Pregnancy And Back Pain

Pregnancy brings several physiological changes in the body. These changes can cause back pain. A pre-existing back pain may get exaggerated during pregnancy.

Causes of back pain in pregnancy:

• Weight gain due to weight of the fetus and increased water/ fat content of the body puts extra pressure on spine. On an average, a pregnant lady usually gains about 10 kg weight.
• Excessive weight in abdomen shifts center of gravity. This pulls lumbar spine out of alignment.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause ligaments in body becomes softer and stretch to assist in child delivery. This causes loss of support of spinal also. Sacro-iliac joint is most affected.
• Excessive stretching of abdominal muscles causes loss of anterior support of spine.
• Mental stress associated with pregnancy can cause back muscle spasm.

Following tips will help in preventing or alleviating existing back pain.

• Activity modifications:
  • Don’t bend forward to lift anything off the floor. Rather bend your knees to lower your body.
  • Keep weight near your body to reduce lever arm effect.
  • Keep weight equally distribute in both arms, e.g. while shopping.
  • Keep your back straight while sitting.
  • Sit on a firm surface. Avoid sofa which can slouch your back.
  • Keep one leg on stool while standing for long time.
  • A firm mattress should be used while sleeping. A hard board under a soft mattress can also be used.
  • Don’t sleep on your back.
  • Avoid high heel shoes
  • Don’t twist your spine to turn. Use your feet to move entire body to one side.

• Pain Relief:
  • Use local hot/ cold compresses to relieve muscle spasm.
  • A local pain relieving gel will help.
  • A light massage or warm bath can also be used.
  • Use paracetamol if pain is severe as it is safe during pregnancy.  For a higher pain killer medicine, first consult your doctor.
  • Take proper rest.

• Exercises:
  • Keep yourself active.
  • Prenatal yoga, aqua therapy and physiotherapy can be done under proper guidance.