Back pain and pregnancy are like twin sisters who will accompany you during the entire prenatal period. But you can fight this nagging discomfort with some easy tips.

Causes Of Back Ache

When you become pregnant your sacroiliac joints, which are the present between your sacrum and pelvis stretch with your expanding pelvis are the causes of back pain. Pelvic pain and lumbar pain are the most common types of back ache. Lumbar pain hits at the spine near the waist and moves towards the limbs. Pelvic pain, on the other hand, occurs in the tailbone section, buttocks and thighs.

When you are expecting, you automatically gain extra pounds. The extra weight puts pressure on your back when you try to lean back. Again, a growing uterus would shift your center of gravity and stretch your abdominal muscles forward. If the uterus pressurizes a nerve, your back will be stressed.

During pregnancy, the placenta releases a hormone named Relaxin which loosens the joints and ligaments that connect the pelvic bone to the spine, in order to support the growing fetus. This can cause immense pain during each and any body movement.

In many cases, babies may have a face up position in the pelvis which pressurizes the back of the mother causing immense pain. A posterior baby also causes back pain between and during contractions of labor.

Easy Remedies For Pain

• Engage in moderate exercise training. Pelvic tilts, back arch, trunk stabilization are very useful stretches for your back during these trying times. Yoga, Pilates and simple stretching exercises will not only strengthen your back muscles but would also help you manage labor cramps.

• Never bend down from the waist, rather kneel down to pick up anything, as this will avoid strain on your back. Again, while sitting in a chair make sure that it gives enough support to your back.

• Pamper yourself with a back message but before that consult your doctor whether it is suitable for you. Your doctor may direct you to specialists like chiropractors or physiotherapists who are better trained in providing therapeutic treatments than spa massages.

• Swimming is an excellent way to take the load off your back. Again you can give yourself hot baths or heat packs when you suffer from back ache.

• Refrain from lifting any weights.

• Do not wear high heels

• Try sleeping sideways or even if you prefer sleeping on your back use a firm mattress.

• While getting up from lying position, first turn to your side, place your weight on your elbow and then get up.

Back ache and pregnancy go hand in hand and cannot be divorced from each other. So fight it with these simple remedies and enjoy the prenatal period.