Options for Natural Pain Relief During Pregnancy

It goes without saying that pregnancy is the ultimate time for transformation. As you busily prepare your home and your life to accommodate for a brand new family member, your body is going through its own endless list of changes. Your ligaments are loosening, your weight distribution is completely altered, and everything feels quite different.

While many of the women I see in my practice come in for preventative chiropractic care to enhance their pregnancy and birth experience, I also see many who have the typical pregnancy complaints. There are so many changes going on in your body that can cause discomfort, such as lower back pain, sciatica, tightness between the shoulder blades, and pubic bone pain.

But, of course, most of my patients are quite apprehensive about the potentially harmful side effects caused by medication taken during pregnancy. I find many are interested in investigating natural remedies and therapies to assist with relieving discomfort.

This concern about side effects is understandable, as very few medications have been tested for safety during pregnancy. In fact, a 2002 study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology indicated that more than 90 per cent of drugs approved since 1980 have not been properly tested to ensure they do not cause birth defects if taken by pregnant women .

Another study published in the British Medical Journal in 2001 highlights a group of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (or NSAIDS; includes drugs such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen) and links them to miscarriage.

The good news is that there are multiple ways of dealing with aches and pains during pregnancy that don't involve medications. Here are a few tips you can use to help minimize discomfort the natural way, but please consult your healthcare provider to ensure that these points are suitable for you.

Maintain your activity level: We've all heard the following well-intentioned advice directed at expectant mothers: "Honey, sit down, put your feet up and relax!" One thing I have learned as a chiropractor who sees many pregnant women is that sitting too much is one of the least helpful things you can do leading up to your birth (unless you have received specific instructions from your healthcare provider to limit activity). Research shows that increased activity levels actually decrease the chances of complication during a birth. Maintaining a reasonable activity level during pregnancy can also help to avoid the "aches and pains" of pregnancy. Your activity of choice doesn't need to be strenuous, even a simple walk or prenatal yoga will do the trick.

High quality fish oils: Fish oils contain omega-3 fats, which have shown in clinical and animal studies to have anti-inflammatory properties and promote joint lubrication. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure the brand you choose is monitored closely for quality.

Limit sugar intake: Lowering your sugar intake will help lower your insulin levels. High insulin levels are one of the most significant reasons for increased production of inflammatory prostaglandins in the body, which can contribute to increased pain levels.

Fresh ginger root: Ginger, which is known to decrease inflammation and offer pain relief, can be boiled into a tea or grated into food. Low doses of ginger are safe for pregnant women, and can also help relieve nausea.

Massage therapy: Massage can be beneficial for all pregnant women, but this is especially true for women who spend a lot of their day sitting at a desk. I recommend that you find a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) who has had experience working with pregnant women.

Chiropractic care: Women who seek chiropractic care during their pregnancy say that they have less back pain during pregnancy and significantly less likelihood of back labour . Chiropractic adjustments are a safe and effective way to ensure that your body functions optimally up until the time of your birth.