Pregnancy and Back pain

Almost all pregnant women at one point or another will suffer from back pain in pregnancy. Some will experience more pregnancy back pain than others.

Backache in early pregnancy is caused by hormones and a woman's shifting center of gravity. When pregnant your hormones prepare you for childbirth by loosening up the ligaments that attach the pelvic bones to your spine. Many women feel backache in early pregnancy while walking, standing or bending. As your uterus continues to grow and push upwards, it will also weaken your abdominal muscles and change your posture, which can put added strain on your back. When at rest you could use pregnancy pillows to support that aching body. Many women feel sharp backache during pregnancy up and down their back, legs and buttocks during pregnancy. This back pain during pregnancy often results when the baby's head presses on the pelvic bones, which subsequently press on sciatic nerves. This may cause legs to feel weak or numb as well.

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Treating Low Back Pain in Pregnancy

Fortunately there are many things you can do to help alleviate some of the low back pain in early pregnancy you might be feeling during pregnancy.

Resting and soaking in a warm bath often help alleviate a back that is sore and aching. It is not a good idea however to sit in a hot tub. Immersion in water hotter than 102F can be dangerous for your baby. Hot and cold packs applied directly to the affected area are safe and can help relax strained muscles and ligaments with pregnancy back pain.

Some women are kept up at night by back pain or back ache during pregnancy. If this is the case you might be more comfortable if you try sleeping on your side with a pregnancy pillow propped up between your legs. The Snoozer pregnancy pillows and body pillows are made for side sleeping. The Snoozer pregnancy pillow is shaped perfectly to place your head on and between your knees at the same time.

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Avoiding Back Pain in Pregnancy

Of course, it would be best if you could avoid backache during pregnancy all together. Though there are no guarantees, there are some things you can do to avoid worsening back pain during pregnancy.

• Exercise to prevent low back pain in early pregnancy - Starting an exercise program early in pregnancy can help strengthen and stretch the muscles in your back and legs. Swimming is an excellent exercise for women at all stages of pregnancy and helps strengthen the lower back. In addition the buoyancy of the water may help alleviate the strain you are experiencing in pregnancy back pain, joints and ligaments. Pregnancy pillows will also help to alleviate that lower back strain.
• Sit up Straight to avoid back pain with pregnancy - If you find yourself sitting at a computer terminal or sitting in general for long periods of time, make an effort to keep your feet slightly raised off the floor. Take frequent breaks to get up and walk around which will help stretch your muscles and ligament and relieve back pain during pregnancy.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes to avoid back pain - For most pregnant women, comfortable shoes are those that are low profile. High heels are not recommended, particularly if you want to avoid unnecessary back pain in pregnancy. When you get home take those shoes off and snuggle with your pregnancy pillow.

• Bend from the Knees if you want to avoid back pain - If you have to lift objects, bend from your knees and not your waist. This will help prevent injury.

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