During pregnancy, women are faced with not taking medications and many common over-the-counter medicines because they are a risk to their baby. However, pregnant women are also faced with new pains, discomfort, and health problems. It can be frustrating and overwhelming when you’re in pain but feel powerless. Fortunately, there are alternative options for pregnant women depending on the problem or health concern they are facing.
Here are a few alternative therapies and care options for pregnant women.
Chiropractic Care
Being pregnant can be physically painful, and the added weight and strain can cause headaches, lower back pain, and all-over pain. While you can’t take pain medication, you have options to help relieve the pain and pressure you are feeling. A pregnancy chiropractor is trained and experienced in working with pregnant women, so they can provide adjustments without putting the baby or the mom at risk. You can get alignment for your spine or pelvis to relieve some of the pressure caused by how your developing baby is resting in your body. Low back pain and joint pain are relatively common, especially in the third trimester. A mom may also experience sciatica, which may send pain shooting down her leg. Chiropractic adjustments while pregnant can help alleviate some of the pain.
Dietary Changes
Moms-to-be may also experience stomach aches, morning sickness, heartburn, acid reflux, and other digestive issues. There are some medicines that you may take, but they are very mild and may or may not help at all. One option is to look at dietary changes. This may mean avoiding certain spices or drinks, and it may mean a complete overhaul to a specialized diet like the vegan diet. Companies like Only! Plant Based Foods make it easier for people to follow a vegan diet. Dietary changes will be a trial-and-error process to see what causes the fewest problems.
Mental Health Therapy
Pregnancy can make emotions feel very raw and close to the surface. Unfortunately, there are a lot of mental health medications that cannot be taken while pregnant. A great alternative to help you get through the pregnancy is mental health therapy. While therapy may not be everything you need, it may be enough to get you through the pregnancy until you can return to the medicines that help the most. You may also be experiencing mental health issues that were not there previously and may not be there after the baby is born due to the drastic hormonal changes women go through. Having someone to talk to who is a mental health professional and won’t pass judgment can benefit you.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can also go a long way in relieving the pain of pregnancy. When you are carrying around a lot of extra weight, you’re retaining water, and when you’re having trouble moving, everything can hurt. You also aren’t sleeping well, your muscles are sore, and putting your shoes on is exhausting. A massage therapist can ease your muscle pain and help you relax completely. Be sure to find a massage therapist who has experience working with pregnant women to ensure the baby is protected throughout the entire experience. Even a foot massage can make all the difference in the world when you can’t help but be on your feet throughout the day.
Being pregnant is hard, but it doesn’t always have to be. There are alternative therapy options to help with body pain, emotional pain, and stomach pain. While not everything will work for everyone, alternative options are worth trying when you’re feeling miserable. Talk to your doctor before starting an alternative therapy so that they are aware.
