelvis and loosened pelvic joints. Constipation, which is common because of pregnancy hormones and iron supplements, can add to it.
Treatment
To ease constipation, eat plenty of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and chia seeds, and drink plenty of water. Ask your doctor about stool softeners that are safe in pregnancy. Pelvic floor exercises may also help.
A warm bath and a maternity support belt can take some pressure off your pelvis, hips and lower back.
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor right away for vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking, severe pelvic pain that makes it hard to move, a severe headache, dizziness, sudden swelling, fever or chills.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Numbness, tingling and pain in the hands and wrists are common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. In pregnancy, fluid buildup presses on a nerve in the wrist. It is most common in the second and third trimesters and usually goes away after birth, though not always right away.
Treatment
To ease pain and numbness, you can try the following:
- Wear a wrist splint or brace, especially at night.
- Avoid activities that bend your wrist for long periods, and take breaks to shake out and stretch your hands.
- Apply a cold compress to the wrist.
When should you see a doctor?
Tell your provider if the pain or numbness is severe, lasts, or makes it hard to grip objects. Your provider should also check any weakness in your hands.
Headache
Headaches are common in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Hormone changes are a main cause. Tiredness, stress, dehydration and caffeine withdrawal can also trigger them.
Treatment
Try cold compresses, a head or neck massage, drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough sleep, regular meals and relaxation.
Ask your provider before taking any painkiller. The NHS says paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the first choice in pregnancy, at the lowest dose for the shortest time, and advises avoiding ibuprofen and codeine unless a doctor prescribes them.
When should you see a doctor?
Some headaches signal a serious problem. Call your provider right away for a severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain just below the ribs, vomiting, or sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet. These can be signs of preeclampsia, which usually starts after 20 weeks.
Cramp in leg
Leg cramps are sudden, painful muscle tightening, usually in the calf. They are common in the last months of pregnancy. The exact cause is not clear.
Treatment
When a cramp hits, straighten your leg and gently flex your foot toward you, or stand and walk around. Stretching your calves before bed can help prevent cramps. Ask your doctor before taking any supplement, such as magnesium.
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor if cramps are frequent or severe. Call right away if one leg is painful, swollen, warm or red, because that can be a sign of a blood clot.
Sciatica pain
Sciatica is sharp or burning pain that runs from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg. In pregnancy, true sciatica is less common than pelvic girdle pain, which can feel similar. Loosened joints and the baby's weight can strain the lower back and pelvis.
Treatment
Try massage from a licensed therapist who works with pregnant clients, warm baths, heating pads on the sore area, gentle stretching and swimming. A physical therapist can show you safe exercises.
When should you see a doctor?
Mention leg or buttock pain at your next visit. Call right away if you have leg weakness, numbness in the groin, or trouble controlling your bladder or bowels.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids (piles) are common in pregnancy. The growing uterus presses on veins in the pelvis, and pregnancy hormones relax the vein walls. Constipation and straining make them worse.
Treatment
- Prevent constipation. It is the most important step.
- Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of high-fiber foods every day.
- Don't strain on the toilet, and avoid sitting or standing for long periods.
- Soak in a few inches of warm water (a sitz bath) to ease itching and pain.
- Hold a cloth wrung out in ice water gently against the area, and pat rather than rub when cleaning. Witch hazel pads may soothe swelling.
- Ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using any hemorrhoid cream or medicine.
Hemorrhoids often improve after birth. Procedures or surgery are rarely needed during pregnancy.
When should you see a doctor?
Tell your doctor if you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, or bleeding that doesn't stop.
Rib pain
Rib pain is common in the third trimester. The growing baby pushes the uterus up against the ribs, and kicks can add to the soreness.
Treatment
Many women feel some relief near the end of pregnancy, when the baby drops lower into the pelvis. Until then, wear loose clothing, sit up straight, use pillows for support in bed, and try gentle stretches or prenatal yoga.
When should you see a doctor?
Call your provider if rib pain is severe or getting worse, especially pain under the right ribs, which can be a sign of preeclampsia.
Sore breasts
Breast tenderness is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy and can last through all three trimesters. It is caused by hormone changes as the breasts prepare to make milk.
Treatment
This is normal and there's no way to make it disappear completely. A supportive, well-fitted bra, including a soft one at night, can help.
When should you see a doctor?
See your doctor if you have intense breast pain with redness, warmth, a lump or a rash.
Most aches in pregnancy are normal. Knowing the warning signs that need medical care helps you act fast when something isn't right. If you're worried about any pain, talk to your provider.
Sources
- Aches and pains during pregnancy, MedlinePlus
- Headaches in pregnancy, NHS
- Piles in pregnancy, NHS
- Back pain in pregnancy, NHS
