What Should Mothers Do For Aches And Pains During Pregnancy?

Before this study, Tylenol (acetominophen/paracetamol) was assumed to be the only safe over the counter pain reliever for women at any stage of pregnancy. Other studies have found that over the counter pain relievers are particularly risky during the third trimester, especially if the baby is born prematurely.

• Aleve (naproxen), Advil and Motrin (iburprofen), and  Orudis (ketoprofen), are known to have potential to harm the fetus if taken during the third trimester, although the Food and Drug Administration believes that the benefits of pain relief outweight the potential harm to the unborn child.
• Aspirin is know to be potentially harmful to both mother and child at all stages of pregnancy, due to increased risk of bleeding, although it is used in some special situations.

Aspirin, acetominophen (paracetamol/Tylenol), and other non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may increase pressure inside the skull of the fetus that interferes with the maturation of the brain. But if nearly every over the counter medication for pain and fever is not really known to be safe for the developing child, what should mothers do for pain relief during pregnancy?

Read More: Natural Pain Relief Options During Labor And Birth

Here are some suggestions:

• Acupressure. Gentle pressure on the webbing between the thumb and forefinger of either hand can relieve nausea and pain of indigestion. 
• Aromatherapy, especially with lavender oil, can relieve various kinds of pain, but avoid it during the first trimester, and don't use it more than once or twice a week.
• Good posture, especially while seated, can reduce back pain. It's helpful to sit in chairs that support the back, using a small pillow if necessary.
• Homeopathics, especially when they are chosen in consultation with a homeopathic physician (the process of identifying the underlying problem sometimes leads to its resolution), may be effective in some cases, and they are not known to cause any kind of birth defect or developmental delay.
• Low-heel shoes, not flats, can reduce foot pain.
• Massage is great for relieving back pain, but it is important not to massage the dimples on either side of the spine, since this can stimulate labor.
• Pillows to keep your thighs parallel when you are in bed prevents leg and back pain.
• Rest is the best treatment for pain caused by tiny fractures in the tail bone, usually noticed during a second or later pregnancy.
• Sleeping on your side, not on your back, can relieve back pain during pregnancy.
• Swimming relieves pain, but it is important to keep your entire face in the water (except when you take breath) if you use the breaststroke.
• Treating depression, if it is a problem, sometimes also relieves back pain, leg pain, and sciatica.