How to get rid of pregnancy pain (ways that actually work)

Pregnancy is beautiful, but if we're honest (and we're always honest), it can really suck too. Growing a human being is not for the weak; it brings pain and discomfort you never imagined possible! While there's no doubt every single pull, kick, ache, and pang is beyond worth it for the precious little life you create, that doesn't mean the process isn't challenging. Whether you're one of the 70% of pregnant women experiencing low back pain or the 44% who report generalized chronic discomfort, virtually every woman will seek relief at some point during her pregnancy. The good news is that there are ways you can get rid of pregnancy pain that are safe and effective, so you can enjoy being pregnant instead of just counting down the days until you can evict your little soccer player. Let's take a look at some of the best things you can do to finally get the relief you've been searching for. 

Dangerous Ingredients To Avoid While Pregnant

Before we get into it, it's vital to mention a few pain-relieving ingredients you should avoid that are harmful to your growing baby. Many OTC pain relievers can have adverse reactions on developing babies and should be avoided until after delivery (and longer for those who breastfeed.) Naproxen (Aleve), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and Aspirin are not safe during pregnancy and can put your child at a higher risk of developing ADHD, asthma, and behavioral problems. You also want to be sure to avoid NSAIDs — both oral and topical — unless otherwise directed. Additional ingredients to avoid while pregnant include:

• Pseudoephedrine/ Phenylephrine (Claritan-D, Sudafed 12-Hour)
• Chlorpheniramine (Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold, Advil Allergy & Congestion, Dristan Cold)
• Castor Oil
• Brompheniramine (Dimetapp)
• Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol)
• Formaldehyde
• Diclofenac (NSAID)
• Opioids 

Although commonly sold over the counter in products like Biofreeze, Icy-Hot, Voltaren, Sagely, Bengay, and Aspercreme you should always avoid these ingredients during pregnancy; choose instead powerful and proven pain relievers that will not harm developing infants. 

*A Quick Note On Opioids*

Opioids should never be taken during pregnancy due to their risk of miscarriage, poor fetal growth, and premature birth. Birth defects and neonatal abstinence syndrome (when a baby is born dependent on medication) are also possible. Common opioid pain relievers include:

• Codeine
• Meperidine (Demerol)
• Morphine
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin) 
• Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
• Fentanyl (Duragesic)

Along with these ingredients, it's important to be aware of foods that should be avoided during pregnancy. These include:

• Shellfish and fish high in Mercury 
• Raw and undercooked seafood
• Undercooked poultry, eggs, and meat
• Unpasteurized foods
• Unwashed vegetables and fruits
• Excess caffeine
• Herbal teas
• Alcohol
• Nicotine

Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients

While there are many ingredients you should avoid during pregnancy, there are options that provide effective relief without harming your baby. Knowing which ones to choose will provide peace of mind and relief from pregnancy's (many) pains. Safe ingredients include:

• Arnica
• Camphor
• Low-Dose Menthol
• Acetaminophen
• Peppermint
• Lidocaine

Now that you know which ingredients you can safely use to relieve pain during pregnancy, let's take a look at some additional tips that will help you stay comfortable as your body changes. 

Tips To Tackle Pain & Inflammation During Pregnancy

Drink Water

Ok, this tip may sound basic, and while we can hear your eye roll from here (we're not judging, we get it!), water is a vital part of your pregnancy pain relief routine. Many women don't realize that one of the main causes of discomfort while you're creating human life is inflammation. During pregnancy, your body produces around 50% more fluid and blood to nourish your growing baby; while essential, it can cause swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, and legs, which is often uncomfortable and even painful. Increasing your water intake helps reduce swelling, alleviating the amount of fluid stored within your body's tissues. 

Exercise

Although exercising while carrying a watermelon on your abdomen may not seem appealing, it can be very effective in helping reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Let's take a look at a few exercises that even the most pregnant women can do to help keep your body moving and feeling great during pregnancy.

• Squats
• Wall push ups
• Pelvic Tilts
• Laying Leg Lifts
• Walking

For additional pain relief and added mobility, applying a pre-workout balm like this one will combat soreness, prevent injury, and soothe aches and pain so you can feel great and stay active. 

Pro-Tip - Use products like this heated body balm to relieve back and neck pain, cramps, and overall soreness!

Stretching

Stretching is essential before, during, and after pregnancy since your muscles and joints are constantly moving. Many women experience pain in their sides, known as round ligament pain, especially during first-time pregnancies, as the muscles stretch to accommodate their growing baby. By incorporating daily stretching into your routine, you will help alleviate discomfort and make it easier for your body to do the job it was made to do! You can also apply topical lotions like this one which provides deep pain relief while administering baby-safe hyaluronic acid to help improve skin elasticity and reduce the likelihood of developing stretch marks. 

 

Using Topical Treatments

Using topical pain relief products like this one can soothe sore muscles and provide welcomed relief without harming your baby. These treatments penetrate deeply and are easily applied to specific areas, often eliminating the need for OTC medicines. It is vital to only choose products with pregnancy-safe ingredients that won't harm you or your little one, so pay close attention to all the ingredients, including ones listed as inactive. 

Women are superheroes; your body is capable of creating life, stretching and changing to ensure your little one is safe, happy, and healthy. Knowing which foods and ingredients to avoid while pregnant is essential to protecting your little one as they develop, but fortunately, there are ways to alleviate the unavoidable pains of pregnancy. 

mx naturals is proud to offer pregnancy-safe, powerful pain-reliving products that women can trust. Our full line of balms and lotions feature 100% natural ingredients that penetrate deeply, providing you instant relief when you need it most. Our fast-acting, long-lasting formulas make it easy for pregnant women to soothe their aches and pains without worrying about harming their precious babies. Whether it’s round ligament pain, back pain, inflammation pressure, or more, when you need relief, turn to mx naturals and experience the soothing comfort our products provide. mx naturals, pregnancy-safe; women approved!