Preparing for a new addition to your family can be simultaneously exciting and daunting. From adjusting to a new sleep schedule to learning how to keep your growing baby healthy, caring for yourself in the process may fall to the wayside. While your body adjusts to the pregnancy, you may begin to experience some aches and joint pain, specifically in the hips and low back.
Why Pregnancy Causes Joint Pain
The body undergoes several major changes during pregnancy. During the second trimester, backaches and cramps become common as the body starts to gain weight. Finally, in the third trimester leading up to labor, hip pain, back pain, and sciatica can become unbearable as the rapid weight gain begins to take its toll.
Hip and lower back pain can limit your mobility and reduce your quality of life, especially during pregnancy. Common causes of pregnancy-related joint pain include:
- Arthritis: This is a common condition that causes joint pain and inflammation. Sometimes pregnancy can cause or worsen arthritis symptoms.
- Vitamin Deficiency: Vitamins and minerals are essential for the growth of both the mother and her baby. Prenatal and postnatal vitamins, as recommended by your doctor, can not only ensure healthy fetal development but can also help the mother adapt to the growing baby and improve her overall health.
- Weight Gain: The more weight you carry, the more pressure you put on your joints. The weight of your baby and water weight can increase joint stiffness and add pressure on lower body joints.
Addressing Pregnancy-Related Joint Pain
Finding solutions to joint problems while pregnant can be more difficult than addressing joint pain pre-pregnancy. Certain medications or foods that might have alleviated joint pain before pregnancy may now be off-limits.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to help alleviate pregnancy-related joint pain naturally and safely. One of the simplest things you can do for your joints is to work on an exercise routine that effectively strengthens the muscles surrounding your joints and keeps them supported.
Can You Exercise Safely While Pregnant?
Generally, exercising is safe, and can even provide health benefits to you and your baby. Many expecting mothers have noted that exercising regularly promotes healthy weight gain, reduces hip and back pain, and may improve blood circulation.
However, it’s important to discuss any activities you plan to do with your doctor during prenatal visits. Open communication with your healthcare team and taking time to learn what exercises will work best for you can ensure you’re taking proper precautions and minimizing any potential risks.
Exercises & Stretches for Pregnancy-Related Joint Pain
If you’re currently struggling with hip and lower back pain or related joint pain during your pregnancy, try these exercises that may be able to alleviate some joint pain you’re suffering from during pregnancy!
*Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling, or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.
Treating Joint Pain with Airrosti
Don’t let aching joints and pain dampen such a happy time. If you’ve been struggling with pregnancy-related hip or lower back pain and need some relief, schedule an appointment with an Airrosti Provider today. Our Providers work to help the root cause of your pain and provide the tools and resources you need to help find effective relief.
For more information, call us at (800) 404-6050.
Read our Medical Disclaimer here.
