How to cope with pregnancy pains and discomfort
- Avoid lifting heavy objects—someone else can take care of this task.
- If you have to pick something up, bend your knees and keep your back straight.
- Try a maternity support pillow for your desk chair or sofa.
- Wear flat, supportive shoes to evenly distribute your weight.
- Consider an antenatal yoga class—you’ll be shown safe, gentle back stretches.
- Get a little light exercise, such as a 30-minute walk each day.
- Get lots of rest too, especially as your due date draws nearer.
- Run a warm bath to soothe aches and help your muscles relax.
- Gently bend, stretch, and rotate your feet to help prevent leg cramps.
- Swollen ankles? Keep hydrated and rest with your feet up.
- If you need pain relief, it’s usually OK to take paracetamol in pregnancy, unless your healthcare provider (HCP) or midwife say not to.
- For pelvic pain, get help from your HCP or midwife—they can refer you to a physiotherapist.
- If you think you could be having contractions, read our Signs of labor checklist.
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