Monday, June 20, 2011
Home Remedies for Cramping In Pregnancy
Home Remedies for Cramping In Pregnancy
Most women will experience cramping in pregnancy, and many will experience different types of cramping at different times during their full term. The good news is that most cramping in pregnancy is perfectly normal and even a healthy sign that everything is on track, and that there are easy home remedies for cramping in pregnancy that you can try.
First – A Warning
Mild to moderate cramping in pregnancy – the kind that is uncomfortable but not unbearable – is normal. Excruciating pain is not! If you’re experiencing very severe cramping, especially if it’s accompanied by bleeding or spotting, seek immediate emergency medical advice.
Abdominal Cramping in Pregnancy
By far the most common type of cramping in pregnancy is abdominal cramping – nearly every woman will experience this – at least during some part of her pregnancy. This abdominal cramping is due to many factors – implantation, round ligament pain, increased pressure on the organs as your baby grows, constipation, and many other factors. There are several ways that you can minimise or treat abdominal cramping during pregnancy:
§ Take it easy. Your body is already under enormous additional pressure when you are pregnant. Don’t invite abdominal pain by not making the effort to take things a little easier.
§ Eating a balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water. Also, remember that because your baby is pressing on your GI tract, heartburn is far more likely, so try to avoid spicy foods that may make it worse.
§ Learn a pregnancy massage technique. Often, gentle massage on the area affected by abdominal cramping during pregnancy, with or without the application of heat or cold, can help to treat the symptoms of pain.
If leaning into the cramps, resting more and therapies like massage don’t help with abdominal cramping during pregnancy, and you’re concerned, speak to your doctor, to find out if there is a treatment available.
Leg Cramps during Pregnancy
Leg cramps, particularly during the second trimester of pregnancy, are another common problem faced by many women. These cramps are caused by a variety of factors, including mineral deficiencies, and by pressure on nerves by your growing baby, and while they can be annoying when they strike in the middle of the night, they’re rarely ever a sign of a serious problem.
In order to prevent leg cramps during pregnancy, you should remember to drink lots of water, and try to take a long, warm, relaxing bath before bedtime. If you do find yourself suffering leg cramps at night, standing up can usually soothe the pain, as can massaging the affected area.
Cramps during pregnancy are a normal part of the changes that your body is going through, and they’re usually nothing to be too concerned about. However, there’s also no reason you should suffer in silence, so why not learn techniques like massage, invest in safe pain killing treatments, and take the time to take care of yourself? You may not be able to eliminate cramping during pregnancy completely, but you can certainly minimise the frequency and severity of your symptoms!
First – A Warning
Mild to moderate cramping in pregnancy – the kind that is uncomfortable but not unbearable – is normal. Excruciating pain is not! If you’re experiencing very severe cramping, especially if it’s accompanied by bleeding or spotting, seek immediate emergency medical advice.
Abdominal Cramping in Pregnancy
By far the most common type of cramping in pregnancy is abdominal cramping – nearly every woman will experience this – at least during some part of her pregnancy. This abdominal cramping is due to many factors – implantation, round ligament pain, increased pressure on the organs as your baby grows, constipation, and many other factors. There are several ways that you can minimise or treat abdominal cramping during pregnancy:
§ Take it easy. Your body is already under enormous additional pressure when you are pregnant. Don’t invite abdominal pain by not making the effort to take things a little easier.
§ Eating a balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water. Also, remember that because your baby is pressing on your GI tract, heartburn is far more likely, so try to avoid spicy foods that may make it worse.
§ Learn a pregnancy massage technique. Often, gentle massage on the area affected by abdominal cramping during pregnancy, with or without the application of heat or cold, can help to treat the symptoms of pain.
If leaning into the cramps, resting more and therapies like massage don’t help with abdominal cramping during pregnancy, and you’re concerned, speak to your doctor, to find out if there is a treatment available.
Leg Cramps during Pregnancy
Leg cramps, particularly during the second trimester of pregnancy, are another common problem faced by many women. These cramps are caused by a variety of factors, including mineral deficiencies, and by pressure on nerves by your growing baby, and while they can be annoying when they strike in the middle of the night, they’re rarely ever a sign of a serious problem.
