Why does my lower back hurt since I got pregnant?
Excited and happy about your pregnancy? You must be all set to experience an array of changes that are going to take place in your body throughout the three trimesters and post-delivery. With a plethora of changes that you have to go through, you may also experience a certain level of discomfort. The good news is the baby is growing, but it becomes tough on your back.
Many pregnant women complain about back pain to their gynaecologist. The best gynaecology hospital in Coimbatore, well-equipped with all medical facilities and having the best gynaecologist, offers you excellent care for safe delivery. From the first day that your pregnancy is detected, you need to take good care of your health and talk to your doctor regarding the health problems you face during these critical days.
This article focuses on most women experiencing back pain during pregnancy and some simple tips to deal with it.
What causes back pain during pregnancy?
During pregnancy in the first trimester, although the baby bulge is not apparent, your body undergoes several changes to accommodate the growing foetus. Accompanied with it are several discomfort signs such as nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, urination, and most commonly, back pain.
Back pain during the first trimester occurs as your back muscles stretch and try to adapt to the baby’s growing size. Almost 50% of women experience back pain at some point in their pregnancy. The following changes result in back pain during pregnancy:
- Mechanical changes: As you gain weight during pregnancy, the body’s centre of gravity constantly changes, putting strain on the lower back muscles. The abdominal muscles stretch and put pressure on the spine. Your spine adjusts to this increasing weight on the front side, while the vertebral discs also bear the load causing lower back pain.
- Changes in posture: Due to the shift in the centre of gravity towards the front of your body, you change your posture to adapt to the change in the body. This causes back pain.
- Hormonal changes: Furthermore, an unstable pelvis, and hormone-related changes during pregnancy, cause overall discomfort and back pain.
Risk Factors Responsible For Lower Back Pain In Pregnancy
While back pain is one of the most prevalent symptoms among pregnant women, certain aspects, as discussed below, put you at a greater risk of having back pain:
- A history of an earlier injury to the pelvis.
- Chronic lower back pain.
- Having back pain during an earlier pregnancy.
- Lower back pain during menstruation.
- A family history of back pain or ovulation disorder.
- Frequent urinary tract infections and chronic illnesses.
- Higher than the average age of the pregnancy.
Techniques To Relieve Low Back Pain In Pregnancy
Back pain during pregnancy may have a negative impact on your quality of life. You may have difficulty walking, sitting, or while doing routine activities. Sometimes it becomes difficult to step out of the house and be a part of a social gathering. It also affects your emotional well-being. Exercises, massage, stretching can offer some relief. The best option is to visit the best gynaecology hospital in Coimbatore for better treatment. Typically, the following treatments are available for the management of back pain:
Exercises:
- An activity program with a physiotherapist or trainer that includes the following can help in relieving the back pain:
- Yoga
- Water aerobics
- Physical therapy includes stretching, strengthening back muscles, and mobilisation.
- Weight-lifting
- Using staircases
Acupuncture:
It is helpful as it alleviates the pain and reduces the need for medication during pregnancy. It also improves your capacity for exercise.
Use of sacral belts:
Sacral belts provide support and help to reduce pain.
Chiropractic management:
Chiropractic treatment involves traction or decompression of the discs giving relief to the spine and eventually relieving the pain more safely.
Medication:
Taking pain medication during pregnancy may be risky. Typically, doctors prescribe paracetamol if the pain is severe. In instances of relentless pain, epidural injections of steroids or local anaesthetics may be given.
Patient Education:
Gynae specialist will also help you throughout your pregnancy by counselling and educating. You will be guided using slide show-like tools to reduce stressful activities or avoid specific actions that may increase the pain, especially in the third trimester.
Following are a few ways to manage back pain during pregnancy
Here are some quick and easy tips to get relief from back pain:
- Avoid lifting heavy objects.
- Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes and opt for flats.
- Remember to bend your knees as you lower yourself to pick things up. Do not bend in the back or waist.
- Place a small pillow on the chair as you rest your back while sitting.
- Place your feet on a stool put on the front of the chair.
- Try a gentle massage or a hot shower to relieve pain.
- Maintain a good posture as you stand.
- Use proper cushions and chairs that do not stress your spine.
- Avoid activities that give you muscle fatigue.
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods to beat the backache.
Although having back pain during the first trimester and throughout pregnancy is a prevalent cause of the discomfort, you should not ignore it. During regular visits, you should discuss with your doctor about having back pain.
Early diagnosis and preventive strategies for those with a risk of back pain and management programs greatly help relieve lower back pain. The pain management modalities will also help you improve the overall quality of life during and after pregnancy.
Visit the normal delivery hospital and have a healthy and safe pregnancy. If you feel visiting a doctor’s clinic can be risky during the COVID-19 outbreak, you can check for online consultation. Call and get your questions answered by the best doctors.
