
Back pain during pregnancy is a common complaint among many expectant mothers. It can affect your daily activities, your sleep quality, and your overall well-being. But what causes back pain during pregnancy, and how can you prevent or treat it?
In this article, we will explore the possible causes of back pain during pregnancy, and provide some tips and solutions to help you cope with it. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about back pain during pregnancy, and share some resources that you can use to learn more.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of why you may experience back pain during pregnancy, and what you can do to ease it.
Various body changes will be felt by the mother when pregnant. Well, one of the complaints that is often felt during pregnancy is back pain. This condition can make pregnant women feel uncomfortable, making her difficult to carry out activities as usual.
Back pain is more common in pregnant women entering the second to third trimester of pregnancy. So, what exactly causes of back pain during pregnancy?
What Causes of Back Pain During Pregnancy?
There are several factors that can contribute to back pain during pregnancy. Some of the most common ones are:
Hormonal changes during pregnancy
Health and Wellness Expert Aneesha Amonz, M.Sc, explained on the Mom Junction page, the body releases a hormone called relaxin during pregnancy. This protein hormone causes the ligaments in the pelvic area to relax in preparation for childbirth. Loosening of the joints in the pelvic area eventually affects the spine, causing pain.
Baby’s weight in the womb
As pregnancy progresses, the size of the baby in the womb increases and the weight increases. This condition will shift the center of gravity of the body forward, which causes stretching of the abdominal muscles, thus putting pressure on your back muscles, Moms.
Ultimately, this also causes the spine to curve and results in a change in posture. The more the mother tries to walk upright or fight the tension can lead to back pain.
Excess or lack of physical activity
Pregnancy can cause a mother to feel tired most of the time. However, if you spend too much time sitting around without any exercise or physical activity, it can increase your risk of back pain. On the other hand, too much exercise, especially strenuous exercise, can also make your back hurt. So, you should balance your sports needs according to your abilities.
Stress during pregnancy
Obstetrician Traci C. Johnson, MD, calls emotional stress can cause muscle tension in the back. This condition then triggers back pain or spasms. According to Traci, women may experience increased back pain during the stressful period of pregnancy.
Other conditions
Sometimes, back pain during pregnancy can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as sciatica, kidney infection, preterm labor, or preeclampsia.
These conditions can cause severe or persistent back pain, along with other symptoms, such as fever, numbness, bleeding, or high blood pressure. If you suspect that you have any of these conditions, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How to Prevent or Treat Back Pain During Pregnancy?
While back pain during pregnancy is not always preventable, there are some things that you can do to reduce the risk or severity of it. Here are some suggestions:
Exercise regularly
Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, strengthen your muscles, improve your posture, and release endorphins, which are natural painkillers.
You can try low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, yoga, or pilates, as long as they are comfortable and approved by your doctor. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Use proper posture
When you stand, sit, or lie down, try to keep your spine aligned and avoid slouching or twisting. Use a pillow or a lumbar support to cushion your back when you sit or sleep. When you lift or carry something, bend your knees and keep your back straight. Avoid wearing high heels or tight clothing that can affect your balance or restrict your blood flow.
Apply heat or cold
During pregnancy, back pain can become a common discomfort due to the changes your body experiences. Fortunately, there are effective ways to alleviate this discomfort. One such method is applying heat or cold to the affected area.
Heat therapy involves using warm packs or heating pads to relax tense muscles and increase blood flow to the area. This can help soothe soreness and reduce stiffness in the back. Applying heat for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can provide significant relief.
On the other hand, cold therapy, such as using ice packs or cold compresses, can help numb the area and reduce inflammation. It’s important to wrap the cold pack in a cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin and avoid ice burns. Applying cold therapy for 10-15 minutes at a time, a few times a day, can help alleviate pain and swelling.
Both heat and cold therapy are safe options for managing back pain during pregnancy, but it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific condition and medical history.
Incorporating heat or cold therapy into your daily routine can offer significant relief from back pain, allowing you to enjoy your pregnancy more comfortably. So, whether you opt for the warmth of heat packs or the soothing chill of cold compresses, finding what works best for you can make a world of difference in managing back pain during this special time.
Get a massage or acupuncture
A massage or acupuncture can help relax your muscles, improve your blood circulation, and stimulate your nerves, which can reduce your pain and stress. You can ask your partner, a friend, or a professional to give you a gentle massage, focusing on your back, shoulders, and neck.
You can also try acupuncture, which is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on your body. Make sure that you choose a licensed and experienced massage therapist or acupuncturist who specializes in pregnancy.
Take medication or supplements
If your back pain is severe or interfering with your daily life, you may consider taking some medication or supplements to help you cope. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking any medication or supplement, as some of them may not be safe or effective for you or your baby. Some of the common options are:
Over-the-counter pain relievers
You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for mild to moderate back pain, as it is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
However, you should avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), as they can cause complications, such as bleeding, premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, or reduced amniotic fluid.
Prescription pain relievers
If your back pain is severe or unresponsive to over-the-counter pain relievers, your doctor may prescribe you some stronger pain relievers, such as opioids, muscle relaxants, or nerve blockers.
However, these medications can have serious side effects, such as addiction, withdrawal, respiratory depression, or birth defects. Therefore, you should use them only as a last resort, and under close supervision by your doctor.
Vitamins and minerals
Some vitamins and minerals can help support your bone and muscle health, and prevent or treat some of the causes of back pain during pregnancy.
For example, calcium and vitamin D can help prevent or treat osteoporosis, magnesium can help prevent or treat muscle cramps, and iron can help prevent or treat anemia. You can get these nutrients from your diet, or from supplements, as recommended by your doctor.
FAQ
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about back pain during pregnancy, and their answers:
When does back pain start during pregnancy?
Back pain can start at any time during pregnancy, but it is more common in the second and third trimesters, as your baby grows bigger and heavier. Some women may experience back pain as early as the first trimester, due to hormonal changes or implantation cramping.
How can I tell if my back pain is normal or serious?
Back pain during pregnancy is usually normal and harmless, but sometimes it can be a sign of a serious problem. You should call your doctor if your back pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
Fever, chills, or burning sensation when you urinate, which could indicate a kidney infection.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, which could indicate sciatica or spinal cord compression
Severe or sudden pain, especially in your lower back or abdomen, which could indicate preterm labor or placental abruption
High blood pressure, swelling, or headaches, which could indicate preeclampsia or eclampsia
Will my back pain go away after delivery?
Back pain during pregnancy usually improves after delivery, as your hormones return to normal and your weight and posture change.
However, some women may continue to experience back pain for weeks or months after delivery, due to factors such as breastfeeding, postpartum depression, or pelvic floor dysfunction.
You can try some of the same tips and solutions that we mentioned above to help you relieve your back pain after delivery, or seek professional help if your pain persists or worsens.
Bottom Line
Back pain during pregnancy is a common and often manageable condition that affects many women. It can have various causes, such as hormonal changes, weight gain, stress, or other conditions.
You can prevent or treat your back pain during pregnancy by following some simple tips and solutions, such as exercising, using proper posture, applying heat or cold, getting a massage or acupuncture, taking medication or supplements, or consulting your doctor. By doing so, you can improve your comfort, health, and happiness during this special time of your life.