If you’re having back pains during pregnancy, then congratulations, your baby is gaining a respectable amount of weight. Unfortunately, that puts a lot of extra load on your back. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many women suffer back pain from around 4 months and onward.
Why Do Back Pains Happen During Pregnancy?
The pain usually happens at the region where the pelvis and your spine meet near the sacroiliac joint. There are many reasons why you have back pain, and here are some of them:
Weight gain – When a woman is pregnant, she typically gains about 25 to 35 pounds in weight, and this ca
Posture – Pregnancy will change your center of gravity, and your body will adjust to that by changing your posture. That, in turn, can lead to back pain.
Hormones – When you’re pregnant, the body creates a hormone known as relaxin, and that’s exactly what it does with all the ligaments around the pelvic area, including joints as well. Unfortunately, this can lead to back pain, too.
Muscles – two sheets of muscles along the abdomen will separate to make way for the uterus as it expands. One side effect of this process, unfortunately, is to predispose mom to more back pain.
Stress – Emotional lows can further aggravate the back pain. It’s important that if you feel stressed out while pregnant to relax or at least find a way to take a load off your back.
How Do You Deal with Back Pains?
The following can help you ease the back pain issues. And, if you’re up for a bit of good news, then you should know that back pain issues usually lessen the closer you get to giving birth.
Exercise – Regular exercises specifically designed for your back issues can strengthen your muscles and increase flexibility. Walking, swimming and stationary cycling are all acceptable exercises, but should be done only after consulting with a doctor. Exercises that are more specific can be prescribed.
Hot and cold treatment – Apply a ice or a cold compress to the painful area for up to 20 minutes a few times daily. After three days or so, you can switch to a hot compresses. Do not apply cold or hot compresses to your abdomen.
Posture – Talk with a physical therapist about how to put yourself in the proper posture (some exercises may be necessary to pull your muscles in the proper ways). You should also ask about how to position yourself when you sit down, or when you’re sleeping.
Counseling – Aside from physical solutions, you should also make sure that you have a counselor if you’re feeling more depressed than usual. Working your mental stress out will do wonders for your back pain as well.
Acupuncture – This ancient remedy works well for pregnant women. Do check with your healthcare provider before you seek the services of a properly licensed acupuncturist. You can also try a chiropractor, but manipulation of your spine while you are pregnant must be cleared by your obstetrician.