In order to prevent leg cramps during pregnancy, you should remember to drink lots of water, and try to take a long, warm, relaxing bath before bedtime. If you do find yourself suffering leg cramps at night, standing up can usually soothe the pain, as can massaging the affected area.
Cramps during pregnancy are a normal part of the changes that your body is going through, and they’re usually nothing to be too concerned about. However, there’s also no reason you should suffer in silence, so why not learn techniques like massage, invest in safe pain killing treatments, and take the time to take care of yourself? You may not be able to eliminate cramping during pregnancy completely, but you can certainly minimise the frequency and severity of your symptoms!
What to Do About Pain during Pregnancy
What to Do About Pain during Pregnancy
Just about every woman who is pregnant will suffer from some form of pain during pregnancy during that time. In fact, many will suffer from different types of pain during pregnancy, at different stages of their lives. That’s not intended to scare anyone – it’s just a fact – pregnancy is accompanied by all sorts of aches, pains and discomforts, most of which are entirely worth it!
In this article, we look at how you should approach pain during pregnancy, and what you should do.
The First Step Is Always Speaking to Your Doctor
When you experience pain during pregnancy, if you are in any way concerned, the first step should always be to speak to your doctor. Remember that your pregnancy is making enormous changes in your body and that you can’t always tell what’s normal or not! If you’re in doubt, even a little bit, speak to your doctor. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Look for Natural Remedies
There are all sorts of natural ways to prevent and treat pain during pregnancy. The first, and most obvious, is to take it easy while you are pregnant, and not over tire or exert yourself.
The next step in treating pain during pregnancy is looking for natural methods of dealing with ordinary aches and pains. Try pregnancy massage, or use heated or cold compresses. Consider acupuncture, or another alternative remedy, but remember, if you do, these are still treatments, and you should still seek the advice of a professional!
Consider Pregnancy Safe Medications
If you find that you are experiencing pain during pregnancy that you cannot manage or soothe with alternative or natural remedies, then you should remember that there are some medications that are safe for use during pregnancy. These include over the counter painkillers, as well as stronger prescription medications, but again, you should always consult your doctor or a medical professional before using them.
If the Pain Is Sudden or Severe
Generally speaking, ordinary pain during pregnancy is more of a dull ache than a sudden, sharp stabbing pain. If you experience any type of pain during pregnancy that is sudden or severe, it might be a warning of a more serious problem. In that case, it’s always best to seek immediate, emergency medical care. In many cases, the sooner a problem is identified and treated, the more likely it is it can be solved.
If you are suffering from pain in pregnancy, and it’s not something serious or dangerous, remember that you don’t have to suffer in silence! Anything from a home massage to a soothing, warm bath can help treat your pain, and you should always look for ways to make yourself more comfortable! Remember that you, and your baby, are the most important people in your life right now, and you both deserve to be comfortable and happy!
In this article, we look at how you should approach pain during pregnancy, and what you should do.
The First Step Is Always Speaking to Your Doctor
When you experience pain during pregnancy, if you are in any way concerned, the first step should always be to speak to your doctor. Remember that your pregnancy is making enormous changes in your body and that you can’t always tell what’s normal or not! If you’re in doubt, even a little bit, speak to your doctor. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Look for Natural Remedies
There are all sorts of natural ways to prevent and treat pain during pregnancy. The first, and most obvious, is to take it easy while you are pregnant, and not over tire or exert yourself.
The next step in treating pain during pregnancy is looking for natural methods of dealing with ordinary aches and pains. Try pregnancy massage, or use heated or cold compresses. Consider acupuncture, or another alternative remedy, but remember, if you do, these are still treatments, and you should still seek the advice of a professional!
Consider Pregnancy Safe Medications
If you find that you are experiencing pain during pregnancy that you cannot manage or soothe with alternative or natural remedies, then you should remember that there are some medications that are safe for use during pregnancy. These include over the counter painkillers, as well as stronger prescription medications, but again, you should always consult your doctor or a medical professional before using them.
