Solve the puzzle of "pregnancy pain"

Author: Zhao Aimei, deputy chief physician of Shandong Liaocheng Dongchangfu District Maternal and Child Health Hospital

Reviewer: Cai Rui, Chief Physician, Dongchangfu District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province

After pregnancy, the mother's body will undergo wonderful changes. She may experience various pains throughout the pregnancy. When encountering various pains during pregnancy, many pregnant mothers will be very nervous and at a loss due to lack of experience. However, the various pains during pregnancy are not all diseases, and many cases are normal physiological phenomena.

1. Breast pain during pregnancy

Breast pain is one of the "pregnancy pains" that many pregnant mothers have encountered or experienced. Why does this symptom occur? How should we deal with it?

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1. Causes of breast pain

After pregnancy, under the joint stimulation of estrogen and progesterone, the breasts of pregnant women will gradually change with the growth and development of the fetus in order to prepare for future lactation. The most obvious change in the breasts in early pregnancy is that pregnant mothers often feel that their breasts are swollen and become particularly sensitive, with discomfort such as tenderness. This feeling of distension and pain is similar to the distension and pain before menstruation, but more intense. When walking, the breasts will feel a little heavy. Breast distension and pain usually occurs in the early stages of pregnancy. As the body's hormone levels stabilize, this situation will gradually ease. Some pregnant mothers will also experience this pain throughout the pregnancy.

2. How to deal with breast pain

(1) Choose the right bra: Choose pure cotton material with appropriate tightness. Avoid wearing bras with underwires. They should provide good support for the breasts but not be too tight to rub the nipples. It is recommended to wear less or no bras at home and try to choose loose home underwear.

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(2) Hot compress and breast massage: If the breasts feel swollen or stinging, it is recommended to apply a warm towel to the breasts to relieve the discomfort, alternating between the two sides for 15 minutes each.

(3) Breast massage: Clean the breasts, apply oil, and gently squeeze and rub them to relieve pain. However, it should be noted that the technique should be gentle when massaging the breasts, and do not cause irritation or soreness in the nipples. If there is any discomfort, stop immediately to avoid causing miscarriage.

(4) Avoid squeezing the breasts when sleeping: The prone position can easily squeeze the breasts, which can block blood circulation and cause more breast discomfort. It is best for pregnant mothers to sleep in a side-lying position.

Warm reminder : Breast pain is a normal physiological phenomenon during pregnancy, and pregnant mothers do not need to be too afraid. Generally, there is no need to do too much breast care in the early pregnancy, and there is no need to wash the breasts specially when taking a bath. If there is no discomfort, do not massage casually, just let it go. It is recommended to start breast care and breast correction in the middle of pregnancy, which is safer for both mother and child.

2. Pain during pregnancy: back pain

In addition to breast pain during pregnancy, back pain is also a problem faced by many pregnant mothers. After pregnancy, as the gestational weeks increase, some pregnant mothers begin to experience back pain and discomfort, which seriously affects their daily work and life. So, what are the causes of back pain during pregnancy? How to relieve it?

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1. Possible causes of back pain during pregnancy

(1) Increased secretion of estrogen and progesterone causes the pelvic joint ligaments of pregnant mothers to become loose.

(2) As the uterus continues to grow, the body's center of gravity gradually moves forward.

2. Countermeasures

(1) Avoid improper posture. It is recommended to lie on your left side during the second and third trimesters to reduce pressure on the uterus. Pay attention to your posture when getting up. Do not sit up suddenly from a supine position. It is best to first turn your body to one side, then use the strength of your hands to slowly support your body and sit up. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Sit and stand in the correct posture and do not bend over or hunch over. Avoid bending over, twisting your waist, or lifting heavy objects. When bending over, bend your knees and do not bend your body directly forward. Avoid riding in a car for a long time and wearing high heels. The mattress should not be too soft.

(2) Use pillows and belly support belts. Pregnant mothers can place soft cushions on their waists when sitting to relieve back pressure. They can also use belly support belts to share some of the baby's weight and relieve back pressure.

(3) Get a back massage. Try lying on the back of a chair or on your side and have your family gently massage the muscles on both sides of your spine, especially your lower back. A professional masseur or physiotherapist may be more effective.

(4) Keep your waist warm or apply hot compresses. Especially in the summer, when you sleep with the air conditioner on, you need to keep your back warm. Applying a warm towel to the back can relieve back pain.

(5) Stick to prenatal exercises. If your body can bear it, you can do some simple stretching exercises, such as stretching your arms upwards.

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(6) Pay attention to calcium supplementation. During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, you need to pay attention to calcium supplementation to meet the growth and development needs of the pregnant mother and the fetus. Calcium deficiency will aggravate back pain and discomfort.