Even though pregnancy is a thrilling and miraculous time, it is also one that is fraught with discomfort. Many women experience a variety of symptoms such as frequent urination, indigestion or heartburn. Back pain during pregnancy is another discomfort you will have to put up with but there are ways you can help to alleviate it.

What You Can Do at Home and at Work

Getting plenty of rest on a firm mattress will help to ease back pain during pregnancy. Good posture and eating a healthy diet will go a long way as well. If your job demands that you sit for long periods then you should find out about ergonomic chairs that will help you to sit up straight. You may also want to look into ergonomic keyboards for your computer as well. Often the company will pay for this, but if not, you will find the investment was well worth it as it will ease the worst of the pain.

If you have to stand up for long periods of time be sure you take frequent rests so that pressure is taken off your legs and back. If you routinely participated in an exercise routine before becoming pregnant, keep at it though you may want to take it at a lighter pace. Walking or swimming is an excellent choice for exercise when you are expecting and can do a lot to ease back pain during pregnancy.

If you must lift objects no matter how heavy, be sure that you utilize the proper lifting techniques. Avoid lifting heavy objects. Ask your partner to do it for you while you are pregnant even if you think you can do it on your own.

Those that experience back pain during the earlier part of their pregnancy can take heart as it will usually dissipate during the twentieth week or thereabouts. If you are experiencing severe or chronic back pain during pregnancy, be sure to speak to your health care advisor as there may be more going on than just pregnancy symptoms.

Later in the Pregnancy

As the baby grows rapidly and your uterus becomes enlarged, back pain will be plaguing most women at the end of their pregnancy. If you have younger children at home, avoid lifting them too often if at all. If you must, be sure you squat and then bend at the knees and do the lifting with your legs. Noting when your back pain becomes most discomfiting can also help you to make some changes during certain activities that can relieve the worst of it. You may not be able to utilize common back pain medication during your pregnancy, but you can ask your health care provider for some tips for managing back pain during pregnancy.

Before you know it the baby will be born and all the discomforts you experienced during the long weeks of pregnancy will quickly be forgotten. A little back pain as compared to the beautiful babe you hold in your arms will be well worth it.


Copyright (c) 2008 Steven Magill