If the Pain Is Sudden or Severe
Generally speaking, ordinary pain during pregnancy is more of a dull ache than a sudden, sharp stabbing pain. If you experience any type of pain during pregnancy that is sudden or severe, it might be a warning of a more serious problem. In that case, it’s always best to seek immediate, emergency medical care. In many cases, the sooner a problem is identified and treated, the more likely it is it can be solved.
If you are suffering from pain in pregnancy, and it’s not something serious or dangerous, remember that you don’t have to suffer in silence! Anything from a home massage to a soothing, warm bath can help treat your pain, and you should always look for ways to make yourself more comfortable! Remember that you, and your baby, are the most important people in your life right now, and you both deserve to be comfortable and happy!
Common Early Pregnancy Pains
Common Early Pregnancy Pains
If you thought that the early months of your pregnancy would be idyllic, and that you would sail through them in a golden glow of happiness, the reality was probably somewhat of a shock! Most women are surprised at the frequency and severity of early pregnancy pain, but while it is surprising, it is usually nothing to be overly concerned about. Here are a few symptoms of early pregnancy pain that many women experience:
§ Cramping. Many women experience cramping, similar to menstrual cramps, for the first few months of their pregnancy. Gentle massage can usually soothe the problem, and it is usually caused by what is known as implantation cramps.
§ Breast tenderness is another of the most common types of early pregnancy pain. In fact, breast tenderness and swelling is often one of the first symptoms that alert women to the possibility that they may be pregnant!
§ Headaches, due to changes in hormone levels, are also common early pregnancy pains, as are pelvic pain, and backache.
All of these are normal, common signs of early pregnancy pain, and they are experienced by many women who are in their first trimester of pregnancy. If you are experiencing these types of symptoms, and you are unsure what to do, here is your checklist:
§ Have a pregnancy test done! If you have not already confirmed that you are pregnant, then it is important that you do! These signs may be normal during pregnancy, but if you are not pregnant, they could be a sign of something more serious!
§ Once your pregnancy is confirmed, try not to panic about this type of early pregnancy pain. They will usually disappear within a month or two, and you will start feeling just fine during your second trimester, if you are like most women!
§ Stock up on pregnancy safe painkillers, reduce your exercise levels for a while, rest more, and learn pregnancy massage techniques. Remember that early pregnancy pain is replaced by different mid pregnancy pain, and then by late pregnancy pain, so learning to deal with aches and pains is all part of being a mom to be!
Even though early pregnancy pain is normal, you should never ignore your instincts, and if something does not feel ‘right’ or is too painful, always refer to your doctor. It may be nothing serious, but on the other hand, it might just be something that needs to be attended to. Take care of yourself, do not try to be a brave soldier, and let your partner pamper you, and you should get through early pregnancy pain without too much of a problem!
§ Cramping. Many women experience cramping, similar to menstrual cramps, for the first few months of their pregnancy. Gentle massage can usually soothe the problem, and it is usually caused by what is known as implantation cramps.
§ Breast tenderness is another of the most common types of early pregnancy pain. In fact, breast tenderness and swelling is often one of the first symptoms that alert women to the possibility that they may be pregnant!
§ Headaches, due to changes in hormone levels, are also common early pregnancy pains, as are pelvic pain, and backache.
All of these are normal, common signs of early pregnancy pain, and they are experienced by many women who are in their first trimester of pregnancy. If you are experiencing these types of symptoms, and you are unsure what to do, here is your checklist:
§ Have a pregnancy test done! If you have not already confirmed that you are pregnant, then it is important that you do! These signs may be normal during pregnancy, but if you are not pregnant, they could be a sign of something more serious!
§ Once your pregnancy is confirmed, try not to panic about this type of early pregnancy pain. They will usually disappear within a month or two, and you will start feeling just fine during your second trimester, if you are like most women!
§ Stock up on pregnancy safe painkillers, reduce your exercise levels for a while, rest more, and learn pregnancy massage techniques. Remember that early pregnancy pain is replaced by different mid pregnancy pain, and then by late pregnancy pain, so learning to deal with aches and pains is all part of being a mom to be!
Even though early pregnancy pain is normal, you should never ignore your instincts, and if something does not feel ‘right’ or is too painful, always refer to your doctor. It may be nothing serious, but on the other hand, it might just be something that needs to be attended to. Take care of yourself, do not try to be a brave soldier, and let your partner pamper you, and you should get through early pregnancy pain without too much of a problem!
