Pregnancy is a very unique experience for mothers. It may not be a delightful experience for the body that bears the child with all the pain and aches. But the emotional connection and experience is said to be unlike any other.
If you’re pregnant and have back pain, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Back pain is most likely at the top of your list of unfavourable pregnancy side effects. 50% of women will feel back pain at some point during their pregnancy.
Back pain can be aggravating and inconvenient to cope with, especially if you’re also dealing with other pregnancy symptoms. Back pain is usually something you’ll have to put up with until after you give birth.
It’s obvious to know why you go through back pain, you’re carrying a lot of added weight in your belly. It makes sense! Also, during pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes numerous changes. At different periods, several of these changes can cause low back pain.
Back pain signs and symptoms during pregnancy
Low back discomfort may be one of the early indicators of pregnancy for some people. Others may not feel any discomfort until later in their pregnancy. While each woman will feel pain differently, the following are the most typical signs and symptoms of back discomfort during pregnancy:
- Inability to move freely and stiffness in the back or legs
- Increased discomfort or pain throughout the day
- increased agony at night, making it difficult to sleep
Diagnosing back pain in pregnancy
The Online Clinic back discomfort in pregnancy is diagnosed mostly based on reported symptoms. Your doctor will take a thorough history of your symptoms before conducting a physical examination to see how well your spinal muscles, joints, and nerves are functioning.
When at all possible, imaging examinations like X-rays and CT scans are avoided.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
At your regular doctor’s checkups, bring up any low to moderate back pain. If you’re having severe or atypical back pain, or if the pain lasts longer than two weeks, you should see your doctor right once.
Preterm labour or a urinary tract infection can cause severe or atypical back discomfort (UTI). UTIs are dangerous, especially during pregnancy, and should be treated by a doctor. The following are symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI):
- Back discomfort
- Fever
- When urinating, there is a burning sensation.
- Bleeding in the uterus
Back Pain in Pregnant Women: What Causes It?
Back pain in pregnancy usually occurs where the pelvis joins the spine, at the sacroiliac joint.
There are numerous reasons why this occurs. Some of the most plausible causes are as follows:
- Gaining weight
Women gain between 25 and 35 pounds during a healthy pregnancy. That weight must be supported by the spine. This may result in lower back pain. Blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back are additionally pressed by the weight of the expanding baby and uterus.
- Changes in posture
Your centre of gravity alters throughout pregnancy. The majority of women alter their posture. Pregnant women frequently lean backward, putting additional tension on the back muscles and resulting in muscle stiffness and low back pain.
- Hormone fluctuations
Between the 9th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy, progesterone levels gradually increase. The muscles and ligaments around your pelvis relax when you have this hormone.
Relaxin, a hormone released by the ovary and placenta during pregnancy, affects the joints and ligaments in your pelvis, making them more flexible in preparation for birthing. Low back discomfort can be exacerbated by these changes.
- Separation of muscles
Back pain might be caused by weak abdominal muscles. Your belly muscles may stretch and weaken as your baby grows. Because these muscles are crucial in maintaining your spine, if they become weak, your back may begin to pain.
- Stress
Back muscular tension caused by emotional stress might manifest as back pain or back spasms. During stressful times of your pregnancy, you may feel an increase in back pain.
Ways to getting Rid of Back Pain
Pregnancy causes Back Pain Right Side in the majority of women. Luckily, there are effective strategies for preventing and managing pain. The following are some of the most common treatments:
- Maintain an appropriate posture
You’ll need to pay greater attention to your posture and how you’re standing as your baby grows because your centre of gravity will shift. While it’s common to lean backwards, it might put pressure on your back muscles. Instead, keep these proper posture ideas in mind:
- Standing and sitting up straight
- Maintain a relaxed and backward posture with your shoulders
- Maintain a high chest position.
- Make sure your knees aren’t locked
For the best support, stand with a comfortably wide stance. If you have to stand for an extended time, rest one foot on a low step stool and take frequent breaks.
Good posture also entails taking care when sitting. Select a back-supporting chair or place a small pillow behind your lower back.
- Sleep on your side as often as possible
Instead of sleeping on your back, turn over and sleep on your side. Maintain a bent knee on one or both legs. Between your bent knees, under your abdomen, and behind your back, consider utilising pregnancy or support pillows.
- Take frequent breaks
At least once each hour, take a walk or stand and stretch. Sitting for an extended period can aggravate your back pain. Also, don’t stand for too long. If you have to stand for long periods, try putting one foot on a low stool to relieve strain on your lower back.
- Heating and cooling pads
It may be beneficial to apply heat and cold to your back. Start by applying cold compresses (such as a bag of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel) to the uncomfortable area for up to 20 minutes many times a day if your doctor approves.
Switch to heat after two or three days by placing a heating pad or a hot water bottle on the uncomfortable area. Avoid applying heat to your abdomen while you’re pregnant.
- Get a massage
When your posture shifts during pregnancy, your muscles adapt, which can cause compression of the sciatic nerve, which travels down your lower back and leg. A pregnant massage can help to relax the muscles in this area and relieve some of the pressure on the nerve. It’s also a wonderful way to take care of yourself before the baby comes!
- Switching your shoes
You may need to rethink the types and designs of shoes you wear to accommodate your developing body. You should wear shoes that are stable and supportive since this will help you manage the shift in gravity that occurs during pregnancy.
- Get sleep
Sleep is extremely beneficial, particularly during pregnancy. The chemical characteristics in your body renew when you sleep, which is critical for healing and pain alleviation. Pregnant women must obtain at least 7 hours of sleep each night, especially if they’re experiencing back pain. To reduce backaches and increase sleep quality, make sure your mattress is firm and accommodating of your back
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a supplementary therapy that has been shown to help pregnant women. Thin needles are put into various sites on the body during acupuncture, stimulating the nerves and other tissues to release endorphins. This can affect how pain is processed by the brain and spinal cord. Before attempting acupuncture, see your doctor.
If you’re going to an acupuncture appointment, make sure the acupuncture therapist is aware that you’re expecting.
- Move and relax yourself
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily can help strengthen your back muscles and prevent discomfort from returning. Hydro-kinesiotherapy, swimming and clinical Pilates are all good workouts to undertake while pregnant. Squats, bridges, kickbacks, and lunges all strengthen your glutes, hamstrings, and calves, which assist in stabilising your back.
- Prenatal yoga will teach you certain breathing exercises and meditation techniques that can help with pain alleviation in addition to stretching your muscles. Prenatal yoga can also help you mentally and physically prepare for the arrival of your kid by lowering stress and anxiety.
- Meditating, you can use breathing methods to assist unclench tense muscles in your back and reduce your pain perception. Meditation teaches you to focus on something soothing, such as the ocean and waves, which might help you, relax when you’re suffering from back pain or during labour.
- Also, doing stretching by lying on your back with your legs bent or raising your knees into your chest and holding one leg at a time might help relieve muscle tension.
- Properly lift
Squat down and raise with your legs while lifting a tiny thing. Don’t raise with your back or bend at the waist. It’s also crucial to understand your limitations. If you require assistance, ask for it.
- Medication should be taken under a doctor’s supervision.
Before using any pain relievers, talk to your doctor. Most women can safely use acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy. Aspirin and other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) are not recommended. Other pain relievers or muscle relaxants that are safe during pregnancy may be recommended by your doctor in specific instances.
- Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment of the spine can be safe or effective if done properly, but always seek medical advice before going to the chiropractor.
- Pregnancy support belts
Belly bands and pregnancy support belts can relieve some of the pain in your lower back by supporting the weight of your growing baby.
- Kinesiology Tape
Externally supporting your body relieves a significant amount of pressure from your lower back while also realigning the pelvis. K-tape is quite affordable and may be used for days before needing to be replaced, which is an extra plus!
Conclusion
Back pain during pregnancy isn’t unusual, but it still needs to be addressed. It happens sooner in pregnancy than most people think, is caused by a complicated series of physiological changes in a pregnant woman, and usually improves with a few simple therapy procedures.
Women who acquire this form of back pain should find symptom-relieving measures that work for them, as the problem may not go away completely during pregnancy and may take months or longer to resolve following delivery.