Nobody enjoys back pains...

Back pains for pregnant women are to be expected through some stages of pregnancy. It is estimated that two of every three pregnant women will experience back pains by their 36th week. As the baby grows larger, additional pressure is placed on the back to support the mothers growing abdomen. The babys position in the womb can also contribute to back pain. There are, however, many different factors that can bring on back pain in pregnant mothers. Stress and over exertion can also be major factors, besides being unhealthy for the baby. While most back pain resolves itself several months after giving birth, some back pain can be prevented altogether. Now wouldn't that be even better?

Take it Easy

Take breaks and get plenty of rest. This does not mean that you have to become a couch potato, but you should take more time to rest and relax. Put your feet up, grab a cup of your favorite decaffeinated soothing drink and take it easy now and then. Try to lie down once in a while and, if at all possible, try to minimize activities that put stress on your back. At work, dont sit for extended periods of time and while you are sitting, one trick is to place a pillow behind the small of your back.

Get Enough Exercise

By strengthening the lower back and surrounding muscles, exercise can help better support the back and result in less back pain. Yoga is a great exercise for this purpose. Walking is great, but you need some strengthening and stretching exercises as well, that you do not get with just walking. Ask around to see if there are any pregnancy exercise classes and pregnancy yoga. If classes arent your thing, you can find several pregnancy yoga and pregnancy exercise DVDs. You should check with your doctor first before doing any exercises.

Eat Healthy

Eating healthy and eating right can work to your advantage in several ways. First, eating healthy will help you from gaining additional weight. The less extra weight you are carrying, the less pressure you have on your back. Second, healthy eating helps your body ward off illness and actually helps it cope with pain more effectively. Last but not least important, drinking plenty of water will keep your kidneys working properly, which can create another type of lower back pain. Healthy eating is better for you and better for your baby.

Find a Pregnancy Girdle

The term, "pregnancy girdle", has an ominous sound, but it can be a pregnant mothers best friend. It is designed to be worn under your clothing, much like a traditional girdle. But it is designed to better support and lift your stomach so that pressure is taken off of the back. You can pick up a pregnancy girdle at many maternity shops.

Check the Stress

Stress alone can cause lower back pain. Try to relieve your stress, even if it is for just a few moments every day. Set aside 'mommy time' every day so that you can decompress, refresh and relax. Meditate, take a warm bath, listen to soft music, anything that helps you relax. You will be surprised at how helpful just 10 minutes or so a day of this activity can be in relieving your stress.