Tips for Reducing Stretch Marks via Massage
Tips for Reducing Stretch Marks via Massage
The fact is, most women who are pregnant, will get stretch marks to some degree. It is a natural part of the process of your skin expanding rapidly, and contracting just as rapidly.
However, you do not have to do nothing about them. There is growing evidence that reducing stretch marks via massage is a great therapy, and while massage cannot prevent them entirely, it can certainly lessen their severity. Here is what you should know:
§ Reducing stretch marks via massage is about not only the massage and stretching of your skin. It does also about stimulating blood flow to your skin, and that can be achieved very easily, by using a loofah or sponge to brush your skin gently when you bath or shower.
§ If you start the process of reducing stretch marks via massage early in your pregnancy, you can actually help the skin to stretch slowly and gently, and reduce the likelihood of deep, heavy marks.
§ Using a moisturising lotion or oil, such as cocoa butter, tissue oil or vitamin E oil can all help in your efforts of reducing stretch marks via massage, and it is even helpful after your baby is born. Experts say that these creams and lotions are most effective while the marks are red or purple though, so do not wait!
§ In addition to reducing stretch marks via massage, make changes to your diet that improves your skin. Eat more zinc rich foods, and include foods that are rich in vitamin A, E and C. Remember that too much vitamin A can be dangerous for pregnant women, so always speak to your doctor, or a nutritionist, before you start taking any supplements.
§ If you have made the effort, and have been actively trying to practice reducing stretch marks via massage during and after your pregnancy, then there are laser and other cosmetic treatments available that can further reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and give you skin that is almost as smooth as it was before your pregnancy.
Remember that you should always speak to your doctor about changes to your diet during pregnancy, and that you will need to learn pregnancy massage techniques to practice this sort of massage safely. Also, remember that even if you practice massage religiously, make dietary changes, and opt for cosmetic procedures, there is still a chance that your skin will not look completely the same as it did before your pregnancy.
Try to focus on what your stretch marks are a symbol of – the miraculous little person that you carried for nine months! That way, even if there are still traces of stretch marks on your skin later on, they will be a source of pride, rather than shame.
However, you do not have to do nothing about them. There is growing evidence that reducing stretch marks via massage is a great therapy, and while massage cannot prevent them entirely, it can certainly lessen their severity. Here is what you should know:
§ Reducing stretch marks via massage is about not only the massage and stretching of your skin. It does also about stimulating blood flow to your skin, and that can be achieved very easily, by using a loofah or sponge to brush your skin gently when you bath or shower.
§ If you start the process of reducing stretch marks via massage early in your pregnancy, you can actually help the skin to stretch slowly and gently, and reduce the likelihood of deep, heavy marks.
§ Using a moisturising lotion or oil, such as cocoa butter, tissue oil or vitamin E oil can all help in your efforts of reducing stretch marks via massage, and it is even helpful after your baby is born. Experts say that these creams and lotions are most effective while the marks are red or purple though, so do not wait!
§ In addition to reducing stretch marks via massage, make changes to your diet that improves your skin. Eat more zinc rich foods, and include foods that are rich in vitamin A, E and C. Remember that too much vitamin A can be dangerous for pregnant women, so always speak to your doctor, or a nutritionist, before you start taking any supplements.
§ If you have made the effort, and have been actively trying to practice reducing stretch marks via massage during and after your pregnancy, then there are laser and other cosmetic treatments available that can further reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and give you skin that is almost as smooth as it was before your pregnancy.
Remember that you should always speak to your doctor about changes to your diet during pregnancy, and that you will need to learn pregnancy massage techniques to practice this sort of massage safely. Also, remember that even if you practice massage religiously, make dietary changes, and opt for cosmetic procedures, there is still a chance that your skin will not look completely the same as it did before your pregnancy.
Try to focus on what your stretch marks are a symbol of – the miraculous little person that you carried for nine months! That way, even if there are still traces of stretch marks on your skin later on, they will be a source of pride, rather than shame.
