Wondering how to relieve back pain during pregnancy? Read on to know more about causes and remedies for back pain during pregnancy.
Most women experience back pain during pregnancy. Though the thought of a new life within you is exhilarating, every woman has to prepare herself for this journey of nine months. There are several moments that will leave you feeling overwhelmed, but at the same time, your body goes through so many changes. Pregnancy can leave you feeling very exhausted. Most women have to deal with backache in early pregnancy. As the baby grows bigger, your body has to carry that weight and that puts a lot of pressure on your back. This gives rise to back pain during pregnancy. If you have been suffering from a backache during the course of pregnancy, don't ignore it. You can certainly alleviate the pain to a great extent by performing certain exercises and following self-care measures.

Back Pain During Pregnancy: Causes

There are several factors that could be involved in causing back pain during pregnancy. As your baby grows inside you, your lower back will have to accommodate the additional weight. Your lower back has to curve more than usual to support this weight. This is responsible for straining the muscles and causing lower back pain during pregnancy. Your posture and gait is also affected due to this weight. Moreover, as the uterus grows, it also brings about a shift in the center of gravity. As the center of gravity shifts forward, the amount of pressure on the back increases further and this aggravates the back pain.

Another factor responsible for back pain during pregnancy is hormonal changes. Your body prepares itself for the process of childbirth by releasing a hormone called relaxin. This hormone stretches the strong ligaments and loosens the joints in the pelvic area. Pain can arise due to the increased elasticity and movement in the sacroiliac joint in the pelvic area. Women who have been suffering from backache before pregnancy need to be even more careful. Stress can also act like a trigger, and pregnant women might end up experiencing back pain during stressful periods of pregnancy. Though lower back pain is quite common but some women might also experience upper back pain during pregnancy. Upper back pain might occur during the third trimester. The expanded uterus exerts pressure on the ribs and due to the enlargement of the breasts, a lot of pressure is also felt by the shoulders. Such bodily changes are responsible for causing upper back pain.

Back Pain During Pregnancy: Remedies

Wondering how to relieve back pain during pregnancy? If you have been experiencing severe back pain during pregnancy, you must not ignore these symptoms. Since your body is going through a lot of changes, you cannot afford to be careless. A lack of care will definitely worsen your condition. You need to relax and live in a stress-free environment.

It is very important that you don't strain your back, so refrain from lifting very heavy objects. Wearing high-heeled shoes can put pressure on the spine, therefore, wear comfortable shoes. A poor posture can cause a lot of problems, therefore, take care while sitting or standing. Standing or sitting for long periods of time must be avoided. While sitting, make sure that you sit up straight. Slouching must be completely avoided. Place a small pillow to provide support to your lower back. You can also use a foot stool to keep your feet in a slightly elevated position.

You must refrain from bending as that might put pressure on your back. If you need to pick something up, squat instead of bending. While sleeping, place a support pillow under your knees. You could also use a body pillow while sleeping. You could try prenatal yoga or pelvic tilt exercises which are meant to provide relief from back pain during pregnancy. Strengthen the muscles in your neck, shoulders, back and abdomen by exercising. You could also visit a chiropractor or go for massage therapy sessions.

This was some information on causes and remedies for back pain during pregnancy. If you have been experiencing severe back pain during pregnancy, consult a doctor soon. Use these remedies and I am sure, you will be able to tackle the problem of back pain during pregnancy to a great extent. So, stay healthy and be ready to welcome your little bundle of joy!