Common Body Aches During Pregnancy And Tips To Deal With Them

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It is not unusual to experience some pain and body aches in pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations lead to these pains in early pregnancy, while in later pregnancy, the expanding uterus exerts pressure on the adjacent nerves and organs, leading to aches and pains. In addition, during pregnancy, the hormone relaxin is released, which causes musculoskeletal pain and leads to the loosening of the ligaments. Although painful, these changes occur as the body prepares itself for childbirth. Read the post to learn about the causes, types, and home care measures for body aches and pains during pregnancy.

What Are Common Pregnancy Aches And Pains?

The following aches and pains are common in pregnant women:

1. Headaches

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Headaches are common in pregnancy. It is recommended to seek a doctor’s advice for persistent headaches in pregnancy. These persistent headaches, especially after the second trimester, could be associated with gestational hypertensionⁱA pregnancy-specific condition characterized by an elevated blood pressure and preeclampsiaⁱA pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure, water retention, and protein content in urine (1).

2. Dental pain

Pregnancy hormones can affect the gums and teeth. Dental pain (tooth pain) and sensitivity can be due to tooth decay and gum problems. Vomiting (morning sickness) and gagging while brushing teeth are common in pregnancy and can damage the teeth with stomach acids. Sugary food cravings are also a reason for tooth damage in pregnant women (2).

Quick fact

Pregnancy hormones can raise the risk of oral problems, such as gingivitisⁱInflammation, bleeding, and redness in the gums, usually caused due to poor oral hygiene (gum infection), periodontal disease (infection of the structure that supports the tooth), and pregnancy epulis (growth on the gums that bleeds) (2).

3. Wrist and hand pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and arm. This occurs when the median nerve running to the hand is compressed or squeezed. The swollen blood vessels due to doubled blood volume in the carpal tunnel area compress the nerves during pregnancy (3).

4. Breast pain

Changes in hormones can cause breast pain during pregnancy. Breast soreness and tenderness are more obvious in the first trimester and can be felt on both breasts. You may seek medical care if you experience symptoms of infection such as nipple discharge, severe pain, warmness, or redness in the breasts (4).

5. Chest pain

Heartburn (acid reflux or indigestion) is the common cause of chest pain in pregnancy. Hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressure can cause burning sensation or pain in the chest. Sometimes, sharp or stabbing chest pain can be due to heart problems or other conditions. You may seek medical care if the chest pain is concerning (5).

6. Rib pain during pregnancy

In advanced pregnancy, the growing fetus may occupy space and restrict rib movements, causing stiffness and pain. Heartburn may be responsible for adding to the sensation. Rib pain can also be a symptom of urinary tract infections. This is usually felt in the lower ribs at the front or the back (6).

7. Backache and back pain

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Back pain is one of the common pains experienced by most pregnant women, especially in later months. Relaxation of ligaments and posture changes during pregnancy causes backache or back pain. The growing uterus shifts the center of gravity and weakens and stretches the abdominal muscles. In addition to these changes, extra weight can also increase the strain on the back, which causes backaches, fatigue, and exhaustion (7).

8. Pelvic pain during pregnancy

It includes pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). This pain is usually felt in the lower back, hips, groin, pubic area, thighs, or even knees and may worsen during movements (long walks, climbing stairs, or turning over in bed). A clicking or grinding feeling may affect the pelvic area, and pain may occur across one or both sides of the lower back. Pain may also be felt in the vaginal and anal regions (8).

9. Round ligament pain

Round ligament pain is felt in the abdomen near the hips and groin area. Round ligaments connect the uterus to the pelvis and keep the uterus in place. When the uterus grows, it shifts position, and pregnancy hormones loosen and stretch the tender round ligaments. This can be felt as an ache, stabbing, or pulling sensation (9).

Be watchful

Severe lower abdominal pain accompanied by fever and bleeding warrants prompt medical evaluation as it may indicate preterm labor, appendicitis, or placental abruption (1).

10. Anal or rectal pain

Hemorrhoids and constipation can cause pain in the anal area or buttocks. This can be increased during bowel movements. Constipation and tear in the anal tissue (anal fissure) can also be the reason for painful bowel movements in pregnancy (10).

11. Sciatica pain

Sciatica is nerve pain caused by pinching or compressing the sciatic nerve in the lower back.

The pinched nerve can cause sharp or shooting pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. In addition, changes in posture and pressure from the growing uterus can cause sciatic pain in pregnancy (11).

12. Leg cramps

Leg cramps in pregnancy can be due to involuntary contractions of the leg muscles, and nearly half of pregnant women experience them. Since the growing uterus presses the blood vessels to the lower parts of the body, there is a diminished blood supply to the legs, causing acid build-up and pain. Some women may experience muscle tension or cramps due to calcium deficiency. Leg cramps increase as pregnancy advances (1).

13. Foot pain

Foot pain is common in pregnancy, especially during the last trimesters. This is because your center of gravity shifts due to the growing belly, which exerts pressure on the feet. The added weight gain also increases pressure on the forefeet while standing and walking. Additionally, swollen feet and ankles due to reduced venous return can lead to discomfort (13).

You can experience pain and aches in various parts of the body during pregnancy. Any pain that is concerning or not relieved by home care measures should be evaluated by a doctor. Avoid taking OTC pain relief medications unless recommended by your healthcare provider.

