Dealing with Back Discomfort in Pregnancy

Your belly grows bigger as you progress in pregnancy and as this happens the strain on your back increases too! You are gaining weight, and can no longer bend to pick items off the floor. The center of gravity is shifting, and your hormones are relaxing the pelvic joint ligament making you feel the strain your back is going through. Hang in there, the further you go the closer you are to the end. 

What Are the Causes of Back Pains

It is estimated that about 50%-70% of expectant women usually start to complain about back discomfort when they are about 18-24 weeks pregnant.  This is because the back muscles are being strained and weakened, by;- 

  • Carrying the weight of the growing uterus 
  • changing your posture to support the pregnancy
  • hormones that make ligament joints to relax in preparation for delivery

Not all back pains or discomfort is normal. They could signify a deeper problem, so, ensure to check with your doctor if symptoms persist.

Are You at Risk of Back Discomfort

It is believed that women who are generally at risk of having back pains and discomforts during pregnancy are ones with;

  • a naturally large inwardly curved spine (also known as lumbar lordosis)
  • strenuous professions 
  • chain-smoking habits
  • more than one previous pregnancies  
  • short physiques 

Common Ways that Ease Back Pain/ Discomfort

It is well-intentioned to know that backaches related to pregnancy will ease gradually. However, if you’d like to ease them, consider these simple strategies: 

  • Avoid carrying heavy luggage 
  • Support your back with pillows and cushions 
  • Take a warm bath, 
  • Wear comfortable flat shoes
  • Try and sit in  the right posture 
  • Use hot water bottles on your back to relieve the pains
  • Enroll in light exercises 
  • Squat when you want to pick items on the floor 
  • Use a pregnancy belly support belt 
  • Get professional prenatal massages
  • Seek doctors’ advice on the specific therapies you could take up

When to Seek for A Healthcare Professional

It is recommended that you let your doctor know what you’re going through. Look out for these signs though as they could signify illnesses that will need medical. These signs are:-

  • increasingly severe pain
  • abrupt pains 
  • recurring cramps
  • trouble urinating or numbness in extremities

Please be warned that Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) are not recommended. Consult your doctor for advice on any medicine you intend to take.

Disclaimer:

#  Please note that development differs from one child to another

# Be careful when using any products mentioned on this website. We hold no regulations for such products or their providers.

# Content intended for educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for medical advice from your doctor.

Sources: americanpregnancy, verywellfamily, standardmedia, lifespan

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