Top Pregnancy Pains and How to Soothe Them

Pregnancy is a very special, magical time, but it is far from easy on a woman. Starting with early pregnancy signs moving through the pregnancy weeks through the last trimester—all these pregnancy stages can throw a variety of obstacles your way. Always remember to take time for yourself and rest—growing a baby is hard work which you should be commended for! The following tips will help ease some of the most common pregnancy pains.

Morning Sickness

It is one of the earliest, and probably most famous, of all pregnancy symptoms, although it affects some women more than others, and, contrary to its name, can appear at any time of the day.

It is critical that you eat to provide your body and your unborn baby with the necessary nutrients, though it is very difficult when everything you consume seems to end up in the toilet. Eating regularly, though, can actually help morning sickness. Try eating plain crackers or dry cereal if you’re really feeling sick.

Make sure you get adequate rest and get out of bed slowly in the mornings. Avoid greasy foods or any smell that makes you nauseous (I’m sure you don’t have to be told to do that, though).

Drinking certain de-caffeinated teas, such as peppermint, can help settle your stomach.

Hold your pregnancy diet in high regard: eat small meals during the day with plenty of protein to keep your strength up, and take your prenatals daily—though you may want to do so earlier in the day if they make you more nauseous in the morning.

Muscle Aches and Pregnancy Cramps

Your body is going through rapid changes and has the daunting task of carrying around a growing baby 24/7: no wonder it’s so sore and crampy!

Invest in a good heating pad to ease your pregnancy pains. Use it every night or whenever the pain is at its worse.

Rest often and be careful to not overexert yourself.

Do a lot of easy, gentle stretches frequently.

Hot baths can do wonders for an achy body, as well as a massage from your partner.

Purchase some high-grade orthotics for your shoes to provide proper support for your legs.

Daily simple aerobic activity can help pregnancy cramps. Try to stretch your legs daily to keep them from cramping. Stand next to a wall and gently rest your toes on the wall as leverage for your stretch.

Swelling of Feet and Hands

When you’re pregnant it seems like everything gets bigger! While this is a huge annoyance, take comfort in the fact that it won’t last forever.

To keep your feet and hands as normal a size as possible, keep your feet elevated whenever you can.

Avoid crossing your legs, stretch frequently, and wear comfortable shoes. Take short walks to improve your circulation, and drink plenty of water—that will actually keep your body from retaining water.

Constipation/Hemorrhoids

Quite possibly one of the least enjoyable and most embarrassing aspects of pregnancy is constipation and hemorrhoids, which go hand in hand. Straining at the toilet often leads to or aggravates hemorrhoids, so it’s important to try to keep yourself as regular as possible. Drink lots of fluids and, if you’re having trouble going, talk to your doctor about taking a gentle laxative such as Miralax. If you do get hemorrhoids, keep them clean and always wear loose-fitting cotton underwear. Sitz baths and topical creams can help soothe them as well.

Loss of sleep

Between trying to get comfortable with a basketball-sized belly, frequent trips to the bathroom, and anxious thoughts about delivering your baby, it’s no wonder you’re not getting enough sleep! Adequate rest is important, though, so make getting enough shut-eye a top priority.

A body pillow is a pregnant women’s best friend—they align your spine perfectly and help you get as comfortable as possible. If you choose not to buy one, though, a pillow between your legs can also help align your spine.

Try to utilize certain aromatherapy products that promote relaxation, such as candles or oils. Vanilla and lavender are good scent choices that can help you doze off.

Avoid drinking liquids a couple of hours before bed to cut down on nighttime urination.

Consider starting a journal and write every night before bed to help clear your head. Write about your hopes for your new baby, your worries about labor, or anything else that is bothering you. Make an effort to go to bed with a clear head.

Hopefully with these tips in mind you can go through the stages of pregnancy as smoothly as possible. Even if you are having an especially difficult pregnancy, remember that these symptoms don’t last forever, and you have the best reward of all to look forward to: your new baby!