Joint pain during pregnancy is a common condition experienced by many women especially in their first pregnancy. The most commonly involved are elbow, hip, knees, fingers, wrist, shoulders and ankle joints. These pains can cause a lot of discomfort and may even lead to interference with daily activities including walking and doing house chores.

Causes of Joint Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is always associated with weight gain as well as other physiological changes that may subject the joints to increased pressure and stress. The increased weight exerts a lot of pressure on the knee and ankle joins making them the most predisposed joints in the body of a pregnant woman.

Another important cause of joint pain during pregnancy is a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. This manifests as excessive pain in the wrists and the hands. It results from weight and fluid gain that occur during pregnancy. This leads to pressure build-up in the wrist joint compressing the structures that pass through a space in the wrist called carpal tunnel.

The other causes of pain during pregnancy include certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism and arthritis. While they can be diagnosed and treated early in pregnancy, some may be missed and lead to join pains later on. Excessive exercising has also been associated with pregnancy joint pains.

Can Joint Pain During Pregnancy Be Treated?

The suffering brought about by these joint pains can blunt the joy of expecting a little angel. However, it does not have to be this way. While medical treatments are available, some of them are dangerous for the baby and can cause serious side effects adding to the pain you are experiencing.

The good news is that these pains can be alleviated successfully by use of natural remedies. These are not only safe and effective; they are also user friendly because they are not associated with any adverse effects. The natural remedies include:

Exercise: Inactivity causes the joints to become stiff and this limits their range as well as ability to handle stress. Exercise as simple as walking just for a few minutes per day can go a long way in eliminating joint pains in pregnant women. Other low impact exercises that can relieve the pain include water aerobics, swimming, prenatal yoga and other strengthening routines.

Use of natural pain relief products: Nature is always the best as it is not associated with any side effects. These natural products work by preventing inflammatory reaction in the joints and replace the important substances necessary for the metabolism and operation of the joint.

Adopt the right posture: The mannerism of sitting, sleeping, walking or standing can greatly improve the symptoms of joint pain during pregnancy. For instance, if you have lower back pain, it is advisable to sleep with a pillow lodged between your knees to reduce stress on your vertebral column. Just find a posture that works well for you.

Cold packs: If the painful joint is inflamed or swollen, you can apply some cold packs directly on to it. This will provide temporary short-term relief of the joint pain.

If the symptoms of joint pain during pregnancy do not abate despite using the natural remedies, do not use over-the-counter medications as these may endanger the pregnancy. Instead, take the earliest opportunity to consult your doctor for direction and treatment.