Any woman going through her last trimester of pregnancy knows that there is a reason women are so “ready” to have the baby by the time delivery day roles around.  The aches and pains of late pregnancy are enough to make even the easiest pregnancy a challenge.  From the sleeplessness to the back pain, to the practice contractions to the heartburn; it is all enough to make us beg that little one inside to hurry up and come on out to meet the world already.

When I was pregnant with Maya I was one of the lucky ones.  I had a textbook easy pregnancy, even my late pregnancy was fairly easy.  However, I remember the annoying lower back pain, the pain in my pelvic bones and hips as everything began to stretch and the difficulty sleeping.  I just wanted to know what it all was, why it was happening and how to make it better.

Here are a few of the most common aches and pains from late pregnancy, what they are, what causes them and how you can relieve them (if possible):

• Sleeplessness: Insomnia is common in late pregnancy.  Some women are just so exhausted they can’t sleep, others just simply aren’t tired and thus can’t sleep.  Add to that the pain and discomfort you are feeling in many parts of your body and it often results in a lack of sleep.  Many doctors recommend exercise in the evening (if you are cleared for exercise), avoid caffeine and eating lots of food right before bed.
• Exhaustion: If you can’t sleep than it isn’t any wonder you are exhausted.  Not to mention that with everything going on with your body you just don’t have the energy reserves to accomplish all your usual tasks.  Try cutting back on what you do during the day (if you can), take a nap during the day if you are able (I used to nap in my car during lunch breaks).  Eat a balanced diet, exercise and get sleep when you can.
• Back Pain: Back pain is common throughout pregnancy, but tends to get worse during the last couple of months.  Your growing abdomen and changing posture is putting a lot of pressure on your back and the baby is growing and putting pressure on your back.  Stretching, a warm bath and a massage are all great ways to help alleviate back pain.
• Leg Cramps: Leg cramps are caused by the changes in your muscle tone and elasticity during pregnancy and the added pressure from the baby.  Women often experience them most often at night.  Leg stretches before bed, putting your legs up when you can, and avoiding pointing your toes are all great ways to help avoid leg cramps.
• Shortness of Breath: As they baby grows it crowds your lungs and puts additional pressure on your diaphragm making it more difficult to breathe.  As with many of the late pregnancy symptoms this is often felt while you are trying to sleep.  By sleeping propped up a bit you may be able to breathe a little better.  Stretching can also help.
• Heartburn: Again, that growing baby putting pressure on all your insides results in yet another common complaint, heartburn.  The best ways to avoid heartburn are to avoid the foods that give you heartburn and staying upright after eating.  You can also try drinking a glass of milk to calm the stomach acids.
• Pain in the Pelvic and Hip Bones: This pain is caused when the ligaments and tendons in your pelvic region begin to loosen and the bones begin to spread in preparation for your upcoming labor and delivery.  Some ways to alleviate the pain include light stretching and a warm compress.  Swimming can also help.
• Braxton Hicks Contractions: Also known as practice contractions.  These contractions are happening throughout your pregnancy but often aren’t felt until late pregnancy.  These contractions are preparing your muscles and uterus for the real thing.  You can help alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by these contractiosn by changing your position, drinking a large glass of cold water, taking a warm bath or taking a nap.

Your body is under going a lot of changes during the last couple of months of pregnancy and the growing baby is putting a lot of pressure on a lot of different areas result in pain and discomfort.  Do what you can to stay comfortable, rested and relaxed (I know easier said than done sometimes).  Talk to your doctor if you are worried about any particular symptoms you are having.