Tips for Dealing with Pregnancy Back Pain
Tips for Dealing with Pregnancy Back Pain
For nearly every woman out there, there is just no getting away from pregnancy back pain. At some point during your pregnancy, you are going to suffer from back pain, which will range from a mild ache to a constant pain. The good news is that there are several great ways to deal with pregnancy back pain healthily.
Posture
The most important thing you can do to combat pregnancy back pain is to make sure that you pay close attention to your posture. Stand up straight, do not lock your knees, and aim for a wide stance, which gives you the maximum support. When you sit, make sure that your back is properly supported, and use a pillow if you have to.
The Right Shoes
Sorry ladies, but there is overwhelming evidence that high heels and pregnancy back pain go hand in hand. For the duration of your pregnancy, make sure that you stick to sensible shoes, and you should find that you have much less pain.
Be Careful When Lifting
Lifting anything very heavy is an automatic no no when you are pregnant; however, if you must lift any object, make sure that you lift with your knees, rather than your back. That is not only important advice for pregnancy back pain, but for any type of back pain!
Sleep Comfortably
Even if you usually sleep on your back, if you want to avoid pregnancy back pain, you are going to have to resign yourself to sleeping on your side – preferably with a pillow between your knees. Lying on your back puts unnecessary pressure on your spine, and that is why your back aches!
Massage
Pregnancy massage, particularly when combined with heat or cold, is a very effective, all natural treatment for pregnancy back pain, and it is easy to do at home. Get your partner involved, and have him gently massage your lower back area, to soothe the tired muscles.
Exercise Gently
For many women, the idea of exercising while they are suffering from back pain is unthinkable, however, gentle exercise, like walking or stretching, can help to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, and lessen your back pain. Even a pregnancy yoga class can help to keep your muscles strong enough to support the added weight of your baby.
Aside from all of these methods of preventing and treating pregnancy back pain; there are also pregnancy safe painkillers you can take for very severe pain. Your doctor should be able to recommend a brand and dosage. There are also alternative therapies, like acupuncture, that can help to soothe a sore back. Whatever you choose though, remember that your back pain is a direct symptom of your pregnancy, and that in a few months, when your baby has been born, it will have disappeared, and you will feel as fit as a fiddle again.
Posture
The most important thing you can do to combat pregnancy back pain is to make sure that you pay close attention to your posture. Stand up straight, do not lock your knees, and aim for a wide stance, which gives you the maximum support. When you sit, make sure that your back is properly supported, and use a pillow if you have to.
The Right Shoes
Sorry ladies, but there is overwhelming evidence that high heels and pregnancy back pain go hand in hand. For the duration of your pregnancy, make sure that you stick to sensible shoes, and you should find that you have much less pain.
Be Careful When Lifting
Lifting anything very heavy is an automatic no no when you are pregnant; however, if you must lift any object, make sure that you lift with your knees, rather than your back. That is not only important advice for pregnancy back pain, but for any type of back pain!
Sleep Comfortably
Even if you usually sleep on your back, if you want to avoid pregnancy back pain, you are going to have to resign yourself to sleeping on your side – preferably with a pillow between your knees. Lying on your back puts unnecessary pressure on your spine, and that is why your back aches!
Massage
Pregnancy massage, particularly when combined with heat or cold, is a very effective, all natural treatment for pregnancy back pain, and it is easy to do at home. Get your partner involved, and have him gently massage your lower back area, to soothe the tired muscles.
Exercise Gently
For many women, the idea of exercising while they are suffering from back pain is unthinkable, however, gentle exercise, like walking or stretching, can help to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, and lessen your back pain. Even a pregnancy yoga class can help to keep your muscles strong enough to support the added weight of your baby.
Aside from all of these methods of preventing and treating pregnancy back pain; there are also pregnancy safe painkillers you can take for very severe pain. Your doctor should be able to recommend a brand and dosage. There are also alternative therapies, like acupuncture, that can help to soothe a sore back. Whatever you choose though, remember that your back pain is a direct symptom of your pregnancy, and that in a few months, when your baby has been born, it will have disappeared, and you will feel as fit as a fiddle again.
What Is Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy, and How Do You Deal With It?
