Hi Mamas!

Experiencing aches and pains during pregnancy can be quite common.  During pregnancy, the ligaments in your body naturally become softer and stretch to prepare you for labour. This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis, which can cause back pain.

Many women also experience discomforting and swollen feet during pregnancy. Swelling is common at this time because the body retains extra fluid to protect and support the growing fetus. Swelling in the feet usually happens later in pregnancy, when the weight of the uterus and fetus puts extra pressure on the legs and feet.

I feel pretty fortunate to say that I've been relatively ache- and pain-free throughout my pregnancy.  It's not through any magical means, of course, but I feel that the preventative tools I've used have helped tremendously.  I'm hoping that they will help you as well, whether it's used as a preventative measure, or if you're currently experiencing discomfort and would like some relief!

3 Pregnancy Must-Haves for Pain Management

1. Maternity Belt Belly Brace for Back & Abdomen

This will provide pretty quick relief once you put it on!  A good one will have breathable and elastic fabric with some cushioning on the back side to provide that much-needed support in the lumbar and abdominal regions.

Below is the belt that I bought and have started using around the start of my third trimester.  I like this one in particular because it has not only the lower abdominal strap (like most of the simpler maternity belts), but also has a strap that goes over the belly to provide extra support and redistribute the pressure.  I feel that it lessens the burden of the extra weight that you're carrying in your belly area.

2. Maternity Shapewear, Mid-Thigh to High Waist

I've been wearing this since mid-second trimester, when my bump began appearing.  While shapewear is often seen as product with superficial purposes, I find this to be really functional when it comes to comfort and support.  The product below, in particular, provides a gentle belly support and I feel that it also helps me with keeping my back aligned and my posture proper!  (Both of which are very important during pregnancy!)

3. Compression Socks

Compression socks are often used to prevent varicose veins, but during pregnancy, they really help with preventing swelling and discomfort in your calves and feet as well!  I stand for notable periods of the day as I have a standing desk, and find these socks to be so helpful in preventing cramping, fatigue, and swelling.

I have actually been wearing these since early second trimester, more as a preventative measure after being warned of swelling feet, and am so glad I did!  I wear them daily, putting them on when I get dressed in the morning and taking them off when undressing at night.  I went one day without compression socks a few weeks ago, just to see the difference, and my legs were notably more tired and achy halfway through my day!  I definitely think these are great for pregnant women, especially if you're taking a walk or on your feet for long periods of time.



Fellow Mamas, I hope that you find this post to have helpful information with either preventing or alleviating aches and pains that you have during pregnancy!

Wishing you all a wonderful rest of your pregnancy journey!

Warmest wishes,