When you become a parent, you have more reason than ever to take care of yourself. Ironically, though, you’ve also got children who disrupt everything from your sleep to your ability to sit down during the day, and even your ability to actually eat well or, you know, get enough to drink from one day to the next.
It’s a constant struggle, and it’s probably not surprising that you suddenly notice various ailments that you never had before. So, not only are you always at the doctor’s with your youngsters, but you may also be booking way more appointments for yourself. And, each time, we’re betting the doctor gives you a knowing nod as soon as you mention the fact that you’ve got young kids.
Does this mean that ailing health is inevitable for moms? Not at all. We won’t sugarcoat it – you’re definitely at a higher risk of health problems when you’re busy keeping other people alive. But you can also overcome the most common issues. Keep reading as we consider the so-called ‘motherhood’ health problems to look out for, and their solutions.
# 1 – Hip Problems
We’re starting with a biggy here because, moms, how often do your hips scream at you during the day? This may be less the case if you have older children, but new moms with younger kids probably feel like they’ve got the hips of an eighty-year-old sometimes. That makes sense because a few things are happening that put your hips at risk. For one thing, remember that you’ve just had a baby. Your body’s been flooded by the hormone relaxin, which does what it says on the tin by loosening your joints and ligaments, especially around your hips and pelvis.
So, your hips are literally more vulnerable right now, and then what happens? You hoist a baby right onto them for hours a day, and wonder why you experience hip aches and pains, or even more serious problems like a herniated hip (when your hip comes away from its socket).
The cause of this problem might be obvious, but what can actually be done about it? Well, if you suspect you have a herniated hip, it’s worth checking in with your doctor, who may recommend prescription painkillers or physiotherapy. If you’re just worried about pain, then avoiding common mom mistakes like placing a child directly on your hip as you carry them, or bending and turning in awkward ways, is worthwhile.
# 2 – Back Ache
Just as your hips might hurt a little more once you become a mom, it’s also possible that your back starts to give you trouble. After all, you’re bending down more often now, as well as holding heavy weights way more than you might have before. Plus, you’re doing all of this at a time when your core muscles aren’t exactly in a position to pick up much slack. The result? Lower back pain that probably makes you groan like your gran when you finally sit down each day.
The important thing to remember is that, while a lot about your current lifestyle lends itself to back pain, this is by no means an inevitable issue. Like with hip problems, practicing proper lifting and carrying methods can help to alleviate this problem to some extent. The way you put your child in their car seat can also make a huge difference. Sitting to do this is especially beneficial, or you could invest in a rotating car seat that saves you from stretching at weird angles. It’s also worth just undertaking a little self-care, such as massage therapy, which is relaxing, gives you some time alone, and can work wonders for your poor spine.
# 3 – Pulled Muscles
Your back and hips might be the most obvious areas of parenting strain, but pulled muscles are also common in areas like your neck, shoulder, and abdomen. Again, this has a lot to do with the hormonal changes in your body, but you’re also probably crawling around on the floor more, pretending to be a tiger or just generally trying to catch a toddler. One minute, you’re happily crawling along, and the next, you’ve pulled a muscle in your shoulder, and you’re wrapped up in a shoulder brace for weeks.
Newborn moms may especially experience neck and muscle strain due to things like breastfeeding positions, which can see you hunched and straining in a whole host of unnatural positions. A great way around this is to ensure that you’re supported by things like a breastfeeding pillow or neck brace when you start a feeding session. Working with a breastfeeding expert on correct positions can also help.
But what if you pull a muscle through simply playing? Pain killers, support braces, and physio sessions are all key to getting back to your parenting best as soon as possible.
# 4 – Tension Headaches
Do you get to the end of the day with a pounding in your head that just makes you want to close your eyes? Welcome to the world of parenting tension headaches, which are the result of pretty much everything you experience in a day, from physical strain to sleep deprivation, dehydration, and stress. Postpartum hormonal dips have also been known to exacerbate headaches of this nature, meaning that it feels like there’s really no hope.
Luckily, you don’t need to end your days with a headache that leaves you out of action. Before we get into solutions, however, it’s important to note that sudden severe headaches accompanied by symptoms like vision changes and vomiting are always worth talking to your doctor about. Outside of that, solutions for dealing with tension headaches as a parent might include neck and shoulder stretches, regular hydration, and applying a warm compress to the back of your neck. Preventative measures like limiting screen time and eating proper meals can also help here!
Moms have a lot on their plates, and their health can easily take a nosedive as a result. Ensure that’s not the case by avoiding these common parenting ailments!
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