Back Pain and Pregnancy – Helpful Tips and Advice

Back Pain and Pregnancy – Helpful Tips and Advice

Article by Janet Dawson

Around 80% of pregnant women experience back pain; therefore, it is logical to say that back pain are directly related to each other. However, back pain during pregnancy is quite hard to understand. As a result, treatment options are limited. Nevertheless, by being aware of these two conditions, patients and physician will have more treatment options for back pain and pregnancy condition.

What is Causing Back Pain during Pregnancy?

Back pain and pregnancy back pain are caused by different factors. A pregnant woman experience back pain because the back muscles receive strain from the baby growing in the womb of the mother. During the second trimester, the added weight of the baby causes the uterus to become heavier and the center of gravity also changes, thereby causing changes in the posture especially during the third trimester when the mother starts leaning backwards giving the muscles at the back more pressure and strain. Thus, two first conditions that link back pain and pregnancy are strain and posture.

Weak abdominal muscles can also cause back pain in pregnant women. Due to the support the abdominal muscles give the spine, their role in the health of the back is very important. In pregnant women, weakening of abdominal muscles occurs causing the muscles to stretch and this leads to back pain. Weak abdominal muscles subject pregnant women to become more susceptible to back-related injuries. Weakening of abdominal muscles is the second condition that connects back pain and pregnancy.

Pregnancy back pain can also be caused by pregnancy hormones that relax the ligaments along the joints that bear weight. The pregnancy hormones do this so as to loosen the pelvis and make the passage of the baby easier. While loosened pelvis can make the joints flexible, too much of this can cause back pain especially when the joints become too mobile or flexible. This is the third connection between back pain and pregnancy.

Because of the things linking back pain and pregnancy, almost all pregnant women experience back pain. But pregnant women have nothing to worry about because there are measures you can take to get rid of the pain from back pain and pregnancy. Read on for some tips to follow:

Practice good posture even before your tummy grows bigger. Sit and stand with extra care. Sleep on your side. Don’t lift heavy objects. When lifting is needed, lift properly. Always use the right gear such as low-heeled shoes that come with good arch support. Try cold, heat or a back rub. Keep yourself fit. Try pelvic tilt and other pregnancy exercises. Ask your doctor for complementary treatments.

Now that you know the factors that link back pain and pregnancy to each other as well as what you can to get rid of pain due to pregnancy, it is easier for you to manage the condition. If back pain is intolerable, make sure to get immediate medical attention. Do not take medications not prescribed by your doctor, because you are pregnant and even the tiniest thing you take in may have a big impact on your condition.

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