Back pain is one of the most common discomforts during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the uterus expands to as much as 1,000 times its original size. Imagine the uterus during pregnancy as being a balloon and every day the balloon is bigger than the day before. This amount of growth in the center of your body can affect the balance of your body and cause some significant discomfort.
As the uterus expands during pregnancy, it causes strain on the back muscles. By mid-pregnancy,
the uterus is large enough to change your center of gravity. You then slowly begin to change your posture and the ways that you move. Most women begin to lean backward in the later months of pregnancy and this causes the back muscles to work even harder.
Weakness of the abdominal muscles can also cause back pain. The abdominal muscles normally support the spine and play an important role in the health of the back. The hormones of pregnancy cause the muscles to relax and become loose. This may cause some back pain. It can also make you more prone to injury during exercise.
To help prevent or ease back pain, try to be aware of how you stand, sit, and move. Here are some tips that may help:
1. Wear low heeled (but not flat) shoes with good arch support.
2. Ask for help when lifting heavy objects.
3. When standing for long periods, place one foot on a stool or box.
4. If your bed is too soft, have someone help you place a board between the mattress and box springs.
5. Don’t bend over from the waist to pick things up- squat down, bend your knees, and keep your back straight.
6. Sit in chairs with good back support, or use a small pillow behind the low part of your back.
7. Try to sleep on your side with one or two pillows between your legs for support.
8. Apply heat to the painful or stressed area. Massage therapy and muscle vibrators may also help.
9. Over the Counter “Sports Creams” such as BenGay cream or patch, or ThermaCare heat wraps may be used. Never use one of the creams or ointments at the same time as using a heating pad.
10. Special exercises for the back may also lessen the discomfort. You can ask any of our office staff for a copy of “Easing Back Pain During Pregnancy” which has illustrations of several exercises that may be helpful.
11. There are numerous commercially available maternity girdles and back braces that some patients find useful. One such company, About Babies, Inc., has several different products to choose from. Order forms are available in our office or you can contact them directly at 1-800-383-3068, fax 989-386-6020 or visit their website at www.aboutbabiesinc.com.
Back pain can also be caused by other problems. If back pain is associated with a fever, it may be secondary to a kidney infection and you should contact our office. If back pain is associated with vaginal bleeding it could be a sign of a problem with the placenta and you should also contact our office.
During pregnancy your body will go through many changes. Some of these changes may cause discomfort. This is normal. Backache is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy. However, if you follow the tips given here and do exercises to strengthen your muscles, you can ease some of the pain.
Much of the information in this article is duplicated from an educational pamphlet produced by the American College if Obstetric and Gynecology and a copy is available in our office. The pamphlet is an ACOG patient education resource entitled “Easing Back Pain in Pregnancy.”
