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Backache Help
Traveling While Pregnant
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 any
women experience an increase in both their level of sensitivity and
creativity during this trimester, as well as bouts of forgetfulness
and sleepless nights. All of this is perfectly normal and should be
faced with a good sense of humor.
Becoming more sensitive
to the world around you may lead to a better understanding of what is
really important in life. A feeling of creativity can lead to a beautiful
nursery, clothing or toys for your new arrival.
Preparing siblings,
home and work responsibilities, relationship changes, and the emotions
you have towards your ever-changing body, can result in mind "overload."
It is common to have bouts of forgetfulness and sleepless nights. And
when you do sleep, it may be disturbed with vivid dreams, some pleasant,
others not.
It is helpful to
set aside some relaxation time for yourself. Take a long, warm bath,
preferably uninterrupted. Read something humorous and unrelated to pregnancy.
Take a walk or listen to your favorite music. Try imagining that you
are all alone at your favorite place such as the beach or mountains.
Be good to yourself – each day save a little time for you. It will
help relieve stress and refresh you.
 Each
new month is a learning experience, filled with changes. There will
be times when you look and feel just like the photos in the magazines
– a beaming, radiant, attractive pregnant woman – and then
there may be other times. As you adjust to your many body changes, keep
reminding yourself of the ultimate outcome. You can look better than
ever with the vast selection of beautiful and stylish clothes. Although
this is not the time to perm or color your hair, a new hairstyle can
certainly raise your spirits. Manicured and polished nails can make
your hands look better than ever. Prenatal exercise classes are also
a good way to relieve stress as well as tone muscles. Pregnancy
can be beautiful.
As people become
aware of your pregnancy, you will start receiving advice from everyone,
even perfect strangers. They'll fill your head with tales of their pregnancies,
warn you against something they may see you doing, even offer advice
on child rearing. The old wives' tales abound, and you'll hear them
all.
This is a good
time for you to decide who is a good reliable source of information
and who is not. Keep a good sense of humor and enjoy the attention.
Thank them politely or simply say, "Gee, I'll mention that to my provider.
I'll bet he/she's never heard of that."
Pregnancy and backaches
tend to go hand in hand. There are some factors while you are pregnant
that place added strain on your lower back muscles, thus causing pain.
During pregnancy, your pelvis begins to loosen for approaching childbirth.
At the same time, your growing abdomen compromises your balance, which
causes you to arch your back. How can you survive? Maintain good posture;
wear low-heeled shoes; lift children and objects with bent knees using
your arms and legs, not your back; don't stand for long periods; sit
with your legs elevated; and strengthen your abdominal and buttock muscles
by doing pelvic tilts.
To do a pelvic
tilt, get on your hands and knees, hold your back flat and your head
in line with your straight back. Raise your lower back like a cat, tucking
your buttocks under. Hold for a few seconds. Allow your back to return
to your original position. Repeat 5 to 10 times a day.
If you want to
have one last "get-a-way" before the baby arrives, the second trimester
is an ideal time. Traveling is usually safe, but precautions are still
advisable. Whether traveling by train, plane or automobile, get up and
walk around frequently to stretch your muscles and get your circulation
going. Try to sit in a position with your feet up at least part of the
time. Drink plenty of fluids and eat sensibly; and bring along some
healthy snacks like fruit, crackers or raisins that you can carry in
your purse. Your seat belt, fitted snugly below your abdomen, should
be worn at all times.
When choosing a
vacation destination, check with your provider as to any safety issues
and precautions you should consider. Have her recommend a medical facility/provider
should an emergency arise. Have a great time!
At
Decatur General, we care about the well-being of you and your
baby. If you have any questions or comments, we'd enjoy
hearing from you! You can reach us by calling or writing to:
Decautr
General HealthMatch
1201 7th Street, SE
Decatur, AL 35601
(256) 341-2111
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