Pregnancy brings about significant changes in your body, including hormonal changes, loosening ligaments, sleep disturbances, and oh yes, that amazing bundle of joy growing and moving around inside you. A lot of these changes are accompanied by physical aches and pains, but fortunately, there are several remedies.

Here are a few ideas on how you can lessen your aches and pains that you may be experiencing during your pregnancy:

Get a massage

Massages do wonders for anyone, but especially for a pregnant woman whose body is constantly readjusting to a shifting balance of weight. Massage has a long list of benefits, including reducing stress hormones, improving blood flow, loosening muscles, and lowering levels of anxiety.

Many professionals offer prenatal massages that include lying on special tables that accommodate your protruding belly. Of course, you can always ask a loved one at home for a quick 5 minute massage here and there. A little shoulder squeeze or a foot rub can really go a long way towards easing your aching muscles.

Get take-out instead of cooking

Standing on your feet for extended periods of time can increase the fluid that collects in your legs and feet, causing them to swell and feel tight and uncomfortable. Instead of feeling like you have to cook a gourmet meal each night, give yourself a break and order take-out once or twice a week. Mid-week dinner specials are often cheaper than weekend dinner menus, and ordering take-out will give you a chance to easily feed those cravings, whether they involve spicy Asian food, loaded nachos, or hearty pasta dishes.

Ditch the high heels and go for comfort

High heels are well known to cause foot pain, so pregnancy is an especially good time to leave those heels in your closet and find comfortable shoes with plenty of cushioning. For work, clogs are a great choice, as they look professional yet still provide stability and comfort. Clogs comes in a variety of styles and colors, making them a popular choice for teachers and medical professionals who have to be on their feet all day long.

Many pregnant women experience foot pain in the late afternoon and evening, after their feet have been working hard for hours. If you experience pain throughout the night and day, there may be something else wrong. A visit to the podiatrist can quickly diagnose any problems that you might be having, and these problems could either be related to how you're walking or how your shoes fit. Inserting a custom orthotic into your shoe can usually solve the problem by providing the necessary support for your foot and, in turn, your growing body.

Pregnancy is such a unique experience that actually goes by quickly when you look back at it. To make your pregnancy more comfortable and enjoyable, follow the tips above to lessen those aches and pains that so many pregnant women experience. To learn more, contact a professional like Jeffrey M Marks DPM with any questions or concerns you have.