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Late pregnancy aches and pains
The last trimester brings its own, um, joys. Here's how to manage them
That nine-month stretch of pregnancy can be a long haul of wild (“Why can’t I feel my hand?”) and wonderful (“Her foot is pushing against my ribs!”) aches, pains and discomforts. But in the last 12 weeks, in particular, a number of odd and sometimes startling symptoms can surface just as you’re approaching the finish line. Here are some of the more common complaints — and ideas on how to handle them.
Backache
“Backache is probably the most common complaint I hear from pregnant women,” says Tom Bailey, a Victoria family physician and past president of the College of Family Physicians of Canada . He explains that the cause isn’t only weight gain, but the higher demand on muscles and the changing centre of gravity as your baby bump grows, which puts more stress on the spine. Your body is also producing relaxin, a hormone that develops in pregnancy to loosen joints to help prepare for delivery, which can also put more strain on your lower back.
Pregnancy Rx
All the general rules of back health apply: Bend with your knees; don’t lean over at the waist when picking things up; avoid awkward twists and turns that put your lower back in vulnerable positions. Other back-friendly tips during pregnancy include not standing on your feet for extended periods and walking daily.
“We find 30 minutes of walking a day is really helpful at this stage because it strengthens both your back and core muscles,” says Karen Buhler, head of the Department of Family Practice at BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre in Vancouver. “Walking stimulates your posture muscles and helps keep them strong.” Can’t bear the thought of hoofing it for half an hour? Slip into a pool instead, or ask your caregiver to recommend stretches to relieve pressure on your back.
You might feel similar pain in your pelvis because of your joints loosening up. Try heat to relieve the ache. When you’re getting out of bed or trying to find a comfortable sleeping position, avoid strain by rolling like a log, rather than twisting your body, suggests Helen McDonald, an associate professor in the Midwifery Education Program at McMaster University in Hamilton. Or you may find you need to get out of bed altogether to flip sides. “Sleeping with a body pillow, or a pillow between your legs, can also help keep everything supported,” says McDonald.
Restless leg syndrome
Just as you’re finally drifting off, you feel a jittery, jarring movement in your legs. Or maybe there’s a creepy-crawly feeling that might be painful. While at first you think it may be leg cramps — which tend to suddenly cripple your leg with pain — restless leg syndrome (RLS) feels as if there’s an energy moving about your legs.
Pregnancy Rx
“Having a bath right before bed may help — RLS tends to happen late at night,” says Buhler. “And taking your calcium at night also seems to help, either a supplement or a glass of milk.” You may also want to try stretching your legs out, or having your partner give them a quick rubdown before bed.
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What do you think?
Ara (not verified) says ....
Ok, that video helped me out bgitime!! I'm serious. Every sign that they pointed out before the missed period was right on the money. Nausea, sore/tender breasts, headaches, fatigue I have been suffering w/ that for the past week. I took a test and it came up positive. hell, I've even been moody tward my husband and I NEVER yell at him. I appreciate whoever posted this video.. seeing as how this is my first pregnancy I am grateful.