Pregnancy is supposed to be a very exciting time in our lives, but sometimes what comes with it can be very difficult to endure. While pregnant, thumb joint pain our bodies are working extremely hard to provide nourishment to the baby and help it develop normally. While this is going on, a mom can lose some needed nutrients that are also important for healthy joints. big toe joint pain During pregnancy, our bodies use a fatty acid called DHA to develop the baby. DHA helps function of the brain and also helps to lubricate our joints. Because so much DHA is used during pregnancy, it is difficult to use it for our own benefits in our joints.
One reason for joint pain during pregnancy is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Some of us can develop carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy, but it’s usually only temporary. hip pain during pregnancy The most common signs that you see in carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy are hands and wrists tingling and being numb. Symptoms usually fade after having the baby. Pressure from retaining fluid is most likely the main cause. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful problem that 28 percent of pregnant women have to endure. Some different signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are: sharp pains that start from the wrist up the arm, sensation of burning in the fingers, morning stiffness or cramping of hands, weak thumbs, dropping objects a lot, wake at night with hand pain and numbness, numbness in hand while driving. Splinting serves as the main treatment for pregnancy-induced CTS. Resting the fingers, hand and wrist in a neutral, still position is the greatest way to reduce pressure in the carpal tunnel.
One main joint pain during pregnancy is pelvic joint pain. Pelvic joint pain during pregnancy is very common, especially during the final trimester. During pregnancy, our bodies produce more of the hormone Relaxin. Relaxin works to soften the pelvic joints as to allow the baby to pass through during delivery. ac joint pain Unfortunately, it can work on all of the joints and cause the joints to swell and hurt. This is one of the main reasons why they want pregnant women to avoid high impact activities. This and all the extra weight are the two big reasons we get lower back pain, the hormone along with the weight of the child can cause pelvic joint pain. If the pain is too much to handle, make sure that you rest and drink a lot of fluids.
There are a lot of different methods we can do to help joint pain during pregnancy.
-Taking fish oil supplements as well as DHA can replace all the fatty acids lost during pregnancy. They can also effect our mood and brain function in a positive way.
-Drink a lot of water and take pre-natal vitamins,
-Taking calcium, helps to reduce inflammation.
-Swimming.The water can take pressure off the joints and muscles, leaving you feeling weightless. The water can be relaxing and warm water can soothe tired muscles.
-Yoga. Helps pregnant women experience less joint pain and become more limber.
Making sure you have chiropractic care during pregnancy is also very important. Chiropractors help to align the spine so that the baby moves to the right position for birth. Chiropractic care can also help the circulation throughout our body. Being properly aligned can help a pregnant woman in many ways. We will feel better, less nauseous, and move better.
One way to tell if a sore joint is serious is to check if it is red or hot to the touch, as opposed to just sore. Tylenol (acetaminophen) or heat may help alleviate discomfort, but heat is not recommended. Ice is the best way to go. Heat may feel nice and relaxing at the moment, but can cause a great deal of throbbing later on, because the blood rises to the surface.
Joint pain during pregnancy is hard to deal with for most women, but at least you can take heart that all pregnancies end eventually, and you will have a new baby to join your family. Just a few weeks to go!
Anna Leake is a health blogger that focuses on topics related to nutrition, fitness, and mental health. She was born in New York City but at age 6 moved to the Midwest where she spent her childhood exploring nature with friends and family. Anna graduated from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with degrees in psychology & human development.
