How Herbal Oil Can Help With Body Pains While Pregnant

Body pains while pregnant? It may be part of the pregnancy journey, but that doesn’t mean you must suffer through it, Mama.

Table of Contents

What causes body pains while pregnant?
What are the common pregnancy aches and pains?
What are the natural remedies to help with pregnancy body pains?
How can oils help with body pains?
What are safe essential oils, and what to avoid?

Skip ahead to any section you find the most interesting!

We don’t have to remind Mamas of how uncomfortable pregnancy can be and how everything seems to hurt. These pregnancy aches and pains are especially more prominent in the third trimester when you’re full-on waddling because of how huge your bump has gone–seemingly overnight, too! Did you know that your baby weighs around 3 kilos at approximately 39 weeks?

In this article, we’ll dive into the causes of body pains while pregnant, what you can do to ease the pain, and how traditional herbal remedies can do wonders for your body.

What causes body pains while pregnant?

Aches and pains are pretty much part of the pregnancy journey. It’s uncomfortable but sadly unavoidable. One primary reason we experience these kinds of pain is that women’s bodies change throughout pregnancy to accommodate their growing fetuses. Ligaments, for instance, stretch as the uterus expands. As a result, even the pubic bone area can experience sharp pains because the pelvic ligaments loosen up.

What are the common pains pregnant women experience?

There are many different types of body aches pregnant women experience. However, cramping, Braxton-Hick contractions, fatigue, headaches, and pelvic pain are some of the most common.

Sciatica

Many pregnant women experience cramps or sudden sharp pains down their legs because of their growing uterus. For example, you may have sciatica if you are experiencing pain that runs from your lower back to the back of your leg, knee, or foot.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Even your wrists are not safe from pregnancy pains. Did you know that 31% to 62% of pregnant women experience carpal tunnel syndrome? According to Healthline, it’s usually caused by the narrowing of the carpal tunnel in the wrist, mainly because of fluid retention and swelling during pregnancy. And with a narrow passageway, the median nerve becomes compressed and therefore causes pain, numbness, or a burning sensation in the fingers.

Back Aches

And later on in your pregnancy, you’re bound to feel backaches because of the strain your belly is putting on your back muscles. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services highlights that pregnant women will also have “aching near the pelvic bone due to the pressure of the baby’s head.” This is in addition to loosening joints, which happens in preparation for childbirth. So even changing hormones and your new posture can trigger pregnancy backaches.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Although most of the body pains you experience while pregnant are normal, some are a cause of concern, too. In an article published on Parents.com, Donna Dizon-Townson, M.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, emphasized that hormonal changes also put pregnant women at risk of blood clots.

One particular condition to look out for is deep vein thrombosis, which occurs because the pressure of the growing uterus impeding circulation and “causing blood to pool in your legs and feet.” Key symptoms to watch out for are if it’s red, painful, swollen, and warm to the touch.

What are natural remedies to help with body pains while pregnant?

Typically, a pain reliever is all it takes to alleviate such pains. You can always seek medical advice from your physician if the pain is unbearable and affecting your day-to-day activities, as there are pregnancy-safe medications, too.

But of course, some pregnant women choose to avoid medication altogether unless necessary. If you want to take matters into your own hands, natural remedies are the best and safest way to find relief. Here are some safe treatments that you can do at home:

For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Elevate your wrist
Use a splint
Avoid or minimize activities that require you to bend your wrist
Cold therapy
Rest
Practice yoga
Go for physical therapy

For Back Aches:

Practice proper diet to manage weight gain
Try exercises like yoga
Use a pregnancy support belt
Wear comfortable shoes
Avoid carrying heavy things
When picking up something on the floor, bend at the knees and keep your back straight
Have a massage but avoid putting pressure on the spine
Don’t stand on your feet too long
Sit in a chair with good back support
Place a heating pad on your back

For Sciatica and Leg Cramps:

Try exercises like water aerobics or yoga
Practice daily stretching
Eat foods rich in calcium
Wear comfortable shoes
Avoid crossing your legs
Elevate your legs
Use heat and cold therapy
Practice proper posture when sitting

How can a massage oil help with body pains while pregnant?

We know that a prenatal massage does wonders for a pregnant woman’s overall health and well-being. But the oil you use is one aspect of a massage that makes it especially beneficial. With the right oil blend, one can truly experience utmost relaxation and incredible pain relief thanks to certain oils’ therapeutic or aromatic properties.

Cajuput is one such oil that delivers a multitude of benefits. Healthline highlighted that while it’s long been established as an antiseptic and great for minor cuts and scratches, it also mentions that it’s helpful for muscle and joint pain. This is because cajuput (also known as cajeput) contains a chemical called cineole, which is responsible for pain relief beneath the skin.

What are safe oils for pregnancy, and what should you avoid?

Not all oils are created equal. According to Ellen Comiskey, M.D., a board-certified obstetrician from Moreland OB-GYN, “many essential oils are perfectly safe to use in moderation during pregnancy.” However, that doesn’t take away the fact that pregnant women must “always exercise caution and consult your doctor before using essential oils during pregnancy,” she clarifies. In addition, you must be careful because some are linked to inducing contractions.

According to WebMD, some essential oils that are good to use while pregnant are lavender, bergamot, lemon, wild orange, cardamom, ginger, patchouli, geranium, peppermint, thyme, grapefruit, tea tree, and rosemary.

Meanwhile, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy highlight that wormwood, oakmoss, parsley seed, sage, camphor, rue, and hyssop should be avoided during pregnancy.

Why use Mama’s Choice Herbal Oil?

For the discerning Mama who wants to ensure the safety of the products they use, there is no need to worry about Mama’s Choice Herbal Oil because it is 100% natural. It’s so natural we can even break down just how much of each oil it contains: 62% olive oil, 25% cajuput oil, 10% grapeseed oil, and 3% lavender oil.

Cajuput Oil: Relieves sore muscles and joints
Olive Oil: Hydrates the skin for softer and smoother skin
Grapeseed Oil: Rich in antibodies that moisturizes the skin without clogging pores
Lavender Oil: Provides a relaxing aroma

A compelling blend rooted in traditional medicine, applying this on your skin through a gentle massage helps relieve pregnancy aches and pains. Plus, you’ll enjoy the warming effect on your skin. Our herbal oil is safe to use whether you apply it on your wrist, back, or leg. It naturally relieves soreness, aches, and pains while keeping your skin moisturized!