Many of my patients report discomforts that seem to appear frequently during pregnancy. Here are a few of the more common situations I'm asked about, with information on what you can do to relieve them.
Leg Cramps
Leg cramps can be bothersome, especially at night. The following may help you deal with leg cramps you experience at any time.
 | Wear support hose during the day. |
| Take warm baths. |
| Have your partner massage your legs at the end of the day or whenever you feel like it. |
| Wear comfortable clothing. |
| Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain. |
| Rest on your side. |
| Use a heating pad for up to 15 minutes when you experience pain. |
Your activities may affect the degree to which your legs cramp. Avoid standing for long periods. Rest on your side as often as possible. Make sure clothing is not restrictive.
Back Pain
Low-back pain is common during pregnancy—nearly half of all pregnant women suffer from it. If you have problems you believe might be helped by chiropractic manipulation, discuss it with your regular physician before you do anything! Be sure to avoid X-rays of your pelvis and lower-back area.
Age
Today, more couples are waiting to start their families, so if you are in your late 30s or early 40s and pregnant, you're not alone. The older mother-to-be and her baby face a few more risks, but it's more likely you and your baby will be OK. Some of my older patients who are pregnant with their second or third child comment that they feel more tired with this pregnancy than previous ones. It's harder to be pregnant when you're 35 than it is when you're 25. It doesn't mean anything is wrong necessarily; you just have more demands on your time and more to do.
