As your pregnancy advances, hormone changes may cause muscle relaxation and joint loosening to lead to backache.
Exercise, stretching and regular massages can all provide great relief to back problems. Avoid activities which strain your back; sleep on your side with a pillow under your knees when sleeping on the mattress and try squatting when picking up items from shelves or the floor.
Exercise
Most pregnant women experience back pain during gestation, particularly during the second trimester. Common sources include an increase in weight of their unborn fetus putting extra strain on pelvic and back muscles as well as poor posture or long periods spent standing or bending over, which further compound this discomfort.
Studies show that pregnant women who regularly exercise have lower back pain compared to those who don’t. Light exercises like walking, swimming and stationary cycling are great ways to strengthen back and abdominal muscles during gestation, while complementary therapies such as acupuncture or massage may also be beneficial. Just make sure that before making any decisions regarding complementary or alternative therapies (CAM).
Take a break from strenuous activities to alleviate back pain, wear supportive footwear and sleep on your side with a pillow between the knees, as well as elevate one foot when sitting for extended periods of time. Regular and cyclical backache could be an indicator of preterm labor; always inform your healthcare provider of any new or persistent symptoms.
Rest
Back pain is an often-experienced complication during gestation, caused by additional weight and swelling to the abdomen, strain on the spine, poor posture such as standing or bending forward and poor support during labor. Poor sleeping position or improper lifting techniques may exacerbate symptoms further.
Prenatal yoga offers one effective technique that may ease or even eliminate back pain while pregnant, recommended by most healthcare professionals and doulas alike. They advocate exercise to strengthen spine and abdominal muscles as well as stretching to increase flexibility; another effective alternative may be prenatal yoga which has been tailored specifically for expecting mothers.
Many doctors and therapists advise using back support belts, which may ease pressure on pelvic bones and spine. However, experts warn against using this remedy as a replacement to other remedies.
For severe backache, consult with your healthcare provider about taking medication. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) should be safe to take while pregnant and some doctors may suggest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). Acupuncture may also help alleviate backache; please be sure to seek approval first if seeking any new treatments while pregnant.
Massage
Back pain is a frequent complaint during gestation. This discomfort may interfere with daily activities and sleep patterns and could even be an indicator of preterm labor; the good news is there are ways you can alleviate backache.
Physical therapy programs designed to strengthen core muscles may provide helpful solutions. Proper posture requires maintaining a straight spine with tight abdominal muscles – if you need assistance learning how to do this, physical therapists are there to teach. Some modalities like acupuncture or chiropractic treatments may also be safe in early pregnancy; always get medical approval first!
Medication may be necessary to treat inflammation and relieve back pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) should be safe for most pregnant women while other pain medicines or muscle relaxants can be safely prescribed by your physician. Make sure to inform them about any new or recurring back discomfort; they may perform imaging tests or prescribe different medication; ask about risks and benefits before proceeding with either option.
Heat
Back pain during pregnancy is a common complaint and can be particularly uncomfortable. There are ways you can ease its severity while remaining healthy throughout your gestation.
Hormones produced during gestation cause pelvic-area ligaments to loosen and stretch in preparation for labor, altering their support of your back. When combined with increased weight of baby as they develop and postural changes, this may lead to backache.
Pregnant women often turn to heating pads in addition to stretching and exercising in order to soothe their backs during gestation. Heat can help decrease pain signals from the brain while relaxing muscles. An electric heating pad with multiple settings that allows you to choose different heat levels is ideal; use caution with wraparound towels when covering it to protect against burns, and apply no longer than 20 minutes at a time.
If your back pain becomes severe or interferes with daily activities, seek assistance from a physical therapist or chiropractor. Before making this decision, consult your physician first so as to ensure the treatment will be safe for both you and your pregnancy.
Cold
Pregnancy back pain is an all-too-common complaint among pregnant women, affecting 50-70%. It usually manifests itself in the posterior pelvic region or lower lumbar region of the back and may manifest on either side of their bodies.
Pregnancy-related backache occurs as the center of gravity shifts forward, placing added strain on your spine. Furthermore, postural changes caused by your expanding uterus can aggravate symptoms further while pregnancy weight causes your back to bend more than usual, further stressing muscles and joints.
Preventive measures may help lessen pregnancy back pain. By practicing good posture and standing or sitting up straight, sitting for extended periods with feet flat on floor and stretching regularly – as per doctor recommendations – and engaging in exercise and stretching, as well as receiving professional acupuncture or chiropractic manipulation, may help alleviate your back discomfort.
