Back pain during pregnancy is one of the most common complaints of pregnant women. As your body changes to accommodate the baby, the extra weight and changed posture can put pressure on your back and cause pain. Knowing all the reasons and the steps to be taken will give you the much-needed relief during pregnancy.
This article is a resource to help you understand what is the main cause of back pain in pregnancy and how to practically reduce it. Methods ranging from correcting posture and doing gentle stretches to wearing the right gear can help reduce pain and increase your health and happiness during this special period.
Back Pain During Pregnancy: Common Causes
Many women experience back pain during pregnancy, which is usually a result of the physical changes that occur to accommodate the baby. Identifying the factors that contribute to pain may enable you to make decisions that will either prevent or reduce discomfort. These reasons are, inter alia, the following:
- Change in posture: When your belly gets bigger, your center of gravity changes and hence puts extra pressure on your lower back.
- Weight gain: The burden of the baby and the changes in your body falls on your spine and back muscles, which causes weight gain.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy hormones include relaxin, which loosens ligaments and joints and thus can cause back pain.
- Muscle separation: The abdominal muscles may pull or separate, thus providing less support to the back muscles.
- Stress and fatigue: Causes of back pain include emotional stress and physical fatigue which can lead to stiffness in the back muscles.
When back pain usually starts during pregnancy
Back pain during pregnancy can occur at any time, but is most commonly associated with the second and third trimester. Due to excess weight and change in posture after the growth of the baby, there is more pressure on the spine and back muscles and discomfort starts appearing. Some women may feel mild pain at the beginning of pregnancy, which is usually due to hormonal changes that cause loosening of ligaments and joints.
For a large number of people, the discomfort becomes greater as the pregnancy progresses. During the second trimester, posture changes and the growing belly can put pressure on the lower back resulting in pain. Whereas in the third trimester, back pain is at its peak most of the time due to increasing weight and muscle fatigue.
Back pain during pregnancy till trimester
Back pain during pregnancy is different in each trimester, and knowing the changes can help you deal with the pain.
First quarter:
Back pain can be extremely mild and may be the result of hormone changes that loosen ligaments and joints in preparation for pregnancy. Some women may also experience general fatigue and abdominal discomfort, which will put more pressure on the back.
second quarter:
When the belly gets bigger, the center of gravity moves forward which puts a lot of pressure on the lower back and causes pain. Simply adjusting your posture and doing light stretching may provide some relief.
third quarter:
Back pain usually occurs at maximum levels due to excess weight, muscle fatigue and stress on the spine. The use of supportive supports, such as the MomCozy Pregnancy Belly Support Band, can contribute to reducing pressure, improving posture and facilitating daily activities.
Safe Ways to Get Relief from Back Pain During Pregnancy
Back pain is very common during pregnancy, however, safe means of pain relief do exist. Changing your posture slightly, doing some light stretching and supporting yourself a bit can be a tremendous relief. Here are some very simple methods:
- Sitting and standing properly: Try to keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
- WORKING WITH SUPPORT: Pregnancy belly bands can be a wonderful aid in relieving lower back pressure.
- Doing light stretching: Light stretching or prenatal yoga sessions can help a lot in not only strengthening your back but also making it more flexible.
- Lifting things safely: When you are lifting something, it is enough to just bend your knees and keep your back straight.
- Sleeping comfortably: If you are a side sleeper, a pillow placed between your knees can provide the support you need.
- Applying heat or cold: Using a hot compress or cold pack to heat or cool the painful area is a very effective way to relax the muscles in your body.
- Move around regularly: You should not sit or stand for long periods of time. Instead, short walks or light activities should be done.
Sleeping Positions for Back Pain During Pregnancy
A comfortable sleeping position can have a big impact on how you deal with back pain during pregnancy. The right position with adequate support can not only reduce pressure on your spine but also help you get better sleep.
- Sleep on your side: Sleeping on your left side is ideal as it increases blood circulation to the baby and also takes the burden off your back.
- Place a pillow between your knees: This allows your hips and spine to be in the same line thus relieving any lower back pain.
- Support your stomach: Placing a small pillow or pregnancy pillow under your stomach will help take weight off your back and pelvis.
- Elevate your upper body slightly: Using additional pillows can reduce pressure on your back as well as help manage heartburn.
- Don't sleep on your back: Lying straight can put more pressure on your spine. Thus, your back pain will become worse during pregnancy.
- Maintain the same side: Always try to sleep on the same side during the night so that one side of your body does not get overworked.
- Do light stretching before sleeping: Light stretching or prenatal yoga will help loosen your back muscles and thus make sleeping more comfortable.
When to call the doctor for back pain during pregnancy
Back pain during pregnancy is commonly felt by most women. If you experience any of the symptoms below, do not hesitate to seek medical help immediately:
- Sudden, severe, or persistent pain in an area that is difficult to locate
- Regular cramps or rhythmic lower back pain that may indicate premature labor
- Pain that makes it difficult to walk, stand, or balance
- back pain after a previous trauma or fall
- History of back pain after trauma or fall
- severe stomach pain or back pain with pressure
conclusion
Back pain is normal during pregnancy, but unnatural or extreme symptoms should be avoided. Making an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible and taking the help of a device like the MomCozy Pregnancy Belly Support Band will not only make the pregnancy period more comfortable but will also be beneficial for your overall health.