How to Prevent Back Pain during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time for expectant parents. While it is a seminal experience, the physical changes that take place in the body can sometimes cause discomfort. This is especially true as pregnancy reaches later stages and the baby grows larger. One of the common issues inherent in pregnancy is back pain, especially in the lower back.
In some instances, this pain disappears after the baby is born, while in others, it may linger for months. Working with a back doctor early to prevent back pain during pregnancy is key to effectively managing it.

Causes of Back Pain during Pregnancy

There are several possible causes of pregnancy-related back pain, the most common of which is weight gain. Pregnancy can increase your weight by 40 pounds or more.

This added weight can strain your back muscles, especially since it is not evenly distributed. The way the baby grows shifts your center of gravity shifts as the bulk of your added weight is in the front of your body.

Additional causes of back pain include:

  • Expanded uterus: What starts as a pear-sized organ expands to the size of a watermelon by the end of pregnancy. This moves various other organs around in your body and may cause pressure on spinal nerves.
  • Hormonal shifts: Shifting hormone levels in the body do more than just impact your emotions, they impact your body. As it prepares for birth, your body adjusts itself, loosening joints in the pelvic region, a process that is partially driven by hormones. This process decreases joint support, which impacts posture and in turn causes back discomfort.
  • Stress: You may be more tense than usual due to common anxieties surrounding giving birth and caring for a newborn. This may result in more tension than usual around your body, including in your back muscles.

Types of Pregnancy-Related Back Pain

Pregnancy-related back pain typically presents in two ways: pelvic pain and lumbar spine pain.

Pelvic Pain

This is the most common form of pregnancy-related back pain as it occurs around the waist, or just below it. You may feel this pain around the tailbone area, and it may sometimes extend into your thighs. It is sometimes worsened by standing up from a seated position or walking up or down flights of stairs.

Lumbar Spine Pain

This type of back pain occurs above the waist and may extend through the center of your back. You may feel it after standing for long periods or doing repetitive motions that involve the back muscles, such as lifting heavy objects.

Pregnancy Back Pain Prevention

While some aspects of pregnancy-related discomfort may not be avoidable, there are steps you can take to alleviate back pain.

Move around as Much as Possible

This may seem counterproductive, but moving is one of the best ways to avoid ongoing back pain during pregnancy. Keep it simple: take a walk or go for a swim. Try prenatal yoga. Do things to keep your body moving, joints lubricated and your body conditioned. This will not only help with back pain but also, prepare you to give birth. Activities such as swimming can strengthen your muscles, which will also help reduce pain.

Apply Heat and Cold to your Muscles

Choose one – or use both alternately – to address any inflammation that may be causing back discomfort. A heating pad can help with joint issues, while cold packs can mitigate inflammation and reduce any swelling that might be causing back pain. A hot bath is also a good way to unwind and address the pain in your back.

Relieve Stress

Growing a baby is hard work, and the mental and physical stress can be taxing. It can also contribute to ongoing back pain. Deep breathing, meditation, and prenatal massage are all good ways to decrease the stress of pregnancy and help you relax.

How to Relieve Back Pain During Pregnancy

If you are experiencing a great deal of back pain during your pregnancy, prevention alone may not be enough. The following can help you relieve back pain in the long- or short-term:

  • Improve and practice good posture
  • Give your feet arch support, avoiding very high heels or completely flat shoes
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects, and make sure you lift items properly when you have to do heavy lifting
  • Avoid sleeping on your back or stomach, only sleep on your side
  • Manage your body temperature
  • Try cold, hot, and other massages for relief
  • Exercise regularly, according to your care provider’s directions and recommendations
  • Try complementary therapies, especially those recommended by your doctor

If you need more recommendations, you are more than welcome to consult our specialists at NJ Spine & Orthopedic. Our team can give you additional recommendations and assessments, and we would be happy to support you.

Visit a Back Doctor to Help with Lower Back Pain during Pregnancy

Every pregnancy is different, even among women that have given birth multiple times. While back comfort is common, it should not be debilitating. If back pain persists or worsens, make an appointment with a qualified professional to implement safe and effective pain management techniques.

The experienced doctors at NJ Spine & Orthopedic understand the importance of mitigating discomfort during pregnancy. We offer non-invasive options to manage back pain so you can focus on your health and that of your little one. To learn more about our services or to try our free online pain assessment, contact us here or call (866) 272-9271.

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