HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

Aches and Pains Your body will go through many changes over the course of your

BRAXTON HICKS CONTRACTIONS Braxton Hicks contractions cause a balling up or crampy feeling in your uterus. You may have them during your whole pregnancy but probably won’t feel them until your second or third trimester . Braxton Hicks contractions help your uterine muscles stay in shape and practice for the upcoming labor. That’s why they are also called “practice contractions.” Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and true labor contractions .

SCAN + PLAY pregnancy, most caused by changing hormones. Although every pregnancy is different, you will probably experience at least some of these common aches and pains. To make it easier to find what you need, we’ve listed them in alphabetical order.

BACKACHE AND SCIATICA There are many pregnancy-related causes of back pain. Pregnancy hormones can relax the ligaments that hold your pelvic and weight-bearing bones together to help you

prepare for birth. As your uterus grows larger, your belly sticks out farther. This can weaken your abdominal and back muscles and cause low back pain. Your enlarged uterus may also push on your sciatic nerve, causing back pain and/or weakness or numbness in your legs. This condition, known as sciatica, usually goes away after pregnancy. What you can do • Wear low-heel, flat-heel, or supportive shoes (no high heels) • Take breaks during the day and rest as much as you can • Exercise to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles • Use a heating pad to reduce pain but never on bare skin • Avoid lifting anything too heavy • Never sit straight up after lying on your back; roll sideways first

BREAST CHANGES You’ll start seeing changes in your breasts very early in your pregnancy, including:

BELLY (ROUND LIGAMENT) PAIN During the second half of your pregnancy, you may feel sharp or dull pain on one or both sides of your lower belly. This is called

• Breasts becoming larger, firmer, and more tender than usual • Areola (dark area around the nipple) getting larger and darker • Your nipples starting to stick out more Halfway through your pregnancy, your breasts may start to leak small amounts of a fluid called colostrum . You can buy special pads to protect your clothes if this happens. The veins under the skin of your breasts may also become more visible as your body gets ready to produce milk. Wearing a bra that fits properly can give you comfort and support.

“ round ligament pain ” and it happens when the ligaments supporting your uterus start to stretch or have spasms. You may notice pain when you’re walking or if you quickly roll over in bed. Try resting and putting a warm compress or heating pad on the area to help reduce pain. Round ligament stretching early in your pregnancy may feel like menstrual cramps. If the pain is especially strong and doesn’t go away, talk to your health care provider.

24 Your Guide to Labor and Birth