Back pain is one of the most common complaints with pregnant women. It's no surprise that you're gaining weight, the center of gravity is shifting, and your hormones are putting in a lot of work to relax the ligaments in the pelvis joints.
Today, we will share the type of back pain experienced during pregnancy and ways to limit and reduce them.
Typical Back Issues To Be Expected
There will be everyday aches and pains associated with pregnancy and the changes your body goes through. Knowing what to expect and what could be a warning sign of trouble can ease your worries throughout this amazing time!
Lower back pain is a common theme throughout many women's pregnancies. The back pain often radiates into the buttocks, thighs, and legs, mocking sciatica symptoms. Sometimes the pain is constant, can increase during activity, interferes with sleep, and causes discomfort.
A pregnant mother's posture changes, and lower back pain can start at any point during the pregnancy. The mechanical instability in the lower back or lumbar spine and pelvis region is typically the cause of the pain in the lower back.
Symptoms
- A dull ache or a sharp, burning sensation in the lower back region.
- A one-sided pain, either on the left or right area of the mid or lower back.
- Pain similar to sciatica, it begins in the lower back and radiates down the hip and leg. It usually only affects one side, but it could be both. In some instances, it can extend down to the foot.
- "Foot drop"; a condition noticed by an inability to lift the front part of either foot while walking.
Lower Back Pain When Lying Down
Your uterus is going to be expanding throughout the pregnancy. The expansion puts pressure on a major blood vessel, leading to congestion in the lumbar spine and pelvis.
Pelvic Pregnancy Pain
The pelvic area will go through some changes during pregnancy as well. The growth helps accommodate the growing uterus. The changes in the pelvic region add a little to the lower back pain situation.
Lower Back & Abdominal Region
Needless to say, any region of the body that ensures changes to facilitate the living and growing situation of the baby might add a little pain.
If your back pain during pregnancy is alarming or too intense, please, reach out to a health professional. Then they can ensure that all is well and that you're just dealing with growing pains.
How To Prevent or Ease Back Pain
Good Posture: Try to practice good posture as often as you can. The poor posture that naturally occurs adds to the aches and pains of pregnancy. You could look into some belly binders or belts that help you stop slouching.
Hot or Cold Massage: Heat and cold can help eliminate many aches and pains caused by pregnancy. Inflammation in the muscles, joints, and nerves can be the cause of the pain, so start with a cool compress to help eliminate the swelling. A little heat loosens muscles before a massage!
Good Gear: Comfort goes a long way when you're pregnant. From the shoes, all the way to the underwear or lack thereof, make sure what you're wearing and doing in your daily life isn't adding to the misery unless it's a relief.
Soak: Whether you're getting a nice massage from the shower head or soaking in a nice bath, get that soak at least once a week or as needed.
You can't possibly prevent every ache and pain experienced during pregnancy. However, understanding them and know what you can do to help alleviate the pain can bring comfort when there was none.
