Aches & Pains in the 28th Week of Pregnancy

Aches and pains are a common late pregnancy complaint. In the later weeks of pregnancy term, discomfort caused due to aches is body's way of preparing for labour.



This may make expectant mothers uncomfortable, but prenatal appointments or sessions with health care provider should keep them abreast of lifestyle changes for restricting aches and cramping during pregnancy term .

[Read: Common Pregnancy Pain]

Pregnancy Aches and Pains

• Aches and pains are common during third trimester, especially around joints and hips.
  
  
• Relaxin, a hormone that loosens joints and ligaments of a pregnant woman, is produced during the last trimester. The hormone production is the reason for several pains and aches, especially the ones felt in and around ligament (which connects the uterus to the groin). Pain in the sciatic nerve is also linked with relaxin hormone, which begins in the lower back and through to the hips and down the legs.
  
  
• As the delivery date approaches, fears and anxieties grow manifolds. Emotional response to labour could be a booster for some women, but can increase worry for some.

Managing Pains and Aches during Last Pregnancy Trimester

• Expectant mothers need requisite amount of calcium, magnesium, iron and vitamin B to restrict pregnancy-related aches and pains. Among other healthy food options for restricting pains and aches during pregnancy are whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Processed foods, oily preparations, foods high on sugar, white flour and caffeine should be avoided. Moreover, consumption of alcohol should be avoided.
  
  
• Breathing exercises and alternative therapies such as prenatal yoga is effective to treat physical as well as emotional discomfort of pregnancy. Deep breathing exercises and meditation calms mind as well as central nervous systems. There are certain yoga positions that stretch and soothe muscles for bearing pain. According to Yoga Journal, pregnant woman should practice child's pose, head-to-knee pose and pigeon pose if she has pain around ligament. These yoga positions are quite effective to counter sciatica and sacroiliac joint pain.
  
  
• Along with breathing exercises, walking everyday for 30 minutes is an important part of pregnancy fitness.

[Read: Pregnancy Fitness]

• There could be a case of premature labour at only 28 weeks. Premature labour is accompanied by discharge, pelvic pressure and cramps. In that case, pregnant woman should seek help of a paediatrician.
  
  
• Medications is another cause of aches during pregnancy. So, make sure that all the pregnancy prescriptions are approved by health care provider.

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