Pregnancy Pains

Even before a woman becomes pregnant, she's probably already aware of the well-known discomforts that plague expectant mothers - things like morning sickness, frequent bathroom breaks and false labor pains. But pregnant women often suffer from a number of other aches and pains. These common pregnancy pains, while certainly bothersome, are generally not serious and shouldn't be cause for great concern - unless they become severe or persistent, in which case the woman should notify her health care provider right away.

Pregnancy Pains - Backache

Upper and/or lower back pain is an especially common complaint of pregnant women. Between the added pounds of pregnancy weight and the resulting shift in body balance and posture, it's no wonder pregnant women often find their backs out of whack. A person's back is supported by the abdominal muscles, but during pregnancy those muscles are called upon to hold up an ever-expanding front. Also, certain pregnancy-related hormones cause the body's ligaments to soften (in preparation for delivery), and those ligaments then become painfully strained from the added weight of the growing baby.

To temporarily relieve back pain, use a heating pad. Taking a warm bath might also help, unless it's too uncomfortable to get in and out of the tub. Pregnant women should stay off their feet whenever possible, and their feet should be elevated while sitting. Sitting in hard-backed chairs will offer good support, and place a pillow behind the lower back for comfort. Pregnant women suffering from back pain should sleep on their sides with a pillow between their legs. Comfortable shoes with low, wide heels (not flats, and certainly not high heels) should be worn. If a backache is accompanied by cramping that doesn't subside in about an hour, contact a health care provider to make sure this isn't a symptom of premature labor.

Pregnancy Pains - Leg Cramps

Painful leg cramps can be brought on when pressure from the expanding uterus along with hormone-related changes during pregnancy result in extra blood and water in the veins. Foods and beverages with high levels of calcium and potassium (e.g., milk, cheese, bananas) might help keep cramps away. If a health care provider says it's okay, take a calcium pill at night.

Leg cramps often happen at night or first thing in the morning. Stretching or massaging the legs before bedtime may help prevent cramps, as will keeping the legs elevated at every opportunity. Wearing support hose can also provide effective relief, along with daily exercise. Keep a heating pad near the bed to use when painful leg cramps begin. Try to gently flex the ankle and toes and then straighten the leg, in order to stretch the cramped muscle, and massage the leg.

Pregnancy Pains - Swelling

In addition to leg cramps, pressure from the uterus on blood vessels often causes uncomfortable swelling, typically around the ankles and feet. This is because the pressure on veins and arteries results in blood pooling in the lower extremities. Swelling, which is also called edema, occurs most frequently during the third trimester. During this time it's not unusual for varicose veins to develop as well.

Sitting and sleeping with elevated feet is one way to relieve swelling. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of fluids a day (this liquid will pass through the system via urination), and avoid salty foods (they can cause even more fluid retention). Wear loose clothing and comfortable, low-heeled shoes. If a woman is pregnant during the summer, she should try to stay in air-conditioned environments. A cool bath, even if just for the feet, might also do the trick. If swelling spreads to the hands or face, get in touch with a health care provider immediately, as this could be a symptom of preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension, or high blood pressure), a potentially dangerous complication.

Pregnancy Pains - Insomnia

In the later weeks of pregnancy, finding a comfortable position in bed and falling asleep often becomes difficult, which can be emotionally painful and physically distressing. Pregnant women should not take sleep medication of any kind. Instead, before getting ready for bed, drink a glass of warm milk (dairy foods contain an amino acid that the body converts to melatonin and serotonin, which are believed to induce sleep). A warm, relaxing bath is also worth a try, as are meditation and deep breathing exercises. Once in bed, a pregnant woman struggling with insomnia should sleep on her side and, in addition to a pillow under her head, put one pillow behind her back, another under her abdomen and one more between her knees.

Pregnancy Pains - Heartburn

Pregnant women are inclined to get heartburn because the growing uterus pushes against the stomach, causing some stomach acid, which would normally make its way down through the digestive system, to move back up the esophagus. Additionally, hormone levels change during pregnancy, and women's digestive systems work more slowly, which can also bring on heartburn.

By eating several small meals during the day instead of three large ones -and eating slowly and chewing thoroughly - pregnant women might be able to avoid indigestion. Don't eat rich or spicy or fatty foods that are harder to digest. Don't lie down after eating, avoid eating shortly before bedtime, and use extra pillows or a headrest to elevate the head and shoulders during the night. Check with a health care provider for approval before using over-the-counter heartburn relievers.

Pregnancy Pains - Constipation

Pregnant women can be stricken with constipation at any stage of their pregnancy, but it typically becomes a problem in the later weeks, as the expanded uterus puts increasing pressure on the rectum and also constricts the space the body's intestines has to function effectively. Pregnant women should drink warm liquids (herbal tea is a good choice) plus at least 6-8 glasses of water a day; prune juice is recommended as well. A high-fiber diet should be followed, with plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Laxatives and stool softeners, if approved by a health care provider, should help avoid straining during bowel movements, which could cause hemorrhoids (another common pregnancy complaint).

More Helpful Resources

Pregnancy Calendar - Find out what is going on with your baby during your pregnancy and what changes to expect in mom during pregnancy.

Baby Names - search by boy, girl, or origin. Submit your own names, or make a poll.