Being pregnant and looking forward to the arrival of your new baby is exciting. But this excitement is often overshadowed by the pain and discomfort pregnancy brings. Luckily, there are many therapeutic options that can help, including chiropractic care.
Causes of Typical Pregnancy Pains
The changes your body experiences during pregnancy can put stress on your musculoskeletal systems. Here are some of the changes that can affect your pain levels when you’re expecting:
- Hormonal and circulatory changes — Your body produces much more of the hormone “relaxin” during pregnancy to relax your ligaments in preparation for labor and delivery. While pregnant, the release of this hormone can contribute to joint discomfort and pain in your lower back.
- Mechanical changes — When you gain weight during pregnancy, particularly around the abdominal region, you will experience a change in your centre of gravity. This can put stress on your lower back and spine.
- Low back, pelvis, and hip pain — Most women experience musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy, typically in the lower back, pelvic region, or both. In many cases, this pain can range from moderate to severe, affecting normal daily activities.
Our Tips for Expectant Mothers
While some musculoskeletal pain may be unavoidable during pregnancy, there are some things you can do to ease this pain in addition to chiropractic care. We highly recommend continuing to exercise so you can keep your core strong. Yoga, swimming, or other low-impact exercise programs are great options.
We also recommend putting a pillow between your knees when you sleep to keep your spine and pelvis in a neutral position. Additionally, opt for supportive footwear indoors and out and rest frequently with your feet elevated. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort!
And of course, if you have any questions about how to reduce pain during pregnancy and how chiropractic care can help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.