Pregnancy And Backache

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Backache is one of the most common problems for pregnant women. Nearly half of all women have back pain at some point during pregnancy. Causes of Backache During Pregnancy There are three types of back pain related to pregnancy: Low-back pain when you stand or sit Pain that is worst in the back of your pelvis and deep in your buttocks Pain in your lower back when you are in bed at night During pregnancy, it’s normal for women to have some back pain caused by: The strain on the back from carrying the extra weight of pregnancy. Changes in posture to offset the extra weight of pregnancy. This shifts your center of gravity forward and puts more strain on the lower back. Strain on the weakened and stretched muscles in the abdomen that support the spine. Although some amount of backache is normal, severe back pain is not. It can be a warning sign of infection or complications, especially when a woman also has fever or other symptoms. Backache: What You Can Do You can lessen some of the normal back pain encountered during pregnancy by following these tips: Posture. Be aware of your posture. Try to keep your hips pulled forward and your back straight. Don’t be a “sway back”! Footwear. Wear low-heeled shoes with good arch support. Avoid wearing high heels. They can strain your lower back muscles. Lifting. Avoid lifting heavy objects. This can put even more strain on your back. If you must pick something up from the floor, be sure to bend at the knees and keep your back straight. Bending and stretching. Keep objects you need close by so you don’t have to bend or stretch to pick them up. Remember, it’s easier to lose your balance when you are pregnant. Standing. Avoid standing for long periods of time, if possible. If you have to stand for an extended period, rest one foot on a stool or box. This will help relieve the strain on your back. Sitting. Sit in chairs with good back support. Tuck a small pillow behind your lower back for extra support while sitting. Sleeping. A firm mattress provides better back support than a soft one. If your mattress is too soft, a board between the mattress and box spring will make it firmer. Sleep on your side instead of your back. Tuck a pillow between your legs when lying on your side. The pillow will help straighten your spine and give extra support to your back. Support. Look for maternity pants that have a wide elastic band to be worn under the curve of your belly. This band will help support the extra weight. Special abdominal-support girdles also can provide this type of back support. They are available in maternity stores. Pain relief. Medication to treat back pain during pregnancy is usually not a good option. Always check with your health care provider before taking any type of medication. A heating pad, warm water bottle or cold compress can help ease backache. Exercises. Certain exercises can help strengthen and stretch your back muscles. They can also improve your posture and strengthen your abdominal muscles for labor and delivery. Always be sure to ask your health care provider what exercises are safe for you, and how long you can maintain your exercise program. When to Talk to Your Health Care Provider If you have low back pain in the late second or third trimester, contact your health care provider. This can be a sign of preterm labor, particularly if you haven't had any back pain before that point. Severe back pain of any sort can be a sign of a problem, such as a kidney stone or infection. Be sure to contact your health care provider if you have: Severe back pain that doesn’t get better with heat or cold or with the use of supportive garments Any numbness, tingling, weakness in your legs, or radiating pain (radiating pain spreads out from a central point) Fever