The months leading up to the birth of your child can feel like they go on forever – especially when you’re dealing with back pain, morning sickness, and constipation.
Here’s how to relieve the discomfort of these common pregnancy-related health issues while anticipating the arrival of your new baby.
1. Backache
As your baby grows and the curve (hollow) in your lower back increases, the added weight can take a toll on your back, causing pain. Your centre of gravity also tilts forward so your upper body, compensates to prevent you from falling forward, by leaning backwards, further contributing to back pain.
Your ligaments also stretch and soften during pregnancy, putting a strain on the joints of the lower back and pelvis.
To minimise back pain, Mayo Clinic advises mums-to-be to observe good posture, sleep on their side, and refrain from bending at the waist or lifting from their back when picking something up from the floor.
Wearing the right clothes and shoes are also important – wearing shoes with good arch support can help minimise pain, as does wearing medical grade compression shorts that promote better pelvic stability. Solidea is here to provide comfort when you need it. Our maternity shorts can help to reduce lower back pain by stretching around your growing belly and supporting its increasing weight.
2. Morning sickness
Don’t let the name fool you – morning sickness can strike any time of day. Hormonal changes can cause nausea and vomiting, particularly during the first few months of pregnancy. You may also find that you’re more sensitive to the smell of certain foods during this time, which can worsen your nausea.
To relieve morning sickness, WebMD suggests eating bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, sucking on ice, and sipping clear soda or weak tea. They also advise expecting mums to avoid fatty and spicy foods.
Morning sickness typically poses no harm to your baby. However, if you’re losing weight because you’re unable to keep food and liquids down, or if you experience severe vomiting several times a day, it would be best to talk to your doctor.
3. Constipation
Hormonal changes and pressure from the uterus during pregnancy can cause the intestines to slow the movement of stools through your bowel. This may result in hardened stools that are more difficult to pass. If you are taking Iron during your pregnancy you may also be more prone to constipation.
To relieve constipation, pregnant women can increase the fibre in their diet and drink plenty of fluids. Sources of fibre include oats, beans, nuts, apples, pears and prunes. Being active will also help you manage/avoid constipation. Make sure you speak to your healthcare provider before taking any medications to assist with your constipation.
4. Incontinence
Incontinence can affect women during and after pregnancy as your pelvic floor muscles are weakened by pregnancy hormones and the weight of the baby sitting on top of the muscles during pregnancy. Urine loss may occur when you sneeze, cough, laugh, or make sudden movements (stress urinary incontinence) or when you are unable to hold on with a sudden urge to wee (urge urinary incontinence).
Physiotherapists recommend pelvic floor exercises to both prevent and treat incontinence. When performed correctly and regularly, these exercises can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve muscle control. Click here to learn more about pelvic floor muscle exercises.
5. Haemorrhoids
Also called “piles”, haemorrhoids are swollen veins in and around the anus and lower rectum. These enlarged veins may feel sore and painful, and cause discomfort when you pass stool.
You can get them even if you aren’t pregnant. However, expecting mums are more likely to get haemorrhoids due to pressure from the uterus and constipation.
To relieve pain and discomfort avoid standing for too long and refrain from straining when passing stool as these may worsen haemorrhoids.
Don’t let pregnancy-related discomfort dampen the joy and excitement of having a baby. Solidea is here for you – we carry a wide range of medical grade compression wear to help you through your pregnancy. Visit our shop today.