Back Pain during Pregnancy

Almost every pregnant woman complains of back pain at some point, but there are many remedies to ease back pain during pregnancy. Read on to know the causes of backache in pregnant women and how the correct posture and sensible weight gain can minimize back pain. Backache is a common pregnancy complaint. During pregnancy, your body is making adjustments for the baby growing within. The excess hormones during pregnancy relax and loosen up the joints in your pelvis to allow for a smooth normal delivery. Along with your huge stomach, your body is bound to be slightly off-balance and all these changes can result in strained back muscles and pain during pregnancy. The good news is that there are certain remedial measures you can take to get relief. In this articleTry to maintain good postureGet the right footwearAvoid heavy liftingSleep on your sidePhysical activityUse hot water bags or icepacksConsider some other natural therapiesWhen to consult your doctorTips for relief from low back pain during pregnancy Try to maintain good posture – You are gaining weight because your baby is growing and this shifts your gravity forward. To compensate for this, your body automatically leans backward, thereby putting pressure on your lower back, causing pain. If you have to stand or sit for long periods, consider resting your feet on a low step stool and taking frequent breaks.To maintain a good posture, keep the following in mind: - Stand straight- Sit with your back straight and supported - Keep your shoulders back and relaxed - Hold your chest high - Do not lock your knees Get the right footwear – While avoiding high heels is necessary when you are pregnant, wearing just any pair of flats is also not recommended. Select shoes which provide good arch support.Avoid heavy lifting – It is recommended that pregnant women avoid lifting anything heavy. However, if you do need to lift something, avoid bending from your waist or lifting with your back. It is good to squat down, bend your knees and then lift in order to prevent exerting unnecessary pressure on your back. Sleep on your side – There are many benefits of sleeping on your side during pregnancy. It is advised to sleep with your knees bent. You can also use support pillows under your belly, between your knees and behind your back in the latter half of your pregnancy to provide adequate support to your body.Physical activity – Learn and practice some prenatal yoga and other exercises recommended for pregnant women. Regular exercise and physical activities will strengthen your back which will be of additional benefit for you at the time of childbirth. Use hot water bags or icepacks – You can get relief by applying hot or cold fomentation. Try using hot water bags or ice packs on your back to get relief. Rubbing your back gently might also help. Consider some other natural therapies – Researchers are of the opinion that acupuncture is of great help in relieving back pain during pregnancy. Apart from this, some women found relief by opting for chiropractic treatments. However, you need to consult your doctor before opting for any therapy. When to consult your doctor An average level of lower back pain is common during pregnancy and you may find relief from following the above tips. However, if you are experiencing severe back pain, it can be an indication of something going wrong (preterm labour, for instance). Do not take any medication without consulting your doctor. If your backache is accompanied with fever, vaginal bleeding or a burning sensation at the time of urination, you should consult your doctor immediately. Why is backache such a common complaint during pregnancy? What steps can pregnant women take to prevent or reduce lower back pain? What remedial measure can pregnant women take to ease back pain? Discuss here.

Almost every pregnant woman complains of back pain at some point, but there are many remedies to ease back pain during pregnancy. Read on to know the causes of backache in pregnant women and how the correct posture and sensible weight gain can minimize back pain.

Backache is a common pregnancy complaint. During pregnancy, your body is making adjustments for the baby growing within. The excess hormones during pregnancy relax and loosen up the joints in your pelvis to allow for a smooth normal delivery. Along with your huge stomach, your body is bound to be slightly off-balance and all these changes can result in strained back muscles and pain during pregnancy. The good news is that there are certain remedial measures you can take to get relief.

Tips for relief from low back pain during pregnancy

• Try to maintain good posture –

  You are gaining weight because your baby is growing and this shifts your gravity forward. To compensate for this, your body automatically leans backward, thereby putting pressure on your lower back, causing pain. If you have to stand or sit for long periods, consider resting your feet on a low step stool and taking frequent breaks.To maintain a good posture, keep the following in mind:

  - Stand straight

  - Sit with your back straight and supported

  - Keep your shoulders back and relaxed

  - Hold your chest high

  - Do not lock your knees

• Get the right footwear –

  While avoiding high heels is necessary when you are pregnant, wearing just any pair of flats is also not recommended. Select shoes which provide good arch support.

• Avoid heavy lifting –

  It is recommended that pregnant women avoid lifting anything heavy. However, if you do need to lift something, avoid bending from your waist or lifting with your back. It is good to squat down, bend your knees and then lift in order to prevent exerting unnecessary pressure on your back.

• Sleep on your side –

  There are many benefits of sleeping on your side during pregnancy. It is advised to sleep with your knees bent. You can also use support pillows under your belly, between your knees and behind your back in the latter half of your pregnancy to provide adequate support to your body.

• Physical activity –

  Learn and practice some prenatal yoga and other exercises recommended for pregnant women. Regular exercise and physical activities will strengthen your back which will be of additional benefit for you at the time of childbirth.

• Use hot water bags or icepacks –

  You can get relief by applying hot or cold fomentation. Try using hot water bags or ice packs on your back to get relief. Rubbing your back gently might also help.

• Consider some other natural therapies –

  Researchers are of the opinion that acupuncture is of great help in relieving back pain during pregnancy. Apart from this, some women found relief by opting for chiropractic treatments. However, you need to consult your doctor before opting for any therapy.

When to consult your doctor

An average level of lower back pain is common during pregnancy and you may find relief from following the above tips. However, if you are experiencing severe back pain, it can be an indication of something going wrong (preterm labour, for instance). Do not take any medication without consulting your doctor. If your backache is accompanied with fever, vaginal bleeding or a burning sensation at the time of urination, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Why is backache such a common complaint during pregnancy? What steps can pregnant women take to prevent or reduce lower back pain? What remedial measure can pregnant women take to ease back pain? Discuss here.