Pregnancy on one hand is a joy for the women and whole family, while on the other hand there are many troubles and issues that the pregnant woman has to bear. Back pain is one of the common complain reported to gynecologists during pregnancy.
Causes of Back Pain in Pregnancy
There are physiological changes in the females body, specially uterus size and shape that affects the overall dynamics of the lumbosacral region. The heavier uterus puts more strain on the spine directly and also due to the change in the posture as the female body adapts to the changing center of gravity.
As the days pass, the weight increases, increasing stress on the back muscles. This along with the weakening of the abdominal muscles lead to the overall lack of support to the spine, resulting in the health issues and pain of spine. The female hormonal changes during the pregnancy also cause muscles relaxation and thus make the spine prone to injuries during exercise or unstable postures and movements.
How to prevent back pain during pregnancy
The only way to prevent the back pain during pregnancy, caused by the stress on the spine and its instability, is to reduce the stress and stabilize the spine as much as possible. Certain ways to prevent back pain during pregnancy are:
- Wear proper shoes, with good arch support and low heel, avoid flat shoes though
- Don’t lift heavy weights as you didn’t before pregnancy
- Don’t stand for long, if you do keep one foot on the stool or something high to balance the load on spine
- Don’t use too soft bed or mattress
- Don’t pick something by bending down while flexing your waist mainly, instead sit down pick the thing and get back up while keeping your back as straight as possible
- While sitting on a chair, use lumbar support or a pillow behind your back
- Preferably sleep on side, add a pillow or two for support between your legs
- If sore or painful, apply massage to the area and give rest
Consult your OBGYN doctor if you have any sort of pain immediately for expert opinion. Also discuss all the possibilities and care required with your gynecologist and don’t assume that you already know too much to avoid any OB/GYN or pregnancy related issues.
Exercises for back pain during pregnancy
Discuss with your gynecologist regarding exercises to strengthen your back for weight bearing during pregnancy. Ask your OBGYN doctor for proper posture and walking technique and other tips to avoid any pain during pregnancy.
The exercises will also prepare you for the labor and delivery along with relieving OB/GYN related back pain.
If the pain persists, your OBGYN doctor might advise you a special OB/GYN related elastic belt or sling called maternity girdle. These devices help the pregnant women in weight bearing and lumbosacral support while releasing back muscles tension. The gynecologist may advise pain killers or other medications too but never use any medicine without consulting an expert to avoid complications.
