Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back pain is one of the biggest ailments, for many women during pregnancy! About half to three-quarters of all pregnant women suffer from lower back pain.

Although it is easy to recognize the cause of back pain in late pregnancy – blame the belly. What’s behind first trimester back pain? Here’s what to presume:

WHAT CAUSES BACK PAIN DURING PREGNANCY?

During the pregnancy, a hormone called relaxing is released, which causes the ligaments and joints in the pelvis to relax and loosen up, making it easier for the baby to pass through during delivery.

Coupled with the increasing weight of the uterus, balance will be disturbed, as the center of gravity shifts forward. 

So, the spine curves more than usual to take the strain – by tensing the muscles and causing pain, stiffness, and soreness, as suspected.

TREATMENTS FOR PREGNANCY-RELATED BACK PAIN

Try the following remedies to relieve back pain during pregnancy:

• Maintain your posture: Lounging around a chair all day puts more pressure on your spine than anything. At work and home, make sure that the chair you use most often provide good support. Use a footrest to lift your feet, without crossing your legs. This can cause your pelvis to tilt forward, which worsens the tension in the back muscles.
• Pay attention to weight: Keep an eye on your weight gain during pregnancy. Extra weight and gaining weight too quickly can put a strain on your back.
• Wear the correct shoes: Avoid wearing high heels – and also flat shoes. Experts recommend wearing low heels with good arch support to keep your body properly aligned. You can also consider orthopedics, which are special insoles designed to support muscles.
• Take breaks: Stand or walk and stretch frequently, at least once an hour, if possible. Prolonged sitting will further hurt your back. Try not to stand too long either. When working on your feet, try to place one foot on a low chair to reduce the pressure on your lower back.
• Get a firm mattress: If you don’t have, place a plank underneath throughout your pregnancy. A body-pillow (at least 5 feet long) can support you find stress-reducing sleeping positions.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects: And, if necessary, carry on slowly. Stabilize yourself – squat with knees without bending and lifting with arms and legs instead of back. Even better, seek help!

SOLUTIONS TO PREGNANCY INSOMNIA

• Think of something nice: A calm mind leads to relaxation of the back. You can also try some prenatal yoga exercises, which will relax the back and your mind.
• Strengthens your abdomen: Do pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles, which in turn support your back. Or sitting on a practice ball and swinging back and forth.
• Consider using abdominal straps or criss-cross support slings: These support bands are specially designed for pregnant women and can help carry the weight of your belly on your low back.
• Get a massage: Go get one – after the first trimester and with a licensed massage therapist who knows you are pregnant and trained in the art of antenatal massage.
• Try hot and cold therapy: Soothe the sore muscles by using cold compresses followed by warm compresses at 15-minute intervals.
• Take a steam bath: If you have a pulsating shower head, turn it on for a free back massage.
• Talk to your doctor: Ask your doctor about physiotherapists, or alternative specialists, such as chiropractors or acupuncturists who might help you. You should also contact your doctor if you experience severe back pain.

THE TAKEAWAY

Back pain is a normal, though uncomfortable part of pregnancy for most women. During the first trimester, back pain is usually related to increased hormones and stress. If you’ve experienced it before pregnancy or are overweight, you might be at greater risk of back pain during pregnancy.

You can reduce back pain by focusing on good posture, wearing supportive shoes, and avoiding prolonged standing. While you probably can’t completely cure back pain, no need to suffer. Use ice packs for relief and prenatal massage if possible. Chiropractic can also be effective in minimizing back pain at all stages of your pregnancy.

Contact us today! We look forward to working with you so that you can live a life of complete health and vitality.

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