6 Safe Remedies For Pain And Discomfort During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a life event that should be enjoyed. But the pain and discomfort caused by pregnancy are certainly obstacles to overcome.

We have compiled this list of safe (non-medication related) remedies for pain and discomfort during pregnancy. We know that somewhere down the line, all every pregnant mom wants is comfort and ease.

Massage Therapy

Number one on our list is massage therapy, which can help with both chronic and acute problems arising during pregnancy. The best-suited massage for pregnant women is the prenatal massage. 

Often a mom’s natural pregnancy glow can be dimmed by pain, swelling, stress, and insomnia. A gentle prenatal massage has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and allow for a better quality of sleep. 

Experts use their healing hands to stimulate your soft tissues, disperse fluid build-up, and stimulate your lymphatic system. This allows for less back pain, sciatica healing, and recharge of lost energy.

It is also worth mentioning that regular massage therapy can reduce labor pain during childbirth, regulate your hormones, and even work wonders for better fetal positioning!

Acupuncture

In addition to lower back and body pain, other uncomfortable issues may occur during pregnancy. Acupuncture can relieve symptoms such as gastrointestinal problems, sciatica, breathlessness, and headaches.

Trained professionals insert needles into your body in problematic areas. Muscles are relaxed around the needle, which induces better blood flow and releases tension.

Acupuncture also stimulates the body’s connection with the brain. Natural painkillers (endorphins and enkephalins) in the brain are stimulated. Mood regulators (serotonin and norepinephrine), also stimulated in the brain, help with balancing your stress, hormones, and potential depression levels.

Chiropractic Treatment

You’re probably all too familiar with musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy. You can feel it in your bones! And in your muscles. In chiropractic treatment, a skilled chiropractor applies controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. This can feel scary, but it’s a fantastic way to manipulate and align your spine to allow for better functioning of your body and nervous system.

When your nervous system is functioning better, this means nerve signaling to your brain is improved. The pain-killing and “happy” chemicals in your brain are released for a more comfortable pregnancy, free from typical problems such as sciatica.

Improve your range of motion, and reduce neuromuscular (lower back, pelvic, neck, etc.) pain with chiropractic treatment.

Posture And Hygiene

We recommend trying all of the above treatment methods! But it is important to ensure you take good care of yourself at home. As mentioned previously, complaints of back and general body pain are common among pregnant women. Complaints of other bodily issues such as acne are also common.

When pregnant, you can feel that your center of gravity shifts forward, which changes your posture and puts strain on your back. We recommend concentrating on standing upright with your chest high, and your shoulders back and relaxed. 

And don’t forget about sleep posture! Make sure to sleep on your left side with a pillow between your legs, helping with acid reflux and the infamous pregnancy back pain.

Be mindful of washing your face with lukewarm water and a water-based cleanser in both the morning and evening. Oil-free makeup and keeping your hair clean are also simple steps to take toward clearer, acne-free skin.

Physical Activity And Stretching

It may feel “right” to be less mobile during pregnancy. However, gentle physical activity is better for you!

Moderate exercise can boost your mood and help you manage your stress naturally during and after pregnancy. Regular exercise also keeps all the systems in your body functioning optimally.

You should be looking for activities that are gentle on your joints (such as swimming) and can be designed around your pregnant body (such as yoga).

Walking and using an exercise bike both improve circulation and respiratory system health. Stretching, yoga, and pilates help with posture, back, and abdominal strength, and relaxation. 

And through all these exercises, remember to breathe – something essential to practice for giving birth!

Healthy Eating

Do you have a burning sensation in your chest? Feeling heavy, bloated, and full? Experiencing burping, acid reflux, and nausea?

These are all symptoms of indigestion and heartburn that also occur regularly during pregnancy, usually from 27 weeks onwards.

Balanced, healthy eating is a great way to combat these gastrointestinal issues at home. Add some simple stress and stomach issues reliever teas, for example, to aid yourself further.

Avoid caffeine, and rich, spicey, and fatty foods for a start. Also, forgo the “eating for 2” idea – it’s a myth! It may be tempting to overeat. But rather than consuming 3 large meals a day, instead, try many small portions throughout the day.

You want to make sure you eat approximately 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Additionally, lean protein and healthy (non-refined) starches are very healthy for you during pregnancy.