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How to relieve pregnancy pain
You are so happy to be pregnant, but along with that beautiful little life inside of you come aches, pains and stress that weren’t there before. You don’t want to take drugs to relieve your ailments. What do you do?
More and more doctors are recommending you do what women from around the world have known and have been doing for centuries. These are women who don’t have access to pain medication but work closely with the body’s natural and incredible ability to heal itself. Some of these holistic techniques include massage, yoga, meditation and more recently chiropractic. These methods work naturally with the body and I can surely say that they helped me through my pregnancy!
Massage*
Massage feels great any time but brings a new appreciation when you are carrying around a little baby inside. Some say it is the best time for a massage! However, there are some considerations for prenatal massage vs. regular massage you should know about.
First, make sure that whoever massages you is aware that you are pregnant. Second, there are certain herbs often used in massage oils that that are best avoided during this time. For example, rosemary, sage, juniper, parsley seed, aloe vera and cinnamon among other less common herbs are believed to stimulate the uterus and could be dangerous during pregnancy. Lavender or peppermint are soothing and can be added to massage oil to help relax you.
If you are uncomfortable trying herbs, just use unscented oils. For spot pains, try "Tigerbalm" sports balm. This is a menthol and camphor rub that penetrates deeply to soothe sore muscles. In the past you could only find this in Asian markets, but it’s become more common and can often be found in drug and grocery stores in the medicine aisles where you would find other menthol rubs.
After your first trimester you should not lay on your stomach anymore, so back massage can be done lying on your side. If you can’t afford to go to a massage therapist, enlist the dad-to-be. It’s often difficult for your partner to watch your discomfort as you grow through pregnancy, and this is a great way to involve him and allow him to be part of the process. He doesn’t have to be a pro at it; just the power of touch can be healing. If he doesn’t feel comfortable doing full-body massage, get him to do a nice foot massage in front of the TV at the end of the day.
Yoga and Meditation*
Yoga and meditation were my greatest stress relievers. It’s fun to find local classes where you can get together with other pregnant women because it gives you an opportunity to share your pregnancy progress with women in the same place as you, both mentally and physically.
If your community doesn’t offer one or your schedule it tight, a prenatal yoga video tape will do the trick. They can be found at most bookstores or larger drug stores with book and video departments. Experts like Shiva Rea will guide you through exercises that strengthen and stretch areas that feel added stress due to your pregnancy.
You will be shown how to do poses that are appropriate for your particular trimester and guided through a calming meditation which will help bring you in touch with your body and your growing baby. The downward facing dog and pelvic rolls helped strengthen my back so that I barely felt any back pain at all. You will love these!
Chiropractic*
Chiropractic was another favorite part of pregnancy relief. As your body changes, your back and legs often have difficulty holding the extra weight centered in your belly. Chiropractors can quickly find any malaligned bones and easily slide them into shape. A good chiropractor will bring only relief and nothing he/ she does should ever hurt. If you go regularly and exercise to strengthen your abdominal muscles and back you will find yourself in top shape for delivery!
Rest and good nutrition are the cornerstone to feeling healthy. By adding alternative therapies for aches and pains such as massage, yoga, and chiropractic care, you can glide through your pregnancy with much less pain and the good feeling that you healed yourself in a way that had no adverse affect on your baby, but possibly even relaxed her in the process.
*You should always consult with your prenatal health care provider before starting any fitness or health-related program while pregnant.
About the author:
By Karina Downie, BabyFit Expert Mom
http://babyfit.sparkpeople.com
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