While these things worked for me, I am by no means a medical practitioner. Please also check with one, before doing any of these tips.
Apparently (according to google) the estimated average weight gain during pregnancy is between 11 and 15 kg.’s Apparently my body never got that memo as I put on 27 kg with my son and 25 kg with my daughter. We have a family history of having very big babies and I sure did. This can add a huge amount of strain to one’s body. I remember having joint pain for the first time in my life. We also have higher amounts of the hormone relaxin which we know is necessary for birth as it allowed the bodies ligaments and joints to relax and loosen. This can mean high instances of injury and may be one of the reasons we are wary of pregnant women doing high impact sports.
Massages For Pregnancy Aches And Pains
Massage can provide relief from joint and back pain during this time. When choosing your therapist, stick to someone that has an international qualification like Cidesco , Itec etc Don’t just go to a salon or spa because it looks nice, really insist on seeing a qualification. What is even better is to choose someone that is qualified and has experience and special qualifications to work with pregnancy.
Make sure they support your back and growing belly with cushions. Tip: Avoid spas or salons that offer those plinths (massage bed) for your belly to fit into. They are dangerous. Ask for the room’s temperature to be cooled or warmed up beforehand. Your comfort is key here.
What are the benefits of massage for you? The list is endless
- Reduced back pain.
- Reduced joint pain.
- Improved circulation.
- Reduced oedema.
- Reduced muscle tension and headaches.
- Reduced stress and anxiety.
- Improved oxygenation of soft tissues and muscles.
Another go to of mine was the chiropractor. I visited mine through my entire pregnancy (both actually). I found that my hips would move out of joint regularly. It was probably because of holding my son on my hip during my second pregnancy. I also have a coccyx injury that is a complete nightmare during pregnancy.
Simple Home Spoils
Warm baths and water. Water is amazing during pregnancy. It allows you to feel weightless and “carry’s” that extra weight. The cool pool on those warm summer days was the best! I also loved regular baths with Epsom salts and essential oils. My favourite safe essential oils to use are a brand called Lillian terry. They have a product called Fluidless that helps with poor lymphatic drainage of legs.
Elevation. Some people have suffered from water retention more than others. I like to sleep with my legs elevated in order to remove the swelling and pain. I also applied cold packs to my feet and used a foot spa regularly to increase the circulation and elevate the swelling
I tried to wear comfortable well supported shoes. Yes, at the end all I could get on my poor feet were slops but the lack of support on my feet was really no fun. Instead, I tried to stick to a pair of running shoes that I had to throw away afterwards. My arch collapsed so badly that the poor Nike’s were never going to be the same. Plus, my feet grew a size. I did not realize that was a thing, first time round. Like clockwork, my feet went from a narrow size 6 to a swollen 7. They got so big! I somehow managed to convince my darling husband that he HAD to give me foot rubs every night too. Poor guy!!
Feeling stressed out and overwhelmed? Sign up for my Burnout Recovery Guide here