What Can I Take For Lower Back Pain While Pregnant

How To Protect Your Back

You can protect your back during pregnancy by avoiding or changing the way you do some things. This becomes more important the further along in your pregnancy you are.

• Avoid heavy lifting. If you have to lift something heavy, bend your knees, keep your back straight and tighten your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Make sure the object you are lifting stays close to your body. Allow toddlers to climb onto your lap or into the car or bath, and squat down next to them rather than picking them up.
• Always have a good posture. Try to keep your pelvis symmetrical. Stand with your weight evenly on both legs, your back straight and your pelvis tucked under. Avoid standing for a long time. Sit up straight with your bottom at the back of your chair and your feet on a stool if necessary.
• Avoid activities that might hurt your back. These include bending or twisting, climbing ladders, or walking up steep hills.
• Be careful in bed. Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. To get out of bed, roll onto your side with your knees together. Then use your arms for support as you swing your legs onto the floor.
• Wear shoes with low heels . These have good arch support. Avoid high heels.
• Consider a maternity support belt.

Can A Ovarian Cyst Affect Pregnancy

Yes, ovarian cysts can affect pregnancy. There are two types of ovarian cysts: functional and pathological. Functional ovarian cysts are the most common and are usually benign . Pathological ovarian cysts are less common and are usually cancerous.

The majority of ovarian cysts will not cause any problems during pregnancy, but some can. For example, a large ovarian cyst can cause the ovary to twist, which can block the blood supply to the ovary and cause pain. If a cyst ruptures, it can cause internal bleeding. If a cyst is large and cancerous, it can also cause problems for the baby.

If you are pregnant and have an ovarian cyst, your doctor will likely want to monitor you closely. He or she may order an ultrasound to see the size and shape of the cyst. If the cyst is causing problems or is cancerous, you may need to have it surgically removed.

Treat Yourself To A Massage

A massage therapist can offer relief for back pain, though they might not be focused on your back itself. One of the things that we joke about here is that we spend 50 to 75 percent of our time rubbing moms bums, says Mickeler. The glutes often contribute to back pain because the shift in the pelvis causes women to tuck their tailbones under, which tightens those muscles. A massage therapist will be able to loosen them up, which will offer you some relief. Rebong says moms-to-be can also use a foam roller at home to loosen up their glutes, hamstrings and calves so those muscles dont pull on the lower back.

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Lower Back Pain In Pregnancy

Mechanical instability in the lumbar spine and pelvis commonly results in lower back pain in pregnant women.

• The lumbar spine undergoes compensatory lordosisan increase in the reverse C-shaped curvaturewhich causes excess strain on the lumbar joints, muscles, ligaments, and discs.
• The psoas muscle in the hip, which stabilizes the spine and helps in hip and leg movements, is shortened due to the compensatory lordosis, exacerbating the lower back pain symptoms.2

Lower back pain symptoms may start at any time during pregnancy. These symptoms may feel like:

• A dull ache or sharp, burning pain in the lower back area
• One-sided pain in the right or left area of the lower and/or mid-back
• Pain that radiates into the back of the thigh and leg, and sometimes into the foot
• Foot drop, a condition characterized by the inability to lift the front part of the foot while walking

Sciatica symptoms typically occur if a lower lumbar and/or upper sacral nerve root is impinged in the lower spine due to a lumbar herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, facet joint disorder, or muscle sprain and spasm.

Women with a history of back pain, pre-existing lower back disorders, multiple pregnancies, and/or those who are in the younger or older age-groups may be at a higher risk of developing lower back pain in pregnancy.2

Here Bodytonic Clinic Share Their Top 13 Ways That Women Can Alleviate The Symptoms Of Pregnancy

It is very common for pregnant women to experience back pain, especially during the early trimesters of their pregnancy. In fact, 50% of women will experience back pain during pregnancy, in some capacity. Unfortunately, back pain can be very irritating and uncomfortable to deal with, especially whilst managing your other pregnancy symptoms too. To help you through this time, Bodytonic Clinic has brought you their top tips for dealing with back pain through your pregnancy.

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What Causes Back And Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy

Posterior pelvic pain during pregnancy can be brought on or exacerbated by the following activities: Rolling in bed Climbing stairs Sitting and rising from a seated position Lifting, twisting, bending forward Running and walking.

Chiropractic care may also be effective at minimizing back pain during all stages of your pregnancy. Are prenatal massages and chiropractic care safe during the first trimester of pregnancy?Chiropractic care and message therapy are usually OK during the first trimester of pregnancy.

