Drug-Free Pain Relief During Pregnancy
Much has been said about the glow women have during pregnancy, but many women do not feel as glowing and special as they would like to. Back pain, headaches and leg cramps are common during pregnancy and can become intense through the second and third trimesters. Most expectant mothers are understandably hesitant to take pain medication and need drug-free solutions for their discomfort. It is important for pregnant women to find relief since prolonged pain can cause depression, loss of sleep, and reduced appetite. Here are several natural ways that woman can safely reduce their pain during pregnancy.
Chiropractic Pain Relief
Chiropractors are known for their back, neck, and shoulder pain treatments. Many people undergo regular adjustments to ensure that their spine remains aligned. Their services are safe during pregnancy and may help women to feel more comfortable and flexible. A pregnant woman requires a gentle touch and special tables to avoid putting pressure on the abdomen. It is a good idea for women to make certain the chiropractor they choose is trained to treat pregnant women and has the necessary equipment.
Therapeutic Massage Services
Prenatal massage has the benefit of improving circulation and helping women to relax. Many problems like back pain and headaches are caused by tension. Certified prenatal massage therapists are trained to provide their services safely to pregnant women. With their assistance, women are often able to find relief for muscle and joint pain and successfully manage their stress. Some chiropractic offices offer massage services for their patients, and those that are trained to assist pregnant patients work with licensed massage therapists with the same type of training.
Acupuncture Pain Treatment
Acupuncture has the potential to help pregnant women relieve pain as well as reduce nausea. Again, it is important to use an acupuncturist that understands how to perform their treatments on women who are pregnant. Certain pressure points are avoided during pregnancy because it is believed that stimulating them may cause uterine contractions and increase the risk of premature labor.
Women can also use many natural methods of pain relief at home in addition to these other treatments. A warm or cold compress, prenatal yoga, and aromatherapy with frankincense essential oil may help. Women should also make their obstetrician aware of chronic pain and reoccurring headaches to rule out any underlying health concerns. Every woman is different and every pregnancy is unique. This means that it may take some experimentation to find the method, or combination of services, that work best.
For a chiropractor who treats pregnant women, contact a chiropractor such as Angie Wilson.