How To Deal With Arthritis When Pregnant

Posted on March 10, 2008 in Latest News

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase for a woman. It is a time of joy and nurturance. However, painful conditions like Arthritis roughen the road towards motherhood.

Here are some tips, which will help you deal with arthritis during pregnancy. Extreme care should be taken to see that both Mother and Child are in good condition.

The following advice is given by experts and will help you to some extent.

During Pregnancy a mother carries the extra weight of her child in the womb. This may lead to extra pressure on the joints, causing it to hurt more. It is very important that further damage to joints be avoided.  These are some ways you can protect your joints from extra stress and strain during this phase.

1) Notify your doctor of any increased pain in joints and muscles and of any numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.

2) Use hot or cold packs on your joints. This is safe to continue throughout your pregnancy. It may make you feel better.

3) Wear comfortable shoes (such as jogging shoes) that give you good support. Do not walk around in shoes wih heels, which may accelerate the pain in your joints.

4) Rest whenever possible. This can help relieve pain in your “weight bearing” joints, such as your hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Do not strain yourself much.

5) Use splints. They may be especially helpful for your hands and knees. Talk to your doctor about having splints made for you. This extra support will help you out.

6) Try relaxation exercises, such as biofeedback or visual imagery. It is very important for the baby that you remain calm and relaxed during this phase.

7) Practice good posture and gait at all times. Keep reminding yourself at all times to sit or stand in the right posture.

8)  Avoid pain-relief medicines when possible. Ask your doctor before you use any pain relief medicines. Talk to him about exercises, heat and cold applications, and other things you can do to reduce pain.  He is the best advisor.

9) Sleep on a firm, supportive mattress to reduce muscle spasms.

10) Ask your obstetrician about using support hosiery to reduce fluid retention in your legs, ankles, and feet. Do not shy away from asking your doctor.

11) Most importantly ask your doctor about the right exercises you can do at this time, to keep your joints flexible and your muscles strong.

Labor and delivery

Coming to the most important part- labr and delivery, of your child. Delivery time can be a little difficult for women suffering from arthritis.

It is important that, you find a comfortable position during the labor and delivery process.

You probably can deliver your baby as most women do: vaginally, lying on your back. Women with hip replacements also can give birth vaginally without any complications.

If uncomfortable, you may want to lie on your side or sit in a rocking chair or birthing chair.

Both mother and child are monitored during and after the delivery. It is important so,wholeheartedly cooperate with your doctor. Also several blood tests will be taken.

The doctor will continue the treatment and check up phase, after child birth. Iits important as arthritis tends to flare up 2-3 weeks after delivery.

Precaution is better than cure. So, take every step to ensure a safe delivery and pregnancy period.

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Comments

One Response to “How To Deal With Arthritis When Pregnant”

  1. Posture Exercises Says:
    March 12th, 2008 at 3:21 am

    Thanks for the advice. Pregnancy is hard enough to go through never mind having an arthritis flare up.

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