What Can I Do To Relieve Lower Back Pain

Exercise

When your back hurts, you may feel more like curling up in bed than exercising, but don’t take to your bed for long periods. Bedrest is generally not helpful for lower back pain in the long run and may even make you feel worse. Exercise may actually be just what you need.

Check with your provider before beginning an exercise program because in some situations, you may have to limit your activity or skip exercise altogether. If you get the go-ahead to work out, consider:

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, you’ll most likely have to modify your workout to accommodate your pregnancy. If you’re new to exercise, check out our exercise suggestions for beginners. And be sure to follow guidelines for exercising safely during pregnancy, such as avoiding lying flat on your back and being careful when you change positions or get up from the floor.

Always listen to your body, and don’t do anything that hurts. Finally, watch for warning signs that you may be overdoing things or developing a problem that needs medical attention.

Pay attention to your posture

Take care of yourself

Taking steps to ease soreness and tension and generally taking care of yourself is always a good idea. At the very least, you’ll feel better temporarily. Here are some measures to try:

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What Is Lumbar Back Pain During Pregnancy

Lumbar pain occurs in the area of the lumbar vertebrae in your lower back, higher on your body than posterior pelvic pain. It probably feels similar to the lower back pain you may have experienced before you were pregnant. You feel it over and around your spine approximately at waist level.

You also might have pain that radiates to your legs. Sitting or standing for long periods of time and lifting usually make it worse, and it tends to be more intense at the end of the day.

/8home Remedies To Reduce Pregnancy

Back pain is very common during the early stages of pregnancy and is most prevalent during the fifth to seventh months of the pregnancy. The pain is usually localized to the lower back and spreads to the thighs, legs and buttocks. With day-to-day activities, the pain may even worsen, causing sleepless nights and painful days. If you had backaches even before pregnancy, chances are, they will worsen during this time.

Almost 50-75 per cent of pregnant women experience aches. In fact, there is a reason for every ache in your body:

• Lower back pain is caused due to instability in the pelvis and the lumbar spine. This pain can be sharp and burning in the lower spine or can even be one-sided. It may also worsen during sleep as a consequence of the expanding uterus.
• Pelvic pain is quite normal during pregnancy as it occurs due to the changes in the pelvic bone to accommodate the growth of the uterus and help during birth.
• Thigh pain in pregnancy can be caused due to the lack of blood supply reaching the thighs. The soft tissues swell up due to the pressure from the growing uterus.

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When To Seek Treatment

Although back pain during pregnancy is normal, certain signs call for immediate medical attention. These include :

• Unable to distinguish between labor pain and back pain. If the pain persists for more than two weeks, it may indicate preterm labor.

• Numbness in the groin area, the feet or the pelvic region.

• If the pain is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, burning sensation while peeing, or fever, it can be a urinary tract infection .

• Acute and persistent pain may result from pregnancy-related osteoporosis, septic arthritis, and vertebral osteoarthritis.

Back pain is a common pregnancy problem that should not raise any concern. In most cases, the pain may not lead to serious complications. However, it is important to remain observant of ones condition, and if the pain aggravates or persists, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider.

References:

When Does Back Pain During Pregnancy Start And End

Unfortunately, back pain can start fairly early on in your pregnancy. Some women experience it in the first trimester, but for many women, back pain starts up around week 18, early in the second trimester. It can persist or sometimes worsen as the second trimester progresses and especially in the third trimester, up until you give birth .

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Are Cramps Normal During Early Pregnancy

Stomach cramps during early pregnancy are relatively common. If you get a few stomach cramps during the first trimester of pregnancy, its probably not a cause for alarm. These cramps are typically part of the normal physical changes in the body that occur in preparation for the baby.

Very early in your pregnancy, you may get cramps as well as light bleeding when the embryo is implanted into the wall of the uterus. This process can sometimes lead to implantation cramps and bleeding. As the pregnancy progresses, you may also feel cramping as your uterus changes and stretches to accommodate the baby.

In the following sections, we will talk about the causes of pregnancy cramps and when to call your health care provider.

Third Trimester Back Pain

Your third trimester is when lower back pain may be the worst. Your belly is heavier, putting considerably more stress on your back and your center of gravity shifts to the front of your body as baby grows and you will find yourself leaning backwards for relief. However, by continuing to lean backwards, you are adding strain on your lower back. Your body is preparing for labor and your joints are loosening, resulting in subtle posture shifts that can have a big effect.

You may also be more sedentary due to fatigue, and as your baby gets larger and runs out of room to move in your womb, it will put direct pressure on your abdominal muscles that help stabilize the spine and support the back depending on their positioning.

