Posts Tagged pain during pregnancy
Pregnancy Pillows: What They Are & How To Use Them
Posted by in Pregnancy on November 16th, 2009
The term pregnancy pillow can be used to describe a number of shapes and styles of pillows or sponge-like supports used by pregnant women during their pregnancy. They are even referred to as maternity pillows in some cases.
They can be as simple as a spongy wedge or a sausage shaped tube pillow as long as one’s body, or shaped like an “L,” “C,” or even “J,” depending on individual circumstances and preferences. But whichever type of pregnancy pillow a mother-to-be selects, a pregnancy pillow is a great tool for making it easier to adjust to one’s changing body during this exciting time.
Pregnancy pillows help you sleep on your side during pregnancy
During pregnancy, sleeping on one’s stomach becomes impossible, and sleeping on one’s back is generally not recommended for the health of the baby, as it can restrict oxygen flow and create other potential problems. Sleeping on the left side is the suggested position by most doctors.
A few notes to be aware of:
* This may be a new position for a mother-to-be, and a pregnancy pillow can help the woman in place while she sleeps by serving as a gentle barrier around her body.
* Sleeping on one’s side can be painful to the hips and pelvis, especially if this is a new sleeping position. Pregnancy pillows provide support to the back, legs, and abdomen in a way that relieves this pressure and makes sleeping on one’s side as comfortable as possible.
Pregnancy pillows help relieve aches and pains
Many women suffer from a range of aches and pains during pregnancy as their body adjusts to the changes and additional weight. Unfortunately many of these issues seem worse at night which may prevent women from getting the rest they need during pregnancy.
* Pregnancy pillows are a great way to relieve back pain. Many women suffer from back pain during pregnancy as a result of the 25 to 55 pound weight gain; pregnancy pillows offer a comfortable position that allows those tense back muscles to relax, alleviating the pain immediately and lessening future pain.
* Muscle aches and pains are also common in areas other than the back, as the growing baby puts more pressure on the mother’s organs and the additional weight strains her joints. Sleeping on a pregnancy pillow or even relaxing with one when watching television or reading can relieve the pressure felt by the body and ease the pain.
Learn more about Pregnancy pillows and how they can make sleeping easier and more comfortable during your pregnancy. You can also shop maternity pillows by visiting our website at LunaLullaby.com.
Article Source: Pregnancy Pillows: What They Are & How To Use Them
Ease Upper Back Pain during Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 8th, 2009
While lower back pain is by far the most common for pregnant women, other areas of the back may experience it as well. Upper back pain during pregnancy normally occurs during the third trimester, at which point the body has undergone the most extreme changes it can in preparation for childbirth. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ease upper back pain, and make the last weeks of your pregnancy as easy and pleasant as possible. After all, you want to be able to focus all of your energy on the baby that is nearly here, and don’t want to be distracted with unnecessary pain.
Upper back pain during pregnancy occurs late in the pregnancy because as the uterus expands to its maximum size, it places pressure on your ribs, especially on the right side. Your uterus will stretch up as well as outward, so you may find it harder to breathe as pressure is put on your diaphragm. You may find you have pain in your shoulders, because pressure is being put on nerves in the diaphragm which go up into the shoulders. These pains can be quite sharp, and may sometimes be accompanied by heartburn because of pressure being put on the stomach.
Many women’s breasts also enlarge substantially during pregnancy, and the extra weight can pull your shoulders down, creating strain on your neck, upper back and ribs. In addition, your body will be undergoing some major hormonal changes as the body prepares for delivery, so muscles and ligaments are relaxed and loosened. Your ribcage will expand as part of this process, so your lungs can take in extra air. Even though you may sometimes find it hard to breathe, you are actually taking in about 40 percent more oxygen than you did before your pregnancy. This is all meant to prepare you for the rigors of childbirth.
One thing you can do to ease upper back pain is to buy a more supportive bra. Look for a good nursing bra without underwires. The better your breasts are supported, the less likely they are to cause strain on your neck and upper back. Try to wear comfortable loose clothing so you can breathe and move freely.
When experiencing upper back pain during pregnancy, you can alleviate some of it by practicing some stretches. Start by holding your arms over your head to take pressure up and away from your ribs. Do chest stretches in the doorway. These are especially good for your shoulders by rotating them up and back, and lifting the ribs away from the uterus.
