The Causes of Back Pain During Pregnancy and How to Relieve It

Back pain is a common symptom experienced by pregnant women. While back pain is generally considered a normal part of pregnancy, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. In this article, we will discuss the causes of severe back pain during pregnancy and how to relieve it.

Causes of Severe Back Pain During Pregnancy

Weight Gain

During pregnancy, women typically gain between 25-35 pounds, which can put a lot of extra strain on the back. The increased weight places pressure on the lower back and pelvis, causing discomfort and right-side back pain during pregnancy. 

Hormonal Changes

During pregnancy, the body produces hormones such as progesterone, which relaxes the ligaments and joints in the body. This helps to prepare the body for childbirth, but it can also lead to instability and misalignment of the spine, resulting in back pain.

Posture Changes

As the baby grows, the mother’s center of gravity shifts forward, which can cause changes in posture. Many pregnant women tend to arch their back, which places added stress on the lower back and can result in pain and discomfort.

Muscle Separation

The growing uterus can cause the abdominal muscles to separate, a condition known as diastasis recti. This can weaken the abdominal muscles and can be one of the causes of severe back pain during pregnancy.

Stress

Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and stress can lead to muscle tension and tightness, which can contribute to back pain.

Inactivity

Many pregnant women become more sedentary as their pregnancy progresses, which can lead to weaker muscles and decreased flexibility, resulting in back pain.

Poor Posture

Poor posture, such as slouching or sitting in one position for extended periods, can place additional stress on the back and contribute to the causes of severe back pain during pregnancy.

Prenatal Exercise

Although exercise is generally considered beneