Back pain
Remember: 50 to 75% of women experience back pain at some point in their pregnancy. There are many ways to relieve pain.
Women who were aware of these problems before they become pregnant find that the pain could be easily managed over the nine months. With advice and appropriate treatment, it is very rare for back pain is a concern on any day of delivery.
What is the origin of back pain during pregnancy?
Back pain during pregnancy can be divided into two categories.
The first, true back pain, has the same causes in all individuals. Your ligaments, muscles, discs and joints suffer from your bad posture, bad way to lift heavy objects. Injury and stiff muscles or lower voltages may be factors. It is very common to suffer from this type of pain before pregnancy. Back pain often worsens toward the end of the day, or if you stayed long standing. These pains are then due to stretching of the ligaments under the weight of your baby and your body.
Some women suffer from sciatica during pregnancy. This is an inflammation or pressure in the back making the very painful sciatic nerve. Sometimes, the very functioning of the nerve is affected. You can then feel muscle weakness, or feel severe pain. Sciatica does not lead always a bad back. It gives pain to the back of your leg. Contrary to popular belief, sciatica is not caused by your baby build on a nerve. Suffer from sciatica during pregnancy is not associated in most of the time in your state: there are big chances that you have suffered without being pregnant.
The second type of pain is called the pelvic pain. Most women who seek treatment for back pain actually suffer from this type of pain. They are caused by pregnancy, and should be treated differently than a conventional back pain.
Pain in or around the pubic bone, may show a disease of the pubic symphysis.
It is important to consult in order to properly identify the source of pain.
How can I prevent this back pain?
Back pain can be avoided by making sure to be in the best shape possible before your pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, it's never too late to improve your fitness. You can reduce the risk of back pain with regular exercise. If you do not usually move, go easy to start. Here are some simple tips to avoid triggering a back pain during pregnancy:
- Get regular exercise, moderation,
- Keep good posture,
- Avoid heavy lifting,
- If you have to lift a heavy object, bend your knees, not your back, hold the object against you and do not turn the hips.
What can I do to relieve my back pain?
• Try massage. A lower back massage often helps relieve sore muscles and tired. Lean forward by relying on the back of a chair or lie on your side. Your spouse then you can gently massage the muscles on either side of the spine or concentrate on the lower back. A physiotherapist or osteopath can relieve you even more efficiently.
• The water and heat. A warm bath, a hot water bottle or a spray of hot water can help reduce pain.
• Wear a kidney belt. A doctor or physical therapist may recommend that you wear a lumbar belt. It will relieve your back and the muscles in your stomach weight of the baby.
• Use a pillow to support your belly. When you sleep on your side, place a pillow under your belly.
• Do some strengthening exercises and balance. Pelvic floor exercises and lower abdominal muscles help to lessen the strain on your back. To make easy and safe exercises, get on all fours with your back parallel to the ground. Inhale and exhale while contracting your pelvic floor and trying to get your belly button. Hold the contraction for 5-10 seconds without holding your breath and without moving your back. Gently release the muscles at the end of the year.
• If you have a sore tailbone, make sure not to not slouch when you sit down: always arch your back in a comfortable position. You can also try to sit on a fluffy pillow or a buoy.