Pregnancy Back Pain

Mid-way through your pregnancy, your baby’s head will settle on the sciatic nerve on the lower part of your spine. Why? Your baby is positioning itself to get ready for birth. In the mean time, though, you might feel a shooting pain in your lower back (aka sciatica). In addition to sciatica, you might also experience lumbar pain or posterior pain. Each of these can be caused by pregnancy hormones, which loosen your joints and ligaments. Thankfully, you don’t have to live with back pain. In fact, there are several smart ways to find relief for the remainder of your pregnancy.

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Sleeping During Pregnancy

Even though you’re tired all the time, sleeping comfortably during pregnancy can be particularly challenging. Your growing belly, plus the need to run to the bathroom every hour or so, can make a good night’s sleep hard to achieve. However, with some sleep strategies in mind, you can get the rest you need (and deserve). Establishing a regular bedtime routine, limiting caffeine and incorporating some simple relaxation techniques can help ease your mind and your body.

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Swollen Ankles In Pregnancy

Are your ankles suddenly looking like, ughhh, cankles? A little bit of swelling is normal during the second half of pregnancy. This condition, aka edema, is due to your body retaining excess amounts of water. How does this happen? Your growing uterus is putting pressure on your veins, which slows circulation and causes blood to pool in your legs. This pressure also forces fluid from your veins into the body’s tissues. If you feel the swelling seems more significant, contact your caregiver. But in most cases, you can find relief simply by staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet.

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Leg Cramps In Pregnancy

During your second or third trimester, you may experience cramping in your legs. For some, these uncomfortable muscle spasms can cause restless sleep. Leg cramps during pregnancy are common, although surprisingly, no one can be sure what causes them. Your growing belly, increased hormones or food choices could all contribute to pregnancy leg pain. To help, try to stretch, maintain a healthy diet and rest your feet from time to time. Simple solutions like these can reduce cramping, so you - and your legs - can rest easier at night.

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Swollen Feet In Pregnancy

Feet looking a bit puffy? A little bit of swelling is normal during the second half of pregnancy. This condition, aka edema, is due to your body retaining excess amounts of water. How does this happen? Your growing uterus is putting pressure on your veins, which slows circulation and causes blood to pool in your legs. This pressure also forces fluid from your veins into the body’s tissues - the perfect recipe for swollen feet during pregnancy. If you feel the swelling seems more significant, contact your caregiver. But in most cases, you can find relief simply by staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet.

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