Back Pain in Pregnancy - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Back pain is a very common problem among pregnant women.
According to an estimate, around 80% of pregnant women experience pain in the back While for some women it starts in early pregnancy and continues until late pregnancy, in case of others it occurs only in the late pregnancy because of the enlargement of the uterus.
Causes Laxity in the ligament and joints The production of progesterone hormone during the pregnancy leads to the softening of the ligaments between the pelvic bones and joints.
This is the process of nature that prepares the pelvis to deliver the baby easily.
The joints in the pelvis that have never moved since the age of three now become mobile and cause discomfort in the lower back especially when walking up and downstairs.
Enlargement of uterus The uterus becomes large and heavy in the second trimester.
This leads to the change in the woman's centre of gravity.
She usually does not become conscious of this change and tries to adjust her posture to compensate for it.
The whole process results in strain and pain in the back.
Symptoms In most cases the pregnant women feel pain in the lower back.
The pain may either be intermittent or constant depending upon the condition.
The pain often occurs in sciatic nerve and shoots down to legs.
It is sometimes felt up and down the back, legs and buttocks as they walk stand or bend.
While back pain in pregnancy is a common phenomenon, it should not be taken lightly.
A low and dull back pain may indicate pre-term labor.
But a severe back pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding or discharge may be a cause of concern.
If this happens, you must see the specialist immediately.
Treatment Exercises Some exercises for pelvis may help relieve the back pain.
Consult your health expert which exercises suit your condition.
Posture during sleep Sleep on your side and not on your back.
Bend your knees and keep a pillow between them.
Put another pillow below the abdomen.
Hot and cold applications You may take a bath in the warm water or use a heating pad to relieve the back pain.
Alternately, use ice packs on the affected area.
Rubbing may also help.
Medication Though Tylenol is generally safe, it is better not to take pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen without the advice of the doctor.
According to an estimate, around 80% of pregnant women experience pain in the back While for some women it starts in early pregnancy and continues until late pregnancy, in case of others it occurs only in the late pregnancy because of the enlargement of the uterus.
Causes Laxity in the ligament and joints The production of progesterone hormone during the pregnancy leads to the softening of the ligaments between the pelvic bones and joints.
This is the process of nature that prepares the pelvis to deliver the baby easily.
The joints in the pelvis that have never moved since the age of three now become mobile and cause discomfort in the lower back especially when walking up and downstairs.
Enlargement of uterus The uterus becomes large and heavy in the second trimester.
This leads to the change in the woman's centre of gravity.
She usually does not become conscious of this change and tries to adjust her posture to compensate for it.
The whole process results in strain and pain in the back.
Symptoms In most cases the pregnant women feel pain in the lower back.
The pain may either be intermittent or constant depending upon the condition.
The pain often occurs in sciatic nerve and shoots down to legs.
It is sometimes felt up and down the back, legs and buttocks as they walk stand or bend.
While back pain in pregnancy is a common phenomenon, it should not be taken lightly.
A low and dull back pain may indicate pre-term labor.
But a severe back pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding or discharge may be a cause of concern.
If this happens, you must see the specialist immediately.
Treatment Exercises Some exercises for pelvis may help relieve the back pain.
Consult your health expert which exercises suit your condition.
Posture during sleep Sleep on your side and not on your back.
Bend your knees and keep a pillow between them.
Put another pillow below the abdomen.
Hot and cold applications You may take a bath in the warm water or use a heating pad to relieve the back pain.
Alternately, use ice packs on the affected area.
Rubbing may also help.
Medication Though Tylenol is generally safe, it is better not to take pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen without the advice of the doctor.
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