For many pregnant women, one of the things they can expect while expecting is some pain. But there are some ways to avoid and manage certain pains. NY1’s Jill Urban filed this report.

As she approached her second trimester, Adriana Clancy found the aches and pains associated with pregnancy really started it set in.

“I started to feel increasing amounts of lower back pain that was exacerbated by running around after my toddler, sleeping on airplanes for work travel and just day to day walking around,” she says.

Clancy is not alone. It has estimated that approximately 50 to 80 percent of pregnant women experience pain at some point during their pregnancy.

“I have pregnant patients that come for neck pain, headaches, sciatica, low back pain, rib pain, all sorts of symptoms,” says chiropractor Dr. Regina Umansky.

She says the weight gain, relaxing ligaments and change in the center of gravity create the perfect storm for pain. We asked her what pregnant woman could do prevent the pain. First, she says watch how you lift.

“It’s very important that when a pregnant woman lifts something, she bends at the knees almost in a squat-like position and then lift something up. Bending from the waist is a big no-no,” says Umansky.

She also says pregnancy is the time to give flip-flops and high heels the boot. Both are bad for the body and can generate pain from the feet up. Instead, look for something comfortable that offers good support.

Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is important, but Umansky says so is limiting your sodium intake, because giving into salt cravings could literally become a pain in the neck.

“Excess sodium can lead to water retention, which could also lead to an inflammatory reaction in the body and lead to pain,” she explains.

While you carry the baby, it is important to carry yourself properly. Try to maintain good posture with your head up and shoulders back. While sleeping on your side, she recommends placing a pillow or blanket between your knees to take pressure off the lower back.

Clancy says these minor adjustments, as well as a weekly chiropractic adjustment, have made a big difference.

“I definitely feel much better. That said, pregnancy is an evolving process,” she says.

Therefore, she will have to keep making adjustments to address this growing concern.