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

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences. [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste. You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being bor...

How do you light Deepam at home?

How do you light deepam at home? As a child, I loved watching the ritual of my grandmother lighting the deepam or the traditional lamp at home in the evenings. A sense of serenity accompanied her frail figure as she would carefully straighten every wick, dip it into the tiny puddle of oil and light the lamp. As my grandmother would read out the scriptures and chant the prayers, the fragrance of incense sticks and flowers added depth to the experience. In many Hindu homes nowadays, the lighting of the lamp (or the nilavilakku, as Malayalis refer to the traditional lamp in their homes) is not a regular practice. A lot of people have many questions around how to light deepam at home and which oil to use and so on. An important point to keep in mind - Maintain physical cleanliness and hygiene while lighting the lamp. Wear clean clothes while lighting the lamp. Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting Deepam at Home Collating most queries related to how to light the deepam at home, I'v...

Gayatri Mantra as Panchamukhi: Get it right or let it go

Most people do not understand the importance of chanting the Gayatri mantra because they are not aware of its power. It is only when I began to read Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's teachings that I learned how sacred and powerful the chanting of the Gayatri mantra is. The Vedas represent the breath of God. The Gayatri mantra is the very basis of the Vedas. Try not to undertake chanting the Gayatri mantra as a light endeavor or as a hobby. It has to be chanted with faith, discipline and purity of mind and body. Be steady with your sadhana if you want to reap the spiritual dividend associated with the Gayatri mantra and never once hesitate once you decide to do it. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba said that the Gayatri Mantra is referred to as Pancha Mukhi, the Goddess with five faces that represent the five pranas or life forces. Here's more on it. . Also read: The Power of OM Chant the Gayatri Mantra correctly: Pause Five Times Here a...

"Parents are Love"

A few days of color, love and pampering, that's what October 2009 has been for me. In this city where dreams die and lose color, my parents brought all of it back. Seeing life through their eyes brings joy because they are so full of love and wisdom. All their life, they have believed in the goodness of people and that feeling of God and goodness have come more powerfully into my life again. Sometimes, you need those very solid ties to remind you of your dreams and focus again on making them come true. We hardly value the time we had with our parents or the sacrifices they have made for us when we live with them. At that time, we are so keen to break the rules and rebel or just lead our life to the brink of adventure, danger or rebellion, that power to say 'No' but now when we become independent, all we want to do is go back and be with them. I had a wonderful time with my parents. We had endless conversations about everything under the sun. We ate at home and went o...

Saree Woes 2

Our earlier discussion on Saree Woes really perked up my spirits. A big thanks to all of you for pepping me up. Okay, here's the good news. There was an unexpected late night party that I had to attend in Gurgaon. To be honest, I haven't had the time or energy to attend any such parties after Adi was born. I was sure I wouldn't have the confidence to make conversation with the glitterati, let alone feel confident to carry off wearing a saree. This is one of those parties where you have to be dressed very formally. Well, at the end of a working woman's day, you hardly feel ready to attend one of these parties looking like a moron, right? So, with very little preparation and very few hours left, I called on all the gods in Heaven to help me look a little younger and prettier since I don't have the magic to look young all on my own. Although I was tempted to wear one of my awesome Kancheevaram treasures, I knew it would be very difficult to drape it without any h...

Petals!

Search This Blog