Different Types of Back Pain during Pregnancy
Approximately 85% of women experience back pain during pregnancy. Although there are not enough studies for the treatment of back pains during pregnancy, consulting with your doctor to determine the type of back pain can lead to a better understanding of the problem and resolve on an accurate solution. Back pain during pregnancy develops because of added weight caused by the pregnancy itself or extra weight that shifts in the front of your body, adding stress to your back. Because of this, your back muscles perform harder in order to support balance.
While some experience mild back pains during pregnancy, others can experience a higher degree of back pain. Although this condition can be experienced at any point of the pregnancy, most women complain about back pains later in the pregnancy because of the baby's increased weight. Back pain during pregnancy is more likely to occur among women who are overweight or had a history of back pains, even before pregnancy. For pregnant women, back pains can be caused by various reasons, such as hormone increase, excess weight, posture, gravity and stress.
Hormones during the pregnancy can cause joints to weaken and some forms of exercise can increase the amount of back pain during pregnancy. Actions that cause a pregnant woman's extra weight to shift unevenly and cause back pain during their pregnancy can include anything from rolling over in bed to walking to bending over. There are two main types of pregnancy back pain, lumbar pain and posterior pelvic pain. Lumbar pain is lower back pain and can be caused by staying in the one position for too long or repeating a motion such as lifting. Posterior pelvic pain is pain felt in the back of the pelvis and can spread across the tailbone, pelvic region and even the legs. It is not easily relieved and can be brought on by rolling over in bed, climbing stairs and getting out of baths or beds.
Prevention and Treatment of Back Pains during Pregnancy
Back pains during pregnancy can be mild to severe. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to reduce or prevent the frequency and severity of your condition. Most doctors recommend continuing physical activities and exercise to strengthen both your abdomen and back.
Make sure you get sufficient amounts of rest. However, avoid sleeping on your back and elevate your feet. In addition, you should avoid using high heels during your pregnancy and wear some kind of support belt under your abdomen. This will reduce the strain of your back.
Whenever you pick something from the floor, be aware of your posture and kneel down with one knee while the other flat on the floor before lifting the item. Use your legs to lift the item, instead of using your back. However, you should ask for help in lifting things as much as possible since pregnant women are more likely to lose their balance.
If you're experiencing mild back pains during your pregnancy, you can treat this by hot or cold compress, wearing support devices, sleeping with pillows under the knees, going to a massage therapist or chiropractor for massages and taking anti-inflammatory medications. However, if the pain persists, make sure to visit your health care provider to treat your condition.
Consider making an effort to improve your posture and ask your doctor if there is a chance that your exercise regime may put you at risk from pregnancy back pain in the long run. Once pregnancy back pain occurs, it generally does not stop until after the baby is born. Relief from pregnancy back pain can vary but usually massaging of the back or soaking in a warm bath can bring some form of comfort from this affliction. It is important to stay as comfortable as possible and not aggravate the symptoms. If the symptoms increase dramatically, it is time to consult a doctor.
