Are you expecting a little bundle of joy? Congratulations! Pregnancy is an incredible journey that can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with pregnancy-related pain. Many pregnant women experience pains such as headaches, cramps and backaches - it comes with the territory. But what's important to know is how you can manage these pains safely.
While your first option may be to reach for your trusty bottle of painkillers, not all medications are safe during pregnancy. With so many different types and brands claiming to be safe or unsafe depending on who you ask, figuring out which one works best for easing those pesky ailments while keeping your bun in the oven snug yet secure can feel like an insurmountable task.
Fret not mama bear (or dad-to-be), we’ve got you covered! Our guide will help navigate the murky waters of safe relief from pain during pregnancy without downing gallons of pickle juice or rubbing tree bark on yourself!
Why Some Painkillers Are Unsafe During Pregnancy
Before delving into specific medication choices, let's have a quick chat about why some common over-the-counter drugs aren't suitable for expectant mothers.
First off, most medicines cross the placenta into your baby’s bloodstream; thus exposing them directly or indirectly to those medications before they’re even born. That’s right folks- aspirin makes its way through every single cell both yours AND baby’s bodies / yikes! Developing babies rely heavily on their developing organs' abilities to process foreign substances so taking certain medicines at critical stages could lead to permanent developmental damage/ no bueno!
Additionally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used commonly used for reducing inflammation and managing fever symptoms work against blood clotting mechanisms required by growing fetuses leaving mums exposed bleeding tendencies in case of delivery complications – something more than nauseating!
Safe Options for Pain Relief during Pregnancy
With all that said and done, there are still some options available for pregnant women to manage pregnancy-related pain. Here’s the rundown:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Possible uses: Headache relief, cramp reduction, backaches and fever management.
Safe Dosage - up to 1000mg / rxn
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists approves acetaminophen as a safe medication option for treating mild-to-moderate pregnancy discomfort such as those mentioned before. Despite its safety profile in comparison to other alternatives out there, patients should be conscious about their dosage regimens- excess ingestion increases risk of toxicity.
Try NOT exceeding more than one gram per dose or three grams per day I.e., preferably taking only 2 x tablets of paracetamol every 6 hours although it is important not to stress too much especially when faced with high fevers; try calling your healthcare specialist immediately! Remember, always stick closely to manufacturer's directed dosing and packaging information/ undeniably crucial thereafter!
Low-dose aspirin
Possible uses: Inflammation management
Dosage recommended by OBGYNs - Can vary from ~60mg – at most- 150 Mg daily
Unlike regular-strength aspirin which is considered non-safe due bleeding issues upon delivery -- Some research shows controlled doses like low dose aspirin can help reduce chances of preterm labor and preeclampsia-- conditions worth avoiding in pregnancies/seems legit!
However Before diving into this option make sure you check with your prenatal care provider first; they’ll tailor the appropriate dosages depending on patient history-- may recommend senior rather than junior strength pills as well if need be however don't jump off without getting authorization/ won't regret it!
Hydration Is Important Too!
While sticking within recommended drug-type brackets helps keep baby comfortable inside of you, another way to avoid pains from developing while pregnant is by staying hydrated.
Make sure you drink at least eight glasses of water daily and prioritize fluids with electrolytes after any sweat session- Additionally investing in pregnancy-appropriate yoga may reduce tension associated aches whilst keeping baby happy.
Using Alternatives to Painkillers
Wondering if there are relief options for pain that work without drugs? Yes! Indeed, believe it or not -- many girls have found comfort through alternative therapy forms like:
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Acupuncture treatment: This practice involves inserting fine needles into specific areas of the skin "strategic points". It’s said to promote natural blood flow movement across affected zones leading supposed stress reduction.
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Prenatal massage therapy sessions : Regular prenatal massages by proficient therapists are great ways of reducing painful symptoms throughout your gestation journey
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TENS units which involve transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation usually used specifically during labor but NOT recommended prior; they too can help when facilitating managing chronic back pain/sure beats chocolate paste I guess?
Foods To Eat For Less Painful Pregnancy Symptoms
Food has many therapeutic effects on the human body -- including aiding discomforts that occur naturally with pregnancies – here's some truly helpful tidbits (thanks grandma!) :
White rice - Mild stomach ailments
Protein foods - Cravings regulation
Avocado - Occurring headaches & high-pains levels
Bear in mind dietary changes should be carefully administered coupled with authorized medical recommendations/ Don't go switching meat for lead without talking things over first!
In conclusion folks, let's face it life throws us unexpected curveballs however knowing what medications we can safely take during our preggo journeys will undoubtedly make all those sickening/complaining episodes much much more bearable--Hats off new mommas ! You got this/ We knew ya do!