Back Pain During Pregnancy

You are not alone if you are experiencing back pain during your pregnancy.   Back pain or discomfort is common during pregnancy and should be expected to some degree by most women.  Some reports say that up to 70 percent of all pregnant women have back pain at some time during their pregnancy.Back pain may occur at any time in your pregnancy, but it most commonly occurs later in the pregnancy as the weight of the baby increases.  Back pain can interfere with your daily routine as well as your sleep.  However, there are steps you can take to manage the back pain that you experience.The Causes of Back Pain Back pain during pregnancy can be caused by any number of things.   Women who are most at risk for back pain are those who are overweight or had back pain prior to pregnancy.

Some of the potential causes are:

• Extra weight – As the baby develops, you gain additional weight that your back is not accustomed to supporting.
• Your hormones – Hormones released during pregnancy allow ligaments in the pelvic area to soften and the joints to become looser in preparation for the delivery of your baby; this can affect the way they support your back muscles.
• Posture and center of gravity – As your uterus increases in size and weight, your center of gravity will gradually change.  That causes some women to lean forward, putting a strain on their backs.
• Stress – During stressful periods you may have an increase in back pain, since stress usually finds the weak spot in the body.

Preventing Back Pain

Back pain may not be prevented completely, but there are things that you can do to reduce it. Here are a few steps you can take to help reduce the back pain you are experiencing:·        

• Exercise as directed by your physician or midwife to strengthen your back and abdomen. 
• When picking things up, squat down, bending your knees and keeping your back straight.
• Avoid high heels and shoes that do not provide adequate support.
• Try to sleep on your side; avoid sleeping on your back.
• Get a “lumbar” pillow to use when sitting to place behind your lower back for support.
• Get plenty of rest. Elevating your feet is also good for your back.

Dealing with Back Pain

If you are having back pain, it can be treated in the following ways:·        

• Ice packs or heating pads
• Support devices, such as a maternity girdle, sling, or back brace as recommended by your doctor or midwife
• Chiropractic care

Check with your doctor about using anti-inflammatory over the counter medications. Back pain is usually a normal sign of the strains and stresses to your body as a result of your pregnancy.  However, it can also be a sign of more serious issues, so be sure to tell your prenatal care provider about your back pain to be assured of the best treatment for your individual needs.