Pregnancy can be a wonderful time for a woman as she awaits the birth of her child and prepares for a new chapter in her life. But what are implicit with pregnancy are the many physical changes that the pregnant woman's body endures as this new life grows inside her. Such changes often result in discomfort some minimal and some quite acute including the aches and pains associated with a widening frame and growing belly. Subsequently, back pain during pregnancy is most common, with nearly 90% of pregnant women reporting discomfort of this kind.
It's not difficult to understand the causes of back pain during pregnancy. As the fetus grows, the pregnant woman's weight inevitably increases and her frame shifts to accommodate the space in which the baby resides. For any person who carries extra weight and most especially a pregnant woman back pain is generally part of the consequences. Our spines carry our body weight and when that weight is increased the spine must adjust accordingly. This puts quite a burden on our backs and can result in discomfort; nowhere is this more evident than with back pain during pregnancy.
Further, under normal circumstances, the strength of the abdominal muscles significantly affects the health of back muscles. The abdominal core supports the back, lending it a hand in accommodating the weight of the body. In the case of a pregnant woman, the back is at the mercy of a growing abdomen; posture is impacted and the woman's center of gravity is compromised. Back pain during pregnancy can also result from growing breasts another consequence of a changing body.
Another form of back pain during pregnancy includes the experiencing of back labor closer to the woman's due date - an incredibly uncomfortable occurrence. These labor pains should be monitored closely by your doctor. While some back labor is considered false labor, other pains may be associated with the real thing. So be sure to consult your obstetrician if you are experiencing back labor pains.
Different doctors recommend different things to combat back pain during pregnancy including the use of a belly belt" that helps support the abdomen and the back; light exercises to help strengthen and stretch the back muscles, body pillows used at night that allow you to sleep on your side with support, and pregnancy massage. The use of medications of any kind is strongly discouraged during pregnancy so it's best to work within these natural approaches.
Back pain during pregnancy doesn't have to stop you in your tracks. Approach your health as you would during any other time by consulting your doctor and treating your body well with plenty of rest, good nutrition, and a pain relief program specifically designed for you by your medical professional.
