Nothing feels as joyous as the first moment you catch sight of the positive lines on a pregnancy test kit. Congratulations, Mama-to-be, you are now on an exciting journey towards motherhood. Exciting and joyful as it is, you must understand that your body will be going through tremendous change, and unfortunately, this can result in pains and discomfort of varying degrees. Here’s a guide on what to expect, why it happens, and how you can alleviate some of the discomfort to enjoy a happy and healthy pregnancy!
Feeling a Little Off Balance? It’s Normal, Mama!
Every woman and every pregnancy is different. But in general, as your baby grows bigger, your body starts taking on a more convex shape. This is because as your internal organs shift to make room for your growing little miracle , the curvature of your back may become more pronounced. So, if you’re feeling a little off balance, this is why! It’s probably a good idea to ditch those swanky stilettos and settle for more practical and comfortable choices like flat or low-heeled shoes, for now at least. Although with a child in tow we can’t promise the stilettos will make a comeback so soon!
In addition, it is perfectly normal to experience a range of pregnancy pains and physical discomfort related to various orthopaedic conditions. There is no need to be alarmed. Here are 6 of the most common ones to expect:
- Lower Back Pain
Yes, the infamous lower back pain that you’ve probably heard of. It has quite the reputation for making an appearance during pregnancy and is possibly one of the most common pregnancy pains you will experience. In fact, this could even be one of your earliest pregnancy symptoms.
Lower back pain occurs primarily due to the extra weight you are carrying as well as the shift in the centre of gravity as your baby grows. This weight also strains your back muscles thus explaining the painful spasms that mums-to-be often experience. Later in your pregnancy, the hormone relaxin that serves to loosen your joints in preparation for childbirth can contribute to back pain as well
Here’s the good news, mama. These pregnancy pains are temporary, and they will most likely resolve after you give birth!
Meanwhile, here’s how you can manage it:
Prevention:
- Try to strengthen your core prior to getting pregnant as it will help your muscles to better support the increased weight you carry as your pregnancy progresses
- It’s good to consult a doctor. With his or her guidance, you can do some simple back-strengthening exercises in the first two trimesters of your pregnancy. You can make an appointment at Gleneagles Hospital.
Pain Management:
- Reduce pressure on your back by bending at the knees rather than at your waist when picking things up
- Avoid standing for too long
- Stay active by going on walks
- Stabbing Heel Pain
There’s no sugar coating this. Yes, it is literally a stabbing pain especially when you try getting out of bed in the morning. Again, this can be attributed to the rapid weight gain that many pregnant mums experience. It causes you to be at risk of inflammation of the fascia, the thick band of tissue which connects the heel bone to the toe. This causes the stabbing pain in the heel, also known as a heel spur or, medically, plantar fasciitis.
It usually gets better as you stay mobile through your day. However, be prepared that the pain may intensify in the later stages of your pregnancy. Here’s how you can manage it:
- Place an ice pack on the affected area
- A foot massage
- Targeted stretches for the Achilles tendon
- Night splints or orthopaedic shoe inserts recommended by your doctor for comfort
However, if the pain is unbearable and affects your mobility, do speak to your doctor to discuss options like pain relieving cortisone. Gleneagles Hospital has a multidisciplinary team that provides a wide range of services in obstetrics and gynaecology so you can make an appointment and trust that you will be in good hands.
- Numbness in the hands and fingers
Ever heard of the carpal tunnel syndrome? It’s a condition whereby the compression of the median nerve causes either numbness, a pricking or tingling sensation in your hands and fingers. During pregnancy, fluid retention may compress the nerves concentrated around your wrist, thus resulting in this.
One way to prevent this will be to manage your weight gain during pregnancy. Of course we don’t mean that you should go on a diet, but just ensure that you are eating in moderation and not gaining too much weight, too quickly.
You can manage the pain by:
- Avoiding flexing your wrists
- Keep your wrists in a neutral position by wearing a wrist brace (especially while sleeping)
- Applying ice compresses
Mama, as with everything else, the pain is temporary and will go away after delivery. However, if it is unbearable, you can discuss pain relieving options with your doctor.
- Numbness in the Thighs
Like carpal tunnel syndrome, compression of the nerve supplying sensation to your upper leg can cause numbness, tingling, or burning sensations. This time, it’s in your thighs. This condition is known as meralgia paresthetica. The culprit behind this, as you can guess, is the weight gain once again.
It can be managed just like carpal tunnel, with pain relieving cortisol injections in the affected area.
- Pain in the Groin
Groin pain, also known as osteitis pubis, usually occurs in the later part of pregnancy. The weight of your baby can cause inflammation affecting the bones around the front of the pelvis. As your body prepares for childbirth, the ligaments in the area naturally loosen up and this may intensify the pain.
You can manage the pain by:
- Resting more by lying or sitting down
- Applying ice or heat to the area
If the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe analgesics.
- Pain in the Hips
Especially in the later stages of pregnancy, transient osteoporosis can result in mums experiencing sudden pain in the front of the thigh, in the groin, side of the hip, or in the buttocks. This is a temporary condition caused by bone loss in the hip, most likely caused by a combination of hormonal changes, weight-bearing stress, and the obstruction of small blood vessels around the hip.
In more severe cases, transient osteoporosis can significantly weaken the hip joint. Expectant mothers may even have to resort to using crutches or a walker for the rest of their pregnancy. While it doesn’t sound appealing, it does help!
Your doctor may also prescribe calcium supplements to prevent bone loss and make a referral to a dietitian for a customised nutrition plan, if necessary.
Mums, while these are the more common pains that you may experience during pregnancy, they aren’t the only ones. Pregnancy can really be a rollercoaster ride. Some days will see you wake up ready to take on the world, while on other days, you simply can’t conjure the energy to get out of bed. While you can take comfort in the fact that most of this discomfort is normal and likely to be gone after the arrival of your bundle of joy, there is no need to put yourself through undue suffering. If you need help managing the pain, or if you think something could be wrong, don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor.
You can book an appointment at Gleneagles Hospital, where a multidisciplinary team provides a wide range of services in obstetrics and gynaecology. Gleneagles hospital is dedicated to making your pregnancy pleasant and smooth sailing, and consistently applies the latest updates on medical knowledge and employs modern technology to provide you with quality care.
Remember, mums, a healthy and happy mum raises a happy, healthy, and confident child. Enjoy your pregnancy and take the best care. You owe it to yourself and your baby!
This article was adapted from “Managing Pregnancy Aches and Pains” by Dr Lo Ngai Nung and first published on Health Plus on 3 June 2021.