On the one hand, the awe-inspiring physical changes may reinforce how magical it is to be pregnant.
But there are also many times when the experience isn’t exactly a picnic.
In fact, it can straight up be a pain in thevagina(pun intended).
Julien L. Balmer/Adobe Stock
Theres a solid amount of discomfort in the mix.
With that in mind, heres everything it’s crucial that you know about pregnancy pains.
Common Pregnancy Pains
Pregnancy impacts several different parts of your body, and thepainsare no different.
These are some of the more common issues that can pop up.
How could we not kick it off with this one?
These are also known as vulvar varicosities, according to theMayo Clinic.
That pressure [change causes] dilation of those veins," Dr. Ahlering explains.
Hence,varicose veinsthat can cause tingly pain down below.
The good news here is that this key in of pregnancy discomfort is often short-lived.
Ligaments are cords in your body that connect certain structures in your body to other structures, theMerck Manualexplains.
Your round ligaments, in particular, serve as connections between your uterus and your groin.
That expansion is where round ligament pain can come in.
You’ve got a lot of extra blood in your system during pregnancy.
This makes sense when you think about it.
Basically, the weight you gain during pregnancy can tax yourlower backin a painful way.
Meet the cause of all those “I’m going to have a baby!
Wait, just kidding” false alarms you may have seen in movies.
Braxton Hicks contractions are like your body putting you through a dress rehearsal forlabor.
“The uterus is a big muscle that contracts throughout pregnancy,” says Dr. Abdur-Rahman.
“Progesterone [a pregnancy hormone], relaxes smooth muscles like your intestines,” says Dr. Abdur-Rahman.
That means food doesn’t pass through your system as quickly as usual.
(Yup, we mean the beast that isconstipation.)
Tender breasts can hint at your pregnancy in the first place.
Specifically,Johns Hopkins Medicinenotes, we can mostly blame this one on the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
So…thanks for that.
Thankfully, this key in of pregnancy pain typically abates some weeks into pregnancy, theMayo Clinicsays.
You may specifically feel pain down your sides as your uterus grows, according toJohns Hopkins Medicine.
The pain might freak you out, but try not to immediately worry.
Random cramping, aches, and pains can be completely normal duringpregnancy.
Try wearing compression stockings.Here are some great recs.
To help combat round ligament pain, consider a pregnancy support belt, says Dr. Ahlering.
They can relieve some discomfort," he explains.
Applying heat to the sore areas can also helpjust be sure to keep things from getting too hot.
“You don’t want to overheat, especially early in your pregnancy,” says Dr. Abdur-Rahman.
There are a bunch of potential fixes you might try for leg pain during pregnancy.
Also, maybe request a foot massage from a sympathetic loved one who knows you deserve it?
Here are a few simple yet potentially effective tips, according to theMayo Clinic.
“you could only do so much when youre working against that counterweight,” says Dr. Ahlering.
If youve been sitting or lying down, try walking.
Or, on the flip side, try sitting down if youve been moving around.
According to theMayo Clinic, Braxton Hicks contractions often chill out specifically when you change your movement or position.
it’s possible for you to also try hydrating, which can reduce Braxton Hicks contractions, according toACOG.
“If you’re ever in doubt, talk to your doctor,” says Dr. Abdur-Rahman.
“That’s what we’re here for.”
