Carrying a child is a truly wonderful thing, but it can also be a bit of a trial. From back pain to achy feet, there are so many small things that can cause you discomfort during this period. Woman’s Health Centers explains more about the reasons why you should have an annual health exam.
1. Take a quick swim
Needless to say, weight gain is a natural part of pregnancy and there’s not much that you can do about that. However, the added weight can stress your joints and pull muscles and tendons to their limits. One of the easiest things that you can do to ease that pain and discomfort is to take a swim.
You don’t have to overexert yourself; just float around for a while. Doing so will give you a much-needed break from carrying your own body weight. Plus, chilling out in a pool is an excellent way to relax and get some me’ time.
2. Try heat therapy
Lower back pain is one of the most common issues that women tend to face when they are carrying a child. While this type of ache varies from mild to severe, it can be tricky to combat. If you want to avoid taking painkillers at all costs, heat therapy is a simple solution that will enable you to get some fast-acting relief. The Mayo Clinic suggests applying a heating pad directly to your most painful area for short periods of time to help relax tense muscles and soothe nerve endings.
3. Exercise regularly
Just because you’re about to become a mom does not mean that you should ease off your exercise routine. Staying fit could be the key to avoiding some of the most common pregnancy discomforts, and some reports suggest that keeping active can also help boost your energy levels and reduce fatigue. Of course, you will need to adapt your exercise style to suit your condition and speak with your doctor. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology suggests that pregnant women should engage in 30 minutes of moderate exercise’ each day.
4. Ease foot pain
It’s not at all uncommon for women to experience some foot pain when they are pregnant. The extra weight gain puts an immense amount of pressure on the soles of your feet. What’s more, you may find that your feet begin to swell somewhat, which can often make walking painful.
If this sounds like you, find plenty of time to sit down, rest, and take the weight off your feet. And when you do have to be on your feet, employ aids like cushioned insoles and gel heel pads for added comfort and relief.
5. Get some rest
When was the last time that you got some rest? Relaxing is essential when you’re carrying a child. Like it or not, you will have to strip back your to do’ list and ensure that you only take care of the essentials. When in need, ask your friends and family for help, they’ll be happy to rally around you. It may sound like an impossible task, but it will mean that you give your body what it needs and you won’t wear yourself out.
6. Eat well!
If you’re feeling a little drowsy or generally run down, modifying your dietary habits could be all it takes to make a positive change in your life. After all, eating well when you’re having a baby is one of the most important things you can do.
You need to make sure that you get enough vitamins, iron, folic acid, protein, and calcium. According to LiveScience, this means that you should eat whole grains, lean protein, fruit, vegetables, and dairy. It’s also worth laying off food groups such as caffeine, fish, and alcohol. Try making a food journal so that you can keep track of what it is you eat.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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