We all know that pregnancy is a magical and enjoyable period. Nothing can be more amazing than the growth of a new life. However, it also comes with a lot of discomforts and sometimes even pain for the mother. Pregnancy stretches her body as the baby grows, affecting her every movement. Sleeping becomes difficult. Walking suddenly is now a tasking chore. Back pains, constipation, contractions, dizziness, and fatigue are now a daily thing.
Here are some tips that you can try to help alleviate your pregnancy discomforts.
Seek Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can help alleviate pregnancy pains, especially pains in the lower back and pelvis area. Chiropractic care refers to the maintenance of the spinal column and the realignment of the joints. It is drug-free and is a non-invasive process that promotes health and reduces spinal stress.
Pregnancy can also cause misaligned spines and joints as the baby gets bigger and heavier. It can result in a curved back, changed posture, and changes to the pelvis. Regular visits to a licensed chiropractor can address all of these. Chiropractic care can help establish balance in the pregnant woman’s pelvis, reducing stress to the uterus, and allows for optimal positioning of the baby.
Although it is generally considered safe, pregnant women should still check with their physicians before they visit a chiropractic physician. Your physician might not allow chiropractic care if you are experiencing pregnancy complications such as vaginal bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, and placental abruption.
Exercise daily.
It is tempting to lay down in bed the whole day when your body feels so swollen and heavy. Take a 30-minute walk around the block, or you can join a pregnancy exercise class. Regular exercise can help you fall asleep better and improve your posture. It can also help reduce stress, decrease fatigue, alleviate back pains, prevent heartburn, and build more stamina.
It is essential to seek the approval of a health care provider, especially if you didn’t have a regular exercise regimen before. Stick with exercises that are comfortable for your changing body. Your physician can also give you a personalized exercise regimen designed for your medical status. The safest exercised activities for pregnant women include swimming, walking, and low-impact aerobics.
Get a full night’s sleep.
You can be tempted to binge all night on your favorite Netflix series, but a good night’s sleep is vital for pregnant women. Lethargy and fatigue are very common in pregnancy. They can be avoided by going to bed early and getting sufficient rest. Sleep is also good for your immune system and brain function.
However, sleeping can be difficult, especially during the third trimester. Your increasing size and frequent urinations can cause sleeping problems. To help you sleep better, get some exercise during the day. Avoid sleeping on your back and rest on your left side. Sleeping on your left side improves the flow of blood and nutrients to the baby.
Take a warm shower.
A warm bath or shower can help relieve cramps that result from your stretched abdominal muscles. However, do not stay in the hot water for too long. A quick warm bath of not more than ten minutes should be okay. Elevating your body temperature for too long can have adverse effects on the development of your baby.
Get enough fiber intake.
Many pregnant women suffer from constipation. To keep your bowel movements regular, eat foods with plenty of fiber. Load up on fresh fruits, whole-grain cereals, and vegetables. Drinking lots of water can also help keep your stools soft. Your physician might recommend fiber supplements or stool softener agents to help and make bowel movements easy and comfortable.
Maintain a healthy weight.
It is natural to gain weight during pregnancy. Weight gain helps your baby grow inside you. But too much or too little weight gain can cause severe problems for you and the baby. For instance, too much weight gain can cause lower back pains.
Too much weight gain puts you at risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. You are also more likely to undergo a C-section if you gain too much weight.
A healthy weight gain can make your delivery easier. Consume healthy foods and avoid high-calorie drinks. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk, and lean meats are nutrient-rich foods perfect for pregnant women. Limit your intake of salt, sugar-ladened drinks and foods, and solid fats.
It can be hard to stay comfortable during pregnancy, but you can help alleviate your discomfort. If the pain becomes too much, talk to your medical practitioner immediately.