Point to consider

Consuming a low-sodium diet, elevating your legs when sitting or lying, and staying hydrated may help relieve swollen feet or edema during pregnancy (17).

How To Ease Body Aches During Pregnancy?

Rest and exercise can help ease several body aches and pains during pregnancy. For example, stretching exercises can improve blood circulation and reduce aches and pains due to diminished blood supply in various body parts.

You may also try prenatal exercises as per your doctor’s recommendations. Sometimes, lying down for a while can help ease pressure on muscles and improve circulation. Applying heat packs can also relieve many aches and pains that might be caused by physical stress.

Jenn McKee, a mom and fitness enthusiast, shares how exercising during pregnancy helped her manage aches and pains. She says, “I sincerely believed that my exercise regimen (jogging, a weekly yoga class, and occasional light weightlifting) had helped make my pregnancy a breeze, relatively speaking. I never once suffered back pain, or any other pain; I slept well; my weight gain stayed within the normal range; and even at the end, I never got to a point where walking was a burden (i).”

The following tips may help reduce body aches and pains during pregnancy:

1. Headaches can be resolved with some relaxation techniques and rest. You may also take paracetamol or acetaminophen as per the doctor’s recommendations (1).

2. Dental pain can be treated by brushing teeth twice a day with toothpaste and flossing between teeth once a day. Eating healthy foods and avoiding sugary foods can promote dental health. You may also rinse your mouth with water after vomiting episodes. Regular dental checkups are also recommended (2).

3. Pain, numbness, and tingling of hands can be relieved by giving rest to the hands. You may also use special splints to keep the wrists straight with your doctor’s recommendation (13).

4. Breast soreness can be reduced by using a maternity bra with good support. Change the bra as the breast size changes. You may also try a warm or hot compress to relieve pain. Avoiding certain foods or adding supplements to prevent breast pain in pregnancy is not supported by scientific evidence (4).

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5. Chest pain due to heartburn can be relieved by changing eating and drinking habits. Eating small portions of more frequent meals than a large meal and sitting upright after meals help reduce heartburn. You may also avoid caffeinated drinks, spicy, and oily foods. Prenatal care, controlling blood pressure and other chronic lung and heart conditions can help prevent chest pain due to heart problems (5).

6. Back pain and stiffness is relieved by regular stretching and walking. You may also wear low-heeled shoes and use a chair with back support. Avoid lifting heavy objects and standing too long. Maintaining optimal weight also reduces the risk of back pain (7).

7. Round ligament pain can be relieved by rest and wearing maternity belts to support the baby bump. Regular exercise and prenatal yoga can also be beneficial (9).

8. Buttock or anal pain due to hemorrhoids can be alleviated by adding more fiber into your diet and drinking enough water. This eases bowel movement and prevents constipation and hemorrhoids. You may also try a sitz bath in warm water to help relieve the pain in the anal area. Use stool softeners and topical creams or suppositories per your doctor’s recommendations (10).

9. Sciatica pain can be improved by practicing regular exercises, and taking rest. You may also avoid activities that cause pain, such as sitting for long periods. Gentle massages may also help relieve pain (11).

10. Leg cramps can be relieved by stretching, bending, and rotating your foot and legs. You may also rest, keeping the legs elevated to improve blood circulation. Calcium-rich foods can also reduce leg muscle cramps. Ask your doctor if you need calcium supplements (1).

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11. Foot pain in pregnancy can be relieved by rest, wearing supportive footwear, foot massages, and keeping legs elevated. You may also try simple foot exercises, including stretches, bends, and rotations of the foot (12).

You may also try physiotherapy and other therapies from registered practitioners to alleviate pains and aches. Exercising in water or swimming can also be helpful for pregnant women with body pains that limit certain exercises and activities.

When To Call Your Doctor?

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Although body aches and cramps are normal in pregnancy, you may seek medical care if it concerns you. It is recommended to seek prescriptions to take pain relievers in pregnancy since several over-the-counter pain medications are unsafe.

Always seek medical care for pain or aches with other symptoms such as fever, persistent headaches, chronic sleep deprivation, breathing troubles, and vaginal bleeding. These symptoms may indicate underlying infections, high blood pressure, or ectopic pregnancyⁱA type of pregnancy where the fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus, causing intense pain and vaginal bleeding in some women. Your health care provider can diagnose the exact cause of pain and treat them accordingly.

Infographic: Which Pains Are Often Associated With Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is an amazing adventure filled with excitement and happiness but it can also bring various physical discomforts. Expectant moms and their loved ones must know which pains are frequently experienced during pregnancy. This helpful infographic examines the most common pregnancy pains, providing pregnant women with valuable information for a more comfortable and knowledgeable journey.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Pregnancy can be a time of aches and pains. Learn how to manage body aches during pregnancy in this helpful video.

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Dr. Karishma BhatiaMS

Dr. Karishma Bhatia did her MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology from Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and currently practices in Rohini, North Delhi. She also completed DNB, MNAMS and Fellowship training in Gynaecological Laparoscopy (Kiel, Germany) and Reproductive Medicine.

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Dr Bisny T. JosephMedical Doctor

Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has around 5 years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert.

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Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Reshmi DasMSc

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction.

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