Back Pain During Pregnancy

If you tied a brick around your stomach and attempted to trot around town, what would be the first part of your body that would cause you the most ache and anguish? If you said, “the back, dear Watson. The back, indeed!” Your baby has a much better chance of getting an education in the future!

Although the first example borders on absurdity, it is common knowledge that back pain will be one of the more challenging tests of the will on a pregnant woman. At any time, back pain can strike and strike hard it will. The greatest risk is during the later stages of pregnancy, when the baby has grown a vast amount. That dreamland you intended to escape to late in the evening? Not happening. However, there are various things a pregnant woman can do to alleviate the pain in the back.

How common is back pain during pregnancy?

A whopping majority of women, nearly 50 to 70 percent, all experience the devouring demon of back pain. If you are currently experiencing it, realize that you are not alone in your torment and can take certain measures to ensure survival.

What causes back pain during pregnancy?

There are numerous associations as to reasons for back pain. Some women are hit with the excruciation at the very onset of pregnancy. Others are obese, or have had back issues before the pregnancy; either puts a woman at a much higher risk than others. Some other possible causes of back pain in the course of pregnancy include:

Increase of hormones – ligaments in the pelvic area mitigate and joints tend to become looser, caused by the release of hormones in the bodies preparation for the babies birth. This transition of the body may cause a loss of support that naturally occurs in your back.
Center of gravity - as the stomach expands, your posture will adapt, causing the center of gravity to press forward.
Additional weight - pretty obvious here. The back holds up that bastard child of yours. Hopefully Dad wasn’t overweight for it is now your cross to carry.
Posture or position - movement that is unintended for pregnant woman: bending over, kama sutra, standing for extended periods of time, and a poor posture; all will cause you unnecessary pain.
Stress - the weakest spot in your body, for most people the back, is where stress will target the hardest. During the hardest parts of your pregnancy, and thanks to your pelvic area’s refurnishing, you can expect to experience the most pain in your back.

How can you prevent or minimize back pain during pregnancy?

It’s not always possible to get what you want. So can back pain be alleviated completely, can it be given a cease and desist by the body? Survey says a resounding NO! However, there is a plentitude of preventative measures that can be taken to lessen the astronomical impact you feel on your back. Like garlic and holy water, these steps will ward off the vampire of back pain you’re experiencing:

Find an authorized pregnant woman exercise plan that will support and work the back and abdomen
Use UPS’s preferred method of picking things up: squat!
Never wear high heels. Besides, a pregnant woman in heels is about as classy as a hooker on High Street.
Do not sleep on your back. The weight of your front is too much for your back to bear.
A support belt under your lower abs will provide relief.
Visit a chiropractor! Although they aren’t really doctors, they know how to take your money like one!
Sleep in multiples of a lot. Place your feet up on the bed rest. Kick your husband off the couch and try it!

How can you treat back pain during pregnancy?

Help for pregnant backs isn’t very far if you know how to find answers. If you’re reading this then you probably do! Some of the things you already do to avoid back pain can be used over again to treat it.

Ice pads, bags of ice, frozen sponges or whatever frozen food you haven’t cooked. Or, try the opposite, heat! A beanbag placed in the microwave will do wonders.
Brace or support devices like the one Shaq wears on his aging knees. Not that it’ll bring Cleveland a championship, but it will help a brother in kneed!
Sleeping on your side whilst using a pillow in between your knees for support.
Medications that treat inflammation. But not Valtrex, that’s for Herpes.
That money grubbing chiropractor could use another visit from you, his Benz needs new tires!

When to contact your health care provider?

The back pain experience alone isn’t reason enough to contact your health care provider. There are times, though, when it will prove too much. If you’re experiencing any of the following, please consider getting help:

Back pain in full severity
Back pain in abruptness or severity on an increasing scale
Cramping pains rhythmically: a sign of labor prematurely

Osteoporosis, vertebral osteoarthritis, and septic arthritis are all pregnancy related disorders that claim back pain as a symptom. House was wrong, it’s not always Lupus. These are not common ailments, but will be given further consideration when inspected by your health care provider.

Your Next Steps:

Exercise! Support your abs and back and condition the body
Free up your schedule so you can nap or lay down.
Save up money to blow and contact a Chiropractor, he’s the rapist of backs!
Buy a support belt
Stock up on pillows or find a sleep aid one.

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