Pregnancy related backache

Wondering what is pregnancy related back ache all about? Simply put, when expecting a baby, about 80% of women suffer from a back ache that seems to get worse as the pregnancy progresses. This happens because the ligaments, muscles and joints tend to become strained. Sometimes you may have suffered from backache even before pregnancy and the condition is worsened during the period of pregnancy. It also depends a lot on your posture, whether you have had any injuries and so on.

One of the first things that my doctor told me in the first trimester is, "Stop wearing high heeled footwear. It can damage your posture and the body's balance. Excess weight gets pushed on towards the spinal cord. This also has bearing on the baby's weight."

Now, I am one of those girls who always wore high heeled shoes & sandals because I always wanted to be tall and to some extent, high heels gives you the notion of being 'tall'. Even if there was a lot of discomfort and killing pain, I always wore high heels. I remember one of my law college friends smirking saying, "Are you in college or in circus? Such high heels are meant for circus." She saw my high heels and said this. I was irritated with her back then but now I realize what she meant. She is right. High heels are bad for health, posture and for the back itself.

So once the doctor told me to stay off, I completely gave up wearing high heeled shoes. I think that has helped because I haven't suffered back ache during my pregnancy. Touchwood.

Here are two easy tips recommended by doctors and nurses.

1. While expecting, if you are suffering from pregnancy related back ache, use an ice pack from the freezer, hold it on your lower back for 10 mins and this will also relieve you from inflammation and aches.

2. Give yourself support while lying on the bed to your left side. Fold a pillow and place one beneath the tummy's bumpy area. This really helps to take the pressure off.

Hope these tips help. If you have some to share on how you are battling your pregnancy related backache, do share them here.

Comments

Pramoda Meduri said…

Congrats for the carrying first of all..;)

I'll keep the tips in mind... i will need them in years to come..

take good care..and eat many varieties of vegetables..

April 1, 2012 at 10:11 PM

chow and chatter said…

sorry about the back pain its all worth it and congrats

April 2, 2012 at 5:16 AM

chiropractor oconomowoc wi said…

Back pain can be the result of a hundred different things, and many of them can be serious.Whenever you are doing certain household tasks, try standing on one leg because this helps build your core back muscles. You should alternate your legs every thirty seconds, and this will help ensure an equal and balanced muscle growth in your back and legs for the support that you need.Be sure that you wear comfortable sneakers or shoes if you suffer from back pain. Walking with heels or other uncomfortable shoes can make you walk improperly and cause back pain to begin or increase.

May 11, 2012 at 3:01 AM

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