Back pain during pregnancy is one of the most common complaints of women, with some studies showing more than 50% of women suffer lower back pain during a pregnancy.
Although back pain during pregnancy is to be expected, it doesn’t have to be as painful as some women suffer. There are various things you can do to help relieve some of the pain, especially during the final trimester, when back pain is generally at its highest.
Doctors believe that the cause of back pain can be attributed to the alterations of hormones in soft tissue and often even bone tissue, as well as increased activity levels, spinal alignment, and weight. The body releases hormones during pregnancy to prepare itself for the birth of the child, and makes the joints and ligaments in the pelvic region looser. This loosening, coupled with the increase in weight of the baby, is the most common cause of back pain.
The posture of the woman also changes, to accommodate for the weight of the baby, and to a smaller extent, the increase in breast size. These factors contribute to the change in your natural spine alignment, and result in pain in the lower back.
Preventing back pain during pregnancy
• Dress comfortably. Stop worrying about fashion, and leave those high heels in the closet and get yourself some comfortable shoes, with low heels and good arch support. Also look at specially designed maternity pants that are specifically designed to cater to pregnant women.
• When bending over, always use your knees and not your back. This should always be done, but it is especially important for women during pregnancy, as the back is not used to the increased weight.
• Try to practice various relaxation techniques, and get enough sleep. When sleeping, sleep on your side as opposed to your back, to lower strain on your body.
• Try to keep reasonably active, focusing on stretching in your back and abdominal areas muscles.
• Be cautious of your posture at all times, particularly when sitting. If you will be sitting for long durations of time, such as at a desk at work, then make sure that the chair you are sitting on is designed to maximize back support, and possibly use a small pillow.
Most importantly, always remember, if something hurts, don’t do it.
Comments on this entry are closed.