The excitement of feeling your baby bump growing can often be accompanied by back pain. Although you may have experienced some mild lower backaches in early pregnancy, it can begin to increase from the second trimester until you give birth. This can be due to a variety of factors, including stress, hormones, and postural changes. If you are struggling with back pain during your pregnancy, then here is what you need to know to find relief.
Common Causes of Back Pain
There are several causes of pregnancy-related back pain, and it is possible that more than one is contributing to your aches. During pregnancy, your body makes a special hormone called relaxin that loosens your pelvic ligaments to allow room for your baby to grow. Unfortunately, this can also loosen the ligaments around your spine and cause pain due to instability. Excessive weight gain, poor posture, and stress can all contribute to this discomfort as well.
Home Care for Relief
When mild back pain occurs during pregnancy, some simple lifestyle changes can provide relief. Sometimes, exercise can help tone the abdominal and back muscles so that there is more stability. However, it is important to first check with a doctor before starting any new exercises during pregnancy. Hot and cold compresses placed on your lower back may also help to ease back pain, and you can try using pillows and rolled towels to support your back when you are sitting or sleeping.
When to Seek Treatment
If back pain increases or does not respond within a day or two to home treatment, then it may be time to seek a professional opinion. Although in most cases back pain is just a normal part of pregnancy, there are some times when it could signal a more serious condition. For example, rhythmic cramping pain could be a sign of preterm labor. As a general rule, any back pain that is severe or begins abruptly warrants a visit to the doctor to rule out any serious problems. It is also important to note that a chiropractor can provide relief for back pain during pregnancy using safe techniques that manipulate the muscles and ligaments that are causing discomfort around the spine.
Back pain is a common pregnancy discomfort that most women will experience during those exciting few months. However, you should not have to suffer from severe pain or any aches that last more than a few days. By knowing how to differentiate between a normal backache and one that requires medical attention, you can take care of your body so that you will be ready when the big day comes to finally meet your little one.