Many women discover, as they move into the final stage of their pregnancies, that the aches and pains they have already suffered were not the only surprises their pregnancy had in store for them! Round ligament, pain during pregnancy usually begins later on in your pregnancy, and it can be a constant source of mild to excruciating pain. In this article, we look at what round ligament pain is, what you can do about it, and whether it is a cause for concern.
What Is Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy?
To understand what round ligament pain during pregnancy is, we first need to understand what round ligaments themselves are. These ligaments are the structure that keeps the uterus suspended in position under normal circumstances. During the later stage of pregnancy, those ligaments soften, due to hormonal changes in the body, and with the added weight of your growing uterus and baby, they can be stretched even further, which is painful.
What Can You Do About Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy?
Unfortunately for most women, unless you are suffering from an extreme case, associated with endometriosis or another serious condition, most doctors are unwilling to perform corrective surgery for cases of round ligament pain during pregnancy.
Getting plenty of rest, doing a little gentle exercise every day, practicing pregnancy massage techniques (particularly combined with warm or cold compresses), and a mild, pregnancy safe analgesic or pain killer is the only solution for round ligament pain during pregnancy for most women. Some women find that bracing themselves when coughing, sneezing, or otherwise exerting their abdominal muscles also helps.
You will quickly find, if you are suffering from this problem, that strenuous exercise or exertion only makes it worse, so make sure that you take the final months of your pregnancy extra slow if you are suffering from this problem.
Is Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy Dangerous?
Round ligament pain during pregnancy is painful, uncomfortable, and very unpleasant, and it can make the last few weeks or months of your pregnancy very unpleasant. However, it is not, in itself, a dangerous condition. It will slow you down a little for a while, but it is not dangerous for you or your child.
That having been said, if you are suffering from abdominal or pelvic pain, you should always refer to your doctor, for a concrete diagnosis of RLP. There are many other conditions with similar symptoms, that can be dangerous, and self-diagnosis is almost impossible.
Once you have got a diagnosis from your doctor, and a confirmation that you are, in fact, suffering from RLP, you can start practising pregnancy massage techniques, resting more, and using pregnancy safe painkillers to soothe the pain.
The good news is that in most cases, RLP that is caused by pregnancy will disappear on it’s own within a few days or weeks of giving birth, so be patient, and you should be just fine.
What Is Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy?
To understand what round ligament pain during pregnancy is, we first need to understand what round ligaments themselves are. These ligaments are the structure that keeps the uterus suspended in position under normal circumstances. During the later stage of pregnancy, those ligaments soften, due to hormonal changes in the body, and with the added weight of your growing uterus and baby, they can be stretched even further, which is painful.
What Can You Do About Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy?
Unfortunately for most women, unless you are suffering from an extreme case, associated with endometriosis or another serious condition, most doctors are unwilling to perform corrective surgery for cases of round ligament pain during pregnancy.
Getting plenty of rest, doing a little gentle exercise every day, practicing pregnancy massage techniques (particularly combined with warm or cold compresses), and a mild, pregnancy safe analgesic or pain killer is the only solution for round ligament pain during pregnancy for most women. Some women find that bracing themselves when coughing, sneezing, or otherwise exerting their abdominal muscles also helps.
You will quickly find, if you are suffering from this problem, that strenuous exercise or exertion only makes it worse, so make sure that you take the final months of your pregnancy extra slow if you are suffering from this problem.
Is Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy Dangerous?
Round ligament pain during pregnancy is painful, uncomfortable, and very unpleasant, and it can make the last few weeks or months of your pregnancy very unpleasant. However, it is not, in itself, a dangerous condition. It will slow you down a little for a while, but it is not dangerous for you or your child.
That having been said, if you are suffering from abdominal or pelvic pain, you should always refer to your doctor, for a concrete diagnosis of RLP. There are many other conditions with similar symptoms, that can be dangerous, and self-diagnosis is almost impossible.
Once you have got a diagnosis from your doctor, and a confirmation that you are, in fact, suffering from RLP, you can start practising pregnancy massage techniques, resting more, and using pregnancy safe painkillers to soothe the pain.
The good news is that in most cases, RLP that is caused by pregnancy will disappear on it’s own within a few days or weeks of giving birth, so be patient, and you should be just fine.
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