You can also ease upper back pain by practicing prenatal yoga, and generally focusing on stretches that pull your ribs away from the uterus. A visit to a massage therapist or chiropractor might also be beneficial.
Upper back pain during pregnancy is a reality for many women, but if you practice good posture and the correct stretches, you should feel much better. If you ease upper back pain, your last weeks of pregnancy should go very smoothly.
You can find helpful information about upper back pain during pregnancy and everything you need to know about ease upper back pain at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Ease Upper Back Pain during Pregnancy
Treatment for Middle Back Pain during Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 7th, 2009
Middle back pain during pregnancy is something that many women have come to accept as normal. Though not quite as common as lower back pain, it still afflicts a large number of women, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Fortunately, there are some options for treatment for middle back pain. Middle back pain during pregnancy occurs primarily as the stomach expands and the growing baby inside starts pushing against the ribs. This pressure alone can be quite painful, but it is usually accompanied by some other problems. The uterus expands not just out, but up, so pressure is put on the diaphragm, making it difficult to breathe at times. In addition, the pressure can pinch the nerves in the diaphragm, sending shooting pains into your shoulders.
During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin. This is generated specifically to prepare your body for childbirth. Muscles and ligaments are loosened and relaxed, and your ribs are allowed to expand outward. This alone can cause pain and discomfort. However, as with any other type of back pain, there are some simple ways to prevent it, and provide relief once you have it.
The best treatment for middle back pain is to perform stretches regularly. These have the effect of lifting the ribs away from the uterus, providing at least momentary relief from the pressure. Consider practicing prenatal yoga, as that comprises stretches that are specially designed for the challenges pregnant women face.
Middle back pain during pregnancy can also be treated with some alternative measures. You might consider visiting an acupuncturist. They are trained to use the body’s pressure points to help alleviate pain. An acupuncturist in general can do all kinds of things to make your pregnancy easier. The same is true of a chiropractor. A chiropractic adjustment, or series of adjustments, can help relax the muscles that get tightened due to misalignments, thereby eliminating a great deal of pain and tension.
As with any other type of back pain, one of the best things you can do to eliminate middle back pain during pregnancy is to practice good posture. While walking, make sure your shoulders are back and your head is lifted. Be very conscious of how your stomach tends to pull you forward, and don’t give in to the urge to arch your back. It may seem like the right thing to do at the time, but it will just create a whole host of other problems in the future.
Middle back pain during pregnancy is unpleasant to deal with, especially if you are already experiencing problems with the rest of your back. But keep in mind that the best treatment for middle back pain is basically the same as it is for any other kind of back pain. Keep an eye on your posture, and do plenty of stretches to keep pressure off your ribs and other painful areas. If all else fails, look into treatment by a reputable acupuncturist or chiropractor. You might be surprised at how much better you’ll feel after just a few treatments.
You can find helpful information about middle back pain during pregnancy and everything you need to know about treatment for middle back pain at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Treatment for Middle Back Pain during Pregnancy
Using Acupuncture for Back Pain during Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 5th, 2009
Coping with back pain is a reality for the majority of pregnant women. While the pain is common, many common remedies cannot be used to treat it, since an expecting mother does not want to expose her unborn child to the possible ill effects of analgesics and anti-inflammatories. So it remains up to the mother to seek out less conventional methods of treatment.
Though it is not traditional in the west, the Chinese have been using acupuncture for back pain during pregnancy for thousands of years.
Acupuncture as it is practiced today is a safe and cost-effective way for pregnant women who are coping with back pain to find some relief. It is important to find a well-trained practitioner however, because there are some acupuncture points that are forbidden during the nine months of pregnancy. These are the points that move strong Qi energy through the pelvis, and can actually be stimulated to cause an abortion.
Acupuncture is recommended once a month to help stimulate the mother’s general health and to work on areas that need help or improvement. Points are stimulated to help the mother feel relaxed and less anxious, and to minimize the transmission of toxins from mother to baby. This is meant to make the baby stronger and more resistant to disease. During the last month of the pregnancy, it is recommended that the mother be treated on a weekly basis.
Acupuncture for back pain during pregnancy can easily be done on its own, or as part of a more holistic program. Frequently, a mother will visit an acupuncturist to be treated for a number of pregnancy-related conditions. These include fatigue, morning sickness and edema. Acupuncture can also help mothers who are coping with back pain to relax and minimize the stress they are feeling that contributes to tension and pain.
If done on its own, acupuncture for back pain during pregnancy can be performed up to twice a week, if that is needed to alleviate symptoms. If pain is acute, it can usually be dealt with over just a few sessions, but more generalized pain may take longer to treat. A good acupuncturist will understand that an expectant mother coping with back pain may need to be treated on several fronts, since back pain is so frequently tied in with stress and tension.
Another way in which acupuncture for back pain during pregnancy is used, is by correcting posture. This can be accomplished over a longer series of treatments, in which various points throughout the body are gradually brought into alignment. Since many back problems during pregnancy are tied to incorrect posture due to changes in a woman’s center of gravity, correcting these imbalances can prove extremely beneficial.
Even though it is unfamiliar to many westerners, acupuncture has been used effectively for many thousands of years by the Chinese. In particular, it is useful for pregnant women who are unable to use traditional medications that would normally be helpful in reducing pain. Acupuncture accomplishes this completely naturally.
You can find helpful information about acupuncture for back pain during pregnancy and everything you need to know about coping with back pain at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Using Acupuncture for Back Pain during Pregnancy
Ease Lower Back Pain during Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 5th, 2009
During pregnancy, your body undergoes a great many changes. A great many of these will seem strange and uncomfortable, but it’s important to realize that almost all women going through pregnancy are experiencing the very same changes. Some of these changes can cause pain and discomfort, but if you are aware of and prepared for them, you can do a lot to minimize that pain and discomfort.
A large majority of women will experience lower back pain during pregnancy. It simply makes sense that as your body weight increases and center of gravity shifts, your back will feel at least some strain. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to ease lower back pain, making your whole pregnancy a much more pleasant experience.
One of the best and most effective things you can do to ease lower back pain are exercises that are geared toward strengthening your core muscle groups. These muscles, primarily in your lower back and abdomen can take a great deal of strain off of your back when properly conditioned. Unfortunately, many people do not use these muscles enough and they become soft and unsupportive. Ask your doctor for some easy and safe exercises that will build up these core muscles and help prevent lower back pain during pregnancy.
While pregnant, keep in mind that you should avoid any physically demanding work, if at all possible. In addition, be careful of what you lift and carry. Try to avoid carrying anything very heavy, including children.
Another important factor in preventing lower back pain during pregnancy is to be mindful of your posture. One of the biggest problems pregnant women face is the shifting of weight forward by their growing belly. As the weight shifts, it seems natural to compensate, so many women lean back too far, and arch their back, creating strain and eventual pain. To ease lower back pain, concentrate on keeping correct posture even before your body starts to change perceptibly. That way, it will be easier to maintain, even as your center of gravity gradually shifts forward.
While walking, make sure your shoulders are back, and your hips are basically aligned over your feet. Avoid standing if possible, but if you can’t, then try to shift weight from one foot to the other fairly frequently. When sitting, make sure your lower back is supported, using a pillow if necessary, and that both feet are firmly planted on the floor. Sleep on your side, with a pillow between your knees for additional support.
Lower back pain during pregnancy is extremely common, but you may not need to suffer from it if you’re prepared. Doing core strengthening exercises, and keeping your posture correct will do much to ease lower back pain Do your best to avoid activities that can exacerbate it, like lifting and carrying heavy objects, or standing for extended periods of time. If you do all of these things consistently, chances are that lower back pain won’t trouble you very much.
You can find helpful information about lower back pain during pregnancy and everything you need to know about ease lower back pain at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Ease Lower Back Pain during Pregnancy
Tips to Prevent Back Pain during Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 5th, 2009
Back pain and pregnancy unfortunately seem to go hand in hand for a majority of pregnant women. While it can vary in its intensity, most will find it uncomfortable enough to wonder what can be done to prevent it. Fortunately, there are quite a few things that can help you get a healthier back. You will find some tips to prevent back pain below.
Back pain and pregnancy can be positively impacted by adjusting your posture. Even normally, incorrect posture can create problems, but these are magnified when you are pregnant. As your belly grows, it pulls your center of gravity forward, and your lower back attempts to compensate by arching more and more. This places pressure on the vertebrae and discs of your lower spine, and causes pain. You can improve your posture simply by being mindful of it while walking, and making sure your lower back is supported while seated, and your feet are flat on the floor. Try to avoid standing for long periods, but if you must, try to rest one foot up on a box or stool to take the strain off of your lower pelvis.
Adjusting your sleeping position can also help alleviate back pain. Be sure to sleep on your side, with your knees drawn up a bit. Place a pillow between them to reduce pressure on the back. If you can, try to get a medium-firm mattress that provides support without changing the natural curve of your body.
Other tips to prevent back pain involve exercise. Your back usually hurts because your core muscles meant to support it are too weak. If you strengthen them, you can greatly reduce incidences of pain. Exercises like squats and rows help strengthen key lower back and abdominal muscles, taking pressure off of your spine. You don’t need to do a lot just a few done consistently will bring results.
Useful tips to prevent back pain include making changes to your bending and lifting techniques. When bending over, always keep your back straight, and bend your knees instead. When lifting, make sure your legs are doing all the work, and keep any objects you are lifting as close to your body as possible. If anything seems too heavy, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Back pain and pregnancy can occur for other reasons as well. Sometimes the shoes you wear are not optimal for supporting your weight properly. Try using heel inserts to take pressure off of your back and absorb shock. Also try to avoid wearing high heels while pregnant. You can also make sure you are seated correctly while driving. Make sure your knees are higher than your hips, and that your elbows are comfortably bent while holding the wheel.
While back pain and pregnancy often seem to go together, the back pain is not inevitable. If you follow the tips to prevent back pain listed above, chances are you may not experience it at all, and if you do, it will be fairly minor.
You can find helpful information about tips to prevent back pain and everything you need to know about back pain and pregnancy at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Tips to Prevent Back Pain during Pregnancy
Remedies for Back Pain during Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 5th, 2009
Back problems during pregnancy are so common, that many women just assume they are inevitable, and they will just have to put up with them until the baby is born. It doesn’t have to be this way, however. There are a number of simple remedies for back pain, and none of them require money, or even leaving home. If you understand what causes the pain, and do just a few things diligently, you might be able to completely eliminate back problems during pregnancy.
Unlike the rest of the population, pregnant women do not have the luxury of taking any analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs that can relieve the pain while they are pregnant. You will have to stick with entirely natural remedies for back pain. You need to keep in mind that anything you ingest can be passed on to your baby. Fortunately, all of the tips below are easy to do, and may be beneficial to you even after the pregnancy. Many women continue to experience some pain form carrying around the baby, especially as it gets heavier. A strong back is a bonus in just about any situation!
One of the main things that causes back problems during pregnancy is incorrect posture. Your growing belly will cause your center of gravity to shift forward, making your back arch, and putting strain on your spine. Since this becomes a bigger problem as the pregnancy progresses, focus on your posture while your tummy is still small. If you stand and walk correctly then, you will build good habits and strengthen the muscles that will help your posture improve when you get bigger.
Also keep in mind that hormonal changes can cause softening of tissues in your pelvic area, in preparation for the birth, and this can make standing and walking somewhat painful. From the start of your pregnancy, try to walk with your shoulders back, and try to avoid arching your back, even as your weight shifts forward. Try to avoid standing for long periods as well. Standing is an activity that often causes the most back problems during pregnancy.
Avoid sleeping on your back, as this puts greater strain on the spine. Sleep on your side, on a medium-firm mattress, with your knees drawn up toward your chest. Place a pillow between your knees to take additional pressure off your back.
One of the best remedies for back pain is quite simply, exercise. Back pain is often caused by weakness of the core muscle groups, and those can easily be strengthened with a few simple exercises performed daily. Your core muscles support your lower back and abdomen, and will take much pressure off of your back.
Back problems during pregnancy may be common, but they aren’t inevitability. If you pay attention to your posture, and make sure your core muscles are strong, there is a very good chance that you will be able to avoid it altogether. The sooner in your pregnancy that you can start, the better!
You can find helpful information about back problems during pregnancy and everything you need to know about remedies for back pain at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Remedies for Back Pain during Pregnancy