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Back Pain Is Common During Pregnancy But Can Be Lessened

Back pain is a common part of pregnancy, especially in the later months. If youre pregnant, back pain may be making your life miserable.

Dont dismiss the aches and pain as simply part of your condition, however. Consider the many things you can do to avoid or relieve back pain during pregnancy.

Many pregnant women can ease their back pain through postural awareness and exercises that relieve back strain, says Kerrie Adams, MD, an OB-GYN at Scripps Clinic Hillcrest. But if your back pain persists, seek medical attention. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your pain and ways to address it.

Women should consult with their health care provider before starting any new medications or treatments for any pregnancy-related discomfort, Dr. Adams adds.

Causes of back pain during pregnancy

Several factors can contribute to back pain during pregnancy, including weight changes, pregnancy hormones, and a shift in posture.

The hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy cause ligament laxity, especially where the pelvis and spine connect. This happens to prepare passage of the baby through the birth canal but can lead to joint instability and cause back pain.

As the weight of the baby increases, so does the pressure on the spine and pelvic areas. Women typically gain between 25- and 35-pounds during pregnancy.

There is also a change in your center of gravity during pregnancy due to your expanding uterus, which can cause postural changes and put stress on your back.

What Could Be Causing My Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

The two most likely culprits for back pain during pregnancy are:

• Your growing uterus. As your uterus expands, it shifts your center of gravity and also stretches out your abdominal muscles, affecting your posture and putting strain on your back. It may also cause back pain if it’s pressing on a nerve. Plus, the extra weight you’re carrying means more work for your muscles and increased stress on your joints, which is why your back may feel worse at the end of the day.
• Hormonal changes. Hormonal changes in pregnancy loosen your joints and relax the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. This can make you feel less stable and cause pain when you walk, stand, sit for long periods, roll over in bed, get out of a low chair or the tub, bend, or lift things.

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Avoiding And Easing Back Pain In Pregnancy

Try these tips:

• bend your knees and keep your back straight when you lift or pick something up from the floor
• avoid lifting heavy objects
• move your feet when you turn to avoid twisting your spine
• wear flat shoes to evenly distribute your weight
• try to balance the weight between 2 bags when carrying shopping
• keep your back straight and well supported when sitting look for maternity support pillows
• get enough rest, particularly later in pregnancy
• have a massage or a warm bath
• use a mattress that supports you properly you can put a piece of hardboard under a soft mattress to make it firmer, if necessary
• go to a group or individual back care class

You can take paracetamol to ease back pain while you are pregnant, unless your GP or midwife says not to. Always follow the instructions on the packet.

Treatments For Back Pain During Pregnancy

Try the following remedies to relieve your pregnancy backaches:

• Consider getting a crisscross support sling or belly band. Designed specifically for a pregnant figure, these support bands can help take the burden off your lower back.
• No reaching for the stars. Or items on the top shelf, for that matter. Use a low, stable step stool to avoid putting any additional strain on your back.
• Think happy thoughts. A calm mind leads to a looser back. You can also try some prenatal yoga, which will relax both your mind and your back.
• Strengthen your stomach. Do pelvic tilts to strengthen your abs, which in turn support your back. Or sit on an exercise ball and rock back and forth.
• Go hot and cold. Soothe sore muscles by applying cold compresses, then warm compresses in 15-minute intervals.
• Take a warm bath. Or, if you have a pulsating showerhead, turn it on for a free back massage.
• Get a massage. Speaking of massages, go get one .
• Talk to your doctor. Ask your practitioner about physical therapists, alternative medicine specialists such as acupuncturists, or chiropractors who might be able to help. You should also call your practitioner if you have severe back pain.

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Causes Of Back Pain In Pregnant Women

Pregnancy back pain typically happens where the pelvis meets your spine, at the sacroiliac joint.

There are many possible reasons why it happens. Here are some of the more likely causes:

• Weight gain. During a healthy pregnancy, women typically gain between 25 and 35 pounds. The spine has to support that weight. That can cause lower back pain. The weight of the growing baby and uterus also puts pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back.
• Posture changes. Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity. As a result, you may gradually — even without noticing — begin to adjust your posture and the way you move. This may result in back pain or strain.
• Hormone changes. During pregnancy, your body makes a hormone called relaxin that allows ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process. The same hormone can cause ligaments that support the spine to loosen, leading to instability and pain.
• Muscle separation. As the uterus expands, two parallel sheets of muscles , which run from the rib cage to the pubic bone, may separate along the center seam. This separation may worsen back pain.
• Stress. Emotional stress can cause muscle tension in the back, which may be felt as back pain or back spasms. You may find that you experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy.