Body pain in pregnancy? It may be part of the pregnancy journey, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it, Mama.

Table of Contents

What causes body pains while pregnant?
What are the common pregnancy aches and pains?
What are the natural remedies to help with pregnancy body pains?
How can oils help with body pains?
What are safe essential oils and what to avoid?

Skip ahead to any section you find the most interesting!

We don’t know have to remind Mamas of how uncomfortable pregnancy can be and how everything seems to hurt. These pregnancy aches and pains are especially more prominent in the third trimester when you’re full-on waddling because of how huge your bump has gone–seemingly overnight, too! Did you know that your baby weighs around 3 kilos at around 39 weeks?

In this article, we’ll dive into the causes of body pain in pregnancy, what you can do to ease the pain, and how traditional herbal remedies can do wonders for your body.

What causes body pain in pregnancy?

Aches and pains are pretty much part of the pregnancy journey. It’s uncomfortable but sadly unavoidable. One major reason why we experience these kinds of pain is that women’s bodies change throughout pregnancy to accommodate their growing fetuses Ligaments, for instance, stretch as the uterus expands. Even the pubic bone area can experience sharp pains because of the pelvic ligaments loosening up.

What are the common pains pregnant women experience?

There are many different types of body aches pregnant women experience. Cramping, Braxton-Hicks contractions, fatigue, headaches, and pelvic pain are just some of the most common ones. 

Sciatica

Many pregnant women experience cramps or sudden sharp pains down their legs because of their growing uterus. If you are experiencing pain that runs from your lower back to the back of your leg, knee, or foot, you may have sciatica. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Even your wrists are not safe from pregnancy pains. Did you know that 31% to 62% of pregnant women experience carpal tunnel syndrome? According to Healthline, it’s usually caused by the narrowing of the carpal tunnel in the wrist mainly because of fluid retention and swelling during pregnancy. And with a narrow passageway, the median nerve becomes compressed and therefore causes pain, numbness, or a burning sensation in the fingers.

Back Aches

And later on in your pregnancy, you’re bound to feel backaches because of the strain your belly is putting on your back muscles. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services highlights that pregnant women will also have “aching near the pelvic bone due to the pressure of the baby’s head.” This is in addition to the loosening joints, which happens in preparation for childbirth. Even changing hormones and your new posture can trigger pregnancy backaches. 

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Although most of the body pains you experience while pregnant are normal, some are a cause of concern, too. In an article published on Parents.com, Donna Dizon-Townson, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, emphasized that hormonal changes also put pregnant women at risk of blood clots.

One particular condition to look out for is deep vein thrombosis, which occurs because of the pressure of the growing uterus impeding circulation and “causing blood to pool in your legs and feet.” Key symptoms to watch out for are if it’s red, painful, swollen, and warm to the touch. 

What are natural remedies to help with body pain in pregnancy?

Normally, a pain reliever is all it takes to alleviate such pains. You can always seek medical advice from your physician if the pain is unbearable and affecting your day-to-day activities, as there are pregnancy-safe medications, too.

But of course, some pregnant women choose to avoid medication altogether unless absolutely necessary. If you want to take matters into your own hands, natural remedies are the best and safest way to find relief. Here are some safe remedies that you can do at home:

For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

• Elevate your wrist
• Use a splint
• Avoid or minimize activities that require you to bend your wrist
• Cold therapy
• Rest
• Practice yoga
• Go for physical therapy

For Back Aches:

• Practice proper diet to manage weight gain
• Try exercises like yoga
• Use a pregnancy support belt
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Avoid carrying heavy things
• When picking up something on the floor, bend at the knees and keep your back straight
• Have a massage but avoid putting pressure on the spine
• Don’t stand on your feet too long
• Sit in a chair with good back support
• Place a heating pad on your back

For Sciatica and Leg Cramps:

• Try exercises like water aerobics or yoga
• Practice daily stretching
• Eat foods rich in calcium
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Avoid crossing your legs
• Elevate your legs
• Use heat and cold therapy
• Practice proper posture when sitting 

How can a massage oil help with body pain in pregnancy?

We know that a prenatal massage does wonders for a pregnant woman’s overall health and well-being. But one aspect of a massage that makes it especially beneficial is the oil that you use. With the right blend of oil, one can truly experience utmost relaxation and incredible pain relief thanks to certain oils’ therapeutic or aromatic properties. 

Cajuput is one such oil that delivers a multitude of benefits. Healthline highlighted that while it’s long been established as an antiseptic and great for minor cuts and scratches, it also mentions that it’s helpful for muscle and joint pain. This is because cajuput (also known as cajeput) contains a chemical called cineole, which is responsible for pain relief beneath the skin.

What are safe oils for pregnancy and what should you avoid?

Not all oils are created equal. According to Ellen Comiskey, M.D., a board-certified obstetrician from Moreland OB-GYN, “many essential oils are perfectly safe to use in moderation during pregnancy.” However, that doesn’t take away the fact that pregnant women must “always exercise caution and consult your doctor before using essential oils during pregnancy,” she clarifies. One reason you must be careful is that some are linked to inducing contractions.

According to WebMD, some of the essential oils that are good to use while pregnant are lavender, bergamot, lemon, wild orange, cardamom, ginger, patchouli, geranium, peppermint, thyme, grapefruit, tea tree, and rosemary.

Meanwhile, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy highlight that wormwood, oakmoss, parsley seed, sage, camphor, rue, and hyssop should be avoided during pregnancy.

Why use Mama’s Choice Herbal Oil?

For the discerning Mama who wants to ensure the safety of the products they use, there is no need to worry at all about Mama’s Choice Herbal Oil because it is 100% natural. It’s so natural we can even break down just how much of each oil it contains: 62% olive oil, 25% cajuput oil, 10% grapeseed oil, and 3% lavender oil.

• Cajuput Oil: Relieves sore muscles and joints
• Olive Oil: Hydrates the skin for softer and smoother skin
• Grapeseed Oil: Rich in antibodies that moisturizes the skin without clogging pores 
• Lavender Oil: Provides a relaxing aroma

An effective blend rooted in traditional medicine, applying this on your skin through a gentle massage helps relieve pregnancy aches and pains. Plus, you’ll enjoy the warming effect on your skin. Whether you apply it on your wrist, back, or leg, our herbal oil is absolutely safe to use. It naturally relieves soreness, aches, and pains while keeping your skin moisturized!

Mama's Choice Team

The Mama's Choice PH team is composed of three Mamas who are dedicated to spoiling their little ones with lots of cuddles, playtime and the occasional sweets, of course. <3