Pregnancy pain: understanding, relieving and preparing, sophrology included

They are most often linked to the body's changes:

• low back and pelvic pain (including pelvic girdle pain, at the front over the pubic bone);
• sharp pains at the sides of the abdomen or in the groin when moving (round ligaments);
• heavy legs, calf cramps;
• numbness and tingling in the hands (carpal tunnel);
• headaches;
• painless contractions, later in pregnancy.

Call the clinic's emergency number or go to the emergency department in case of:

• intense abdominal pain that is constant or increasing;
• bleeding;
• regular, painful contractions before term;
• loss of fluid;
• fever or chills;
• burning when passing urine, or back pain on one side with fever;
• a painful, red or swollen calf on one side, breathlessness;
• severe headaches with visual disturbance, or sudden swelling of the face and hands.

No medicine should be taken without medical advice during pregnancy. Paracetamol is generally the first-line treatment, at the dose indicated by the doctor. Anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, ketoprofen, aspirin at painkiller doses…) are to be avoided during pregnancy and are contraindicated from the 6th month, as they can harm the baby. Do not use over-the-counter remedies or herbal teas either without asking.

Several measures often help:

• gentle, regular activity (walking, swimming, prenatal yoga), after medical advice;
• good posture: avoid standing for long, sleep on your side with a cushion between your knees;
• gentle, moderate heat on the back (a warm, not hot, bottle), never excessive heat;
• a lumbopelvic support belt when indicated;
• physiotherapy, with a professional aware of the pregnancy;
• gentle massage.

Sophrology is a relaxation method combining breathing, gentle muscle release and positive visualisation. Practised in individual or group sessions, it teaches you to focus attention on your body, release tension and better get through moments of discomfort. During pregnancy it is used for stress, sleep, perceived pain and preparing for birth.

Studies mainly suggest a benefit on anxiety and on how pain is experienced; the effect on pain intensity is modest and the level of evidence remains limited. Sophrology replaces neither a medical examination, nor a treatment, nor an epidural if you want one or if it is indicated. Practised by a trained professional, it carries no known risk for the baby.

Sessions often start from the middle of pregnancy and are spread over several meetings. They teach you to breathe during contractions, to relax between contractions and to keep an inner anchor. Your birth partner can learn these techniques with you. They remain useful even with an epidural. See the page on vaginal birth.

Settle seated or lying on your side, one hand on your belly. Breathe in gently through the nose counting to four, letting the belly swell. Breathe out slowly through the mouth counting to six. Repeat for five minutes, once or twice a day. Stop if you feel dizzy.

Your pain is assessed and a treatable cause is looked for (urinary infection, contractions, a vein problem, etc.). Ways of relief suited to your pregnancy are discussed with you, including complementary approaches such as sophrology, and if needed you are referred to a qualified professional.