A time of joy, but a time of worry … How to make pregnancy more comfortable

Pregnancy is both a joyous, and worrying time. Whilst you have the impending happy event of the birth of your new child, whether it’s your first or fourth, you also have the worry of ‘what if’, and also the sometimes uncomfortable nine months ahead to contend with.

During pregnancy, on average, women gain around 10-15kg, which obviously leads to discomfort, especially in the lower back. Nobody said it would be easy when carrying a growing child, but the end result is more than worth the effort!

Whether it’s back pain, sciatica, or the worry of falls and trips which is bothering you, there are many ways to help make pregnancy more comfortable for the expectant mother, and if you’re at all concerned about how your body is going to be able to cope with such changes, including the major changes hormones make to proceedings, then you’ll be pleased to know that you can cross one less thing off your worry list, by taking note of the following few tips.

Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in helping pregnant mums cope with the changes their bodies go through during this stressful time. Sunbury chiropractor Dr Chatfield has been treating women with gentle chiropractic exercises during pregnancy for years, and is highly experienced in advising just what to do to help amp up the comfort levels in those crucial nine months.

Exercise!

Whilst it’s important to be careful how much exercise you do and what kind, exercise during pregnancy is a good thing, because it can help strengthen muscles and weaknesses, as well as keeping weight gain in check. Gentle exercises such as walking and swimming are good, however excessive exercise is not advised.

Be shoe savvy!

Whilst you might want to totter around in your heels for as long as possible, you’re only going to add to your potential list of hazards, with a risk of falls, as well as pain in the lower back due to imbalances. Switch to flats.

Be weight careful

It’s advisable to avoid lifting heavy weights as much as possible, and when you do, ensure you lift correctly, e.g. lift from the waist.

Lying correctly

Lying down on your left hand side is advised, and to put a pillow between the legs in order to put less pressure on the lower back, and cut down the chances of discomfort later on.

Move things around

If you work in a job where you’re not mobile, e.g. sitting at a desk, move things around so you’re more comfortable, giving yourself a better working environment. Also make sure you have regular breaks, and go for a short wander to give yourself an exercise boost, and to stop yourself from seizing up.

Pregnancy is a time to behold, however the risks and discomfort can put a mar on something magical if you’re not sure how to manage it; luckily help is at hand. Call the practice now on (03) 9303 9952 (Roxburgh Park) or (03) 9746 3977 (Sunbury) to arrange an appointment, and look forward to enjoying your pregnancy in a more comfortable, and pain-free way.

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