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.

Pregnancy back pain can get worse if not treated in time. Typically, it occurs due to the pressure on the lower back because of an expanded tummy. The weight of the child can affect the new mother. The ache may be negligible in the first trimester, but it grows with each quarter of pregnancy. In fact, this pain gets worse during the later stages of child bearing.

In order to overcome this pain, it is essential to take precautions from the beginning. It is recommended that you consult a doctor. There are many methods of treating and preventing pregnancy back pain. In this article, we shall discuss some of the common treatment methods.

Treatment Methods

Exercise: Many doctors suggest light exercise during childbearing stage. It is a tried and tested method of reducing and relieving pain. However, the exercise should be done under the guidance of a trained physiotherapist or medical professional. Moderate exercises that help in building strength and stability can make a lot of difference. If daily exercise is difficult then you can follow a weekly pregnancy calendar for an exercise regime.

Massage: Light massage by a trained masseur can be very helpful during this stage of childbearing. A massage followed by hot water bath is an ideal way to reduce the pain.

Correct Posture:Pregnancy back pain may get aggravated due to wrong posture. Slouching or bending can be risky. Check your posture and walk upright. While sitting, avoid slouching.

Balanced Diet: A proper diet is beneficial for you and your baby as it prevents excess weight gain. Excessive weight gain can also cause backache. It is important to keep a check on your weight and go for routine checkups to keep a tab on weight.

Although, these methods of treatment help to prevent pregnancy back pain, overall fitness also plays an important role. It is important to be fit before you get pregnant. Your physical fitness and immunity should be good. If your body is in a good shape before you conceive you are less likely to suffer from complications. The process of childbirth is easier if the mother-to-be is fit and healthy.

Pregnancy is a state wherein doctors do not recommend too much medication. Especially, they do not encourage the use of painkillers since it can have side effects on the child. One golden rule that you must remember is: “prevention is better than cure.”