5 great ways to help

pregnancy hip pain.

It is a common complaint for hips to ache at night when pregnant. Sometimes it occurs early in pregnancy, but pregnancy hip pain tends to appear in the second or third trimester. The reasons for this hip pain seem to be the release of relaxin, which helps the ligaments to relax. This is a necessary hormone and allows your body to prepare for the birth of your baby. However, sometimes the extra flexibility can cause aching.

1) Strengthening this hip area can be very helpful.

Lie on your side and slowly lift your leg to hip hight. The lower leg may be bent for stability. This should be slow and feel that you are lifting against a resistance. Lift until your hip begins to feel a little tired. Allow your foot to relax and feel heavy. Two to three times a day will help to strengthen your hip.

2) Swimming is also wonderful for general wellbeing and strengthening. The water will take your weight and give you a sense of lightness. You can swim with a float and use your legs vigorously, both on your front and on your back. Breast stroke legs may not feel that comfortable. The whole stroke is great for all round fitness

3) Attend a yoga class for pregnancy. Yoga offers you the opportunity to relax, get in touch with your baby and slow down. We know that stress releases cortisol which can play a part in your experience of pain. Relaxing and calming yoga, can be very helpful.

4) Massage can also help to ease the sciatic nerve and surrounding muscles, for a really good nights sleep. It also helps to calm the nervous system, encourages the body to relax and can offer a restful, peaceful and healing hour.

5) Finally, you can place a firm but not too firm piece of cardboard under your sheet/topper etc. This prevents the stretching of the hip muscles as they sink into the mattress. This should not be so hard that you can’t sleep, but just offer a little more resistance.

To help ease your hip pain, ring me on 07795552910 for a pregnancy massage.