Back Pain During Pregnancy: Reasons, Remedies And Precautions

There are many women who get pregnant easily, while there are many others who struggle and go for many treatments to get pregnant. Finally, after getting pregnant, there will be hundreds of discomforts in the cuddle of providing motherly comfort. Back pain during pregnancy is such a monster that takes out the zeal of a day.

How Common is Back Pain During Pregnancy?

If you are expecting a baby, then you must expect back pain too. Almost all pregnant ladies have this trouble. This pain occurs mostly as the baby grows and is commonly observed by every pregnant woman. Back pain is even considered as an early pregnancy symptom as it indicates the loosening of joints and ligaments.

Is Back Pain During Early Pregnancy a Sign of Miscarriage?

If you observe lower backache and uterine bleeding, then you must consult a doctor without delay. There are even chances where back pain is accompanied by open cervix and bleeding. These are the cases where miscarriage is expected.

5 Causes of Back Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be tough on your back! Backaches are one of the common problems that will wear you out in pregnancy. Some women have periodic back pain, generally starting towards the second trimester of pregnancy, while others suffer from constant pain for the whole nine months. The top 5 causes of back pain during pregnancy are:

1. Overweight

Are you overweight and also experiencing stress in your regular life? Then you must be cautious as this might lead to severe back pain in your last trimesters.

2. Bad Postures

Are you aware that pregnancy changes your center of gravity? Yes, the weight of the growing baby and uterus will enhance the pressure on blood vessels and pelvic nerves which causes back pain.

3. Hormone Changes

The main reason for back pain is even expressed due to the release of the hormone called relaxin. This hormone loses the joins for the birth process. As a result, the ligaments that support the spine will loosen and cause back pain.

4. Emotional Stress

The stress is accumulated at the weak points of the body. While you are pregnant, in the process of delivering the baby, all your joints get loosened, and this stress also will enhance the chances of back pain.

[Read: Sciatica In Pregnancy]

5. Sciatica

Sharp shooting pain down in your legs and buttocks indicates you experiencing sciatica. You might also feel pain in the front of your pelvis. It might get worse if you sit or stand in the same position for a longer duration.

Also, if you had any pain in your back, pelvis, or neck before conceiving can make it worse during pregnancy. Due to an old fall or injuries if any pain caused due to small fractures can also be flared up. Taking enough rest is the only solution to this.

10 Ways to Ease Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back pain during pregnancy is quite common and it is better to combat it without medication. However, if it is so severe, there might be some underlying cause. Consult your doctor. He will evaluate the issue and if needed will prescribe painkillers that are safe during pregnancy. However, during pregnancy, never take any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Following are 10 ways that help to ease back pain during pregnancy:

1. Apply Heat and Cold Compresses

Both heat and cold compresses are used for different purposes. You can use the heat to soothe stiff joints and relax the muscles. On the other hand, a cold compress is used to numb the sharp pain and when you have intolerable inflammation.

2. Use Right Gear

When you have back pain, try shoes with a good arch and as well which have a low heel. It is even not recommended to wear flat ones.

3. Practice Good Postures

Always ensure that your spine is in good posture. While you slouch, the ligaments get strained to keep your posture balanced. While you sit, stand, walk or sleep, remember… postures matter. The joints provide more strength and stability for your back, which might help you get relieved. While lifting something, keep your feet distant and use small and slow moments. Doing this might reduce sudden stress on the back.

4. Manage Pregnancy Weight Gain

Even though you eat as per your cravings, ensure that you are involved in some physical activity. This helps you to stay active and get rid of unwanted pounds.

5. Acupuncture

While back pain is really troubling you, there are chances to get relief from it with Acupuncture. There are different methods in acupuncture where lower back pain is effectively treated for almost everyone.

6. Sleep With Care

While you sleep on your stomach or in a position that causes stress to your back, the chances of back pain will be high. So, make sure to find out the most convenient position for you in sleeping to get relief.

7. Stay Physically Active

Physical activity is always good for physical and mental health as well. Besides your busy schedule, ensure that you are involved in physical activity with proper training. So that your activity doesn’t cause more harm.

8. Practice Yoga

Stretching and strengthening of the spine will ensure that back pain will be relieved. Rather, when you have immense pain, it is not advised to do yoga. While the soreness and chronic aches will be reduced when you do proper stretching and strengthening positions.

9. Relieve Stress

Mindful meditation and breathing techniques will always help you to relax. Learn the vital and simple breathing techniques which will bring out a great change in your life.

10. Chiropractic

Chiropractic manipulation of the spine can be safe during pregnancy and is beneficial in combating back pain during pregnancy. Chiropractors are trained to work with pregnant women. However, choose one who is specialized in it. But before opting for this, you should consult your doctor for his opinion.

Can You Prevent Back Pain During Pregnancy?

The only method to get rid of back pain during pregnancy is by maintaining a good posture. As stated earlier, the main cause of back pain is the change in the body, your center of gravity, which you have no control over. However, there are some preventive measures that you can adopt during pregnancy, which help to prevent back pain or at least its intensity. Like,

Avoid high heels, wear flat heels.
Always keep your back straight. Do it when you stand, sit, or even when you are lying down.
You can put on a support belt under your lower abdomen for extra support.
Always sleep on your sides, never on your back.
Always try to carry weight evenly. For example, instead of holding shopping bags in one hand, divide them between your two hands for proper balancing of the body.
Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for a long time.
Take plenty of rest, especially during the latter half of pregnancy. Remember the back pain tend to worsen as the pregnancy progresses. While resting elevate your feet. This helps to take some pressure off your back.

[Read: Heels During Pregnancy]

When to Seek Medical Attention For Back Pain During Pregnancy?

Even though back pain is common during pregnancy, you should seek immediate medical attention if,

Besides back pain, if you are also observing weakness, severe pain, or numbness then you must consult your doctor for better treatment.
If you are in the second or third trimester (it might be a sign of preterm labor).
If you are experiencing spotting along with back pain.
Fever and burning sensation during urination accompany back pain (a sign of UTI).
If the back pain remains without reducing the intensity for two days.

Never take any pain medicines for back pain without consulting your Doctor. You are not alone or even you are not one of the few expecting mothers who are experiencing back pain. About 2/3 of pregnant women experience back pain during some stage of their pregnancy. So take the preventive measures and home remedies and get ready to welcome your little bundle of joy.

FAQ’s

1. Where Should You Not Massage A Pregnant Woman’s Back?

Massaging a pregnant woman’s tummy might harm the fetus. Avoid pressure spots like your wrist, ankle, and between your fingers because some people believe massaging them causes contractions, but there’s no proof. It’s okay to lightly touch or massage legs but avoid deep tissue pressure. Pregnancy may impede leg blood flow, causing clots. A deep tissue massage may dislodge a clot.

2. Does Back Pain Mean Labor?

While backache is a frequent pregnancy and labor symptom, it is not always an indicator of when labor will begin.