While you are pregnant, you are happy that your baby inside you is growing and that is what should happen, but sometimes it is very tough on back.
Most pregnant women complain of back pain mostly during second half of their pregnancies. To minimize back pain, you need to know what you can do. This article will help knowing about the things you can do
Back Pain- Causes during pregnancy
Back pain during pregnancy occurs when your pelvis meets the spine at sacroiliac joint. Some possible reasons for back pain are
Weight gain
During a pregnancy which is healthy, women gain about 25-35 pounds. The spine is responsible to support the weight gained. That leads to back pain. The weight of baby while growing and uterus put pressure on your blood vessels in back and pelvis.
Hormone changes
While you are pregnant you body produces a hormone known as relaxin that lets the ligaments present in pelvic area to relax and joint to turn looser in preparing for birth process. This hormone also leads the ligaments supporting spine to loosen causing pain and instability.
Posture changes
Sometimes you start adjusting your posture and also change how you move; this also leads to strain and back pain.
Stress
Emotional stress can also lead to muscle tension in your back, which is felt as spasms or back pain.
Treating back pain during pregnancy
If you do not have chronic back pain that you are suffering from before pregnancy, you can easily follow some tips to ease your back pain
Exercise
Regular exercise helps boosting flexibility and strengthening muscles. That helps easing stress on the spine. Some exercises that are safe for pregnant women are swimming, walking and stationary cycling. You can also speak to your doctor to know about the exercises that you can start with.
Cold and heat
Applying heat & cold to the back can be of help. If your doctor advises, you can start by using cold compresses on the areas that is painful for up to 20 minutes, many times on a daily basis. After 2-3 days shift to heat which can be done by using bottle containing hot water or heating pad on area which is painful and remember you should apply heat to the abdomen during your pregnancy.
Counseling
If you think your back pain is because of stress, you can speak to a counselor or a friend as their advice can be helpful.
Maintain right posture
Maintain a proper posture while sleeping, working or sitting for example sleeping on one side by using below placed between your knees can cut off stress from your back. You can also wear a support belt while sitting so that your back gets the right support.
Do not bend if you want to pick something from the ground. Avoid wearing high-heeled footwear. Do not try to sleep on your back. Wearing support hose is helpful. So in order to prevent back pain during pregnancy these simple tips can be helpful.