What Is The Connection Between Pregnancy And Low Back Pain?

by Michelle Tyler
(www.empowereddoctor.com)

Although being pregnant is a wonderful feeling, it is riddled with its own share of problems and challenges. One of the most common problems faced during the pregnancy is that of lower back pain.

Every expectant mother complains of this problem during their pregnancy term. Although common, it is advisable to seek professional help in order to avoid any complications or aggravation of the condition.

The body undergoes many changes during the time of pregnancy which leads to different conditions, one of them being back pain. There are two types of back aches - lumbar pain which is essentially in and around the lumbar region, and posterior pelvic pain that originates in the back of your pelvis. Pelvic pain is felt deep into the buttocks and thighs.

Reasons for Back Pain

There are several reasons for back pain during pregnancy. Here are a few common ones:

1. Weight: As you go further into your pregnancy there is a gradual increase in your weight.
   
   For many the weight gain is drastic which puts a lot of strain on your spine. As the muscles and joint work harder to support the weight, it causes lower back pain.
2. Hormonal Changes: A hormone named relaxin is responsible for allowing the ligaments that attach to your pelvis to the spine to relax.
   
   All the muscles, tendons and ligaments are loosened in order to be able to give birth easily. However these changes also trigger back pain.
3. Stress: Muscle tension in the back is triggered with emotional stress.
4. Postural Changes: Due to the growing belly, your center of gravity shifts forward.
   
   To add to it, you also have weak abdominal muscles during this time which causes your posture to change such as slouching. This causes additional strain on the back.
5. History of Back Pain: If you have been a victim of back pain before or suffer from chronic back pain, pregnancy causes the condition to flare up, further adding to the pain.

Although back pain is an indispensable part of your pregnancy, there are a few steps that you can take to prevent or subdue back pain during pregnancy.

1. Better Posture: As mentioned earlier, women tend to lean backwards due to the growing fetus in the womb, which strains the back muscles.
   
   Instead stand upright and make sure that your shoulders are also straight and not slouched. Also choose chairs that will keep your position upright and not strain your sitting position.
2. Exercise: Regular exercising will not only strengthen your muscles but also add flexibility thus reducing the stress on your spine.
   
   Swimming is considered to be the best exercise during pregnancy as it helps to strengthen the muscles and water’s bouncy also removes any strain.
3. Massage Therapy: Massage is an ideal way of relaxing stiff muscles. A certified prenatal massage therapist will help to relax overworked tense muscles.
   
   Prenatal massage therapy also helps in treatment of other pregnancy related conditions such as edema of the legs, carpel tunnel syndrome, headache and insomnia.
   
   Many therapists also make use of hot or cold massage therapy; application of heat helps to loosed sore muscles in the back. Many therapists also make use of ice packs to alleviate pain.
4. Proper Lifting: If you pick heavy loads, you will strain your back leading to back pain.
   
   Therefore it is advisable to squat and pick up objects rather than bending. It is best to not lift heavy objects alone, instead seek assistance of others.
5. Proper Gear: During pregnancy it is important that wear proper clothing as well as footwear. Steer away from high heels as they not only cause strain to your back but can also lead to fall due to imbalance.
   
   Wear proper maternity pants, especially with a waist band to support your belly. You can also choose to wear support belt that works in similar ways.

As back pain is a part of pregnancy, be prepared to deal with it by taking the above effective steps. In case the pain persists, visit your gynecologist.

Author bio: Michelle Tyler is a qualified medical writer who writes informative articles related to hip, knee and shoulder replacement alternatives that offers new insights into the ever advancing field of medicine. These articles help patients to understand the latest treatment options that are available to them.

Learn more about your health online when you read the rest of our information here about: How to relieve back pain and also our guide section dedicated to having a healthy pregnancy

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