How To Manage Pregnancy Pain Without Medications

While the feeling of becoming a parent is one in a million, the problems that come with it are not so pleasant. The stretching and straining from the extra weight you’re carrying and the hormonal fluctuations you experience throughout the journey can all contribute to unwanted discomfort in your lower back, abdomen, round ligaments, and even your legs. What’s worse, you have to think twice before you pop a pain-relieving medication. So what can you do to ease your pain? Can you still resort to medications? Or are there natural remedies that can help? We asked an expert to answer all your questions.

Are Pain-Relieving Medications Safe During Pregnancy?

According to him, drugs like paracetamol (acetaminophen) and tramadol are considered safe in pregnancy, both of which are used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Although a 2021 consensus statement in Nature suggested a possible link between taking acetaminophen at any point in pregnancy and neurological, urinary/genital, and reproductive problems in the child, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) maintains that, for now, there’s no clear evidence of harm.

“Neurodevelopmental disorders, in particular, are multifactorial and very difficult to associate with a singular cause. The brain does not stop developing until at least 15 months of age, which leaves room for children to be exposed to a number of factors that could potentially lead to these issues,” the statement by ACOG read.

However, when it comes to the use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Dr Pawale and many other health bodies recommend against it.

NSAIDs are medicines that are popularly known for their pain-relieving effects. They are said to reduce inflammation and also bring down high temperatures. Common NSAIDs include medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and celecoxib.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against the use of NSAIDs around 20 weeks or later in pregnancy, suggesting that they may cause rare but serious kidney problems in an unborn baby. “This can lead to low levels of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby and possible complications,” the health body said.

According to Dr Pawale, meditation, stretching exercises, and hot and cold fomentation can all help reduce the onset of pain during pregnancy.

He adds that maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet, proper rest, and staying hydrated may also help in reducing pain.

Moreover, pregnant women must:

Focus on good posture
Do some stretching
Indulge in aromatherapy.
Sleep on the side to reduce strain on the back
Take pillows between the legs, especially knees
Wear comfortable footwear
Conclusion
Pain management during pregnancy can be taxing, as it can feel like a never-ending cycle. If you’re planning on taking medicines, it is crucial that you consult with your doctor. While pain-relieving medications are generally considered safe for use, there are medications that may pose certain risks. If the pain is mild, you can alleviate it or prevent it by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Doing low-impact workouts, like walking and yoga, eating healthy, and staying hydrated can all help. Remember, do not put a lot of stress on your body!