Do you know what is the good news during the pregnancy? The good news is, your baby is growing. That's exactly what should be happening -- but it can also be tough on your back. Most pregnant women experience back pain, usually starting in the second half of pregnancy. You should know that there are things you can do to minimize your back pain. Here are some tips that will help you to overcome your backpain.
CAUSES OF BACK PAIN DURING PREGNANCY
Pregnancy back pain usually happens where the pelvis meets your spine, at the sacroiliac joint. There are many possible reasons why it happens. Here are some of the more likely causes:
Weight gain
During a healthy pregnancy, women typically gain between 25 and 35 pounds. The spine has to support that weight that can cause lower back pain. The weight of the growing baby and uterus also puts pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back.
Posture changes
Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity. As a result, you may gradually even without noticing begin to adjust your posture and the way you move. This may result in back pain or strain.
Hormone changes
During pregnancy, your body makes a hormone called relaxing that allows ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process. The same hormone can cause ligaments that support the spine to loosen, leading to instability and pain.
Muscle separation
As the uterus expands, two parallel sheets of muscles (the rectus abdominis muscles), which run from the rib cage to the pubic bone, may separate along the center seam. This separation may worsen back pain.
STRESS
Emotional stress can cause muscle tension in the back, which may be felt as back pain or back spasms. You may find that you experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy.
Symptoms
Lumbar pain during pregnancy is generally located at and above the waist in the center of the back, and it may be concurrent with pain that radiates into the woman's leg or foot. Posterior pelvic pain (in the back of the pelvis) is four times more prevalent than lumbar pain in pregnancy. It is a deep pain felt below the waistline, on one or both sides or across the tailbone.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of back pain during pregnancy is based on a review of the patient’s medical history, a physical examination and possibly an MRI, to rule out a herniated disk. No X-ray or CT scan will be performed because these procedures use radiation.
TREATMENT OF BACK PAIN DURING THE PREGNANCY
EXERCISE
Unless you had chronic backaches before you got pregnant, your pain will likely ease gradually before you give birth. Meanwhile, there are many things you can do to treat low back pain or make it rarer and milder:Regular exercise strengthens muscles and boosts flexibility. That can ease the stress on your spine. Safe exercises for most pregnant women include walking, swimming and stationary cycling. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend exercises to strengthen your back and abdomen.
HEAT AND COLD
Applying heat and cold to your back may help. Start by putting cold compresses (such as a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel) on the painful area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. After two or three days, switch to heat put a heating pad or hot water bottle on the painful area. Be careful not to apply heat to your abdomen during pregnancy.
IMPROVE YOUR POSTURE
Slouching strains your spine. So, using proper posture when working, sitting, or sleeping is a good move. For example, sleeping on your side with a pillow between the knees will take stress off your back. When sitting at a desk, place a rolled-up towel behind your back for support; rest your feet on a stack of books or stool and sit up straight, with your shoulders back. When standing, pull your hips forward and your shoulders back. You may tend to lean back to compensate for your growing belly. Wearing a support belt may also help.
STRETCH REGULARLY
Look up the "backward stretch," the "low back stretch," and the "standing pelvic tilt." These strengthen your back and pelvic muscles.
COUNSELING
If back pain is elated to stress, talking to a trusted friend or counselor may be helpful.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine in which thin needles are inserted into your skin at certain locations. Acupuncture can be effective in relieving low back pain during pregnancy.
· CHIROPRACTIC
When performed correctly, chiropractic manipulation of the spine can be safe during pregnancy, but consult with your doctor before seeking chiropractic care.
· More tips
If you need to pick something up from the ground, use your legs to squat rather than bend over.
Don't wear high-heeled shoes. Choose low-heeled shoes with good arch support. Remember, as hormones loosen joints, you may need to buy a larger shoe size.
Don't sleep on your back.
Wear support hose.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe for most women to take during pregnancy. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) are not advised. In some cases, your doctor may recommend other pain medicines or muscle relaxants that are safe during pregnancy.But before taking any medicines you should consult from your doctor.
· WHEN TO SEEK TREATMENT FROM A DOCTOR
Back pain is usually not a reason to call your doctor. But you should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:
Severe pain
Increasingly severe pain or pain that begins abruptly
Rhythmic cramping pains
Difficulty urinating or “pins and needles” in your extremities
In rare cases, severe back pain may be related to problems such as pregnancy-associated osteoporosis, vertebral osteoarthritis, or septic arthritis, Rhythmic pains may be a sign of preterm labor. So, if you are experiencing any of these problems, it's important to be checked by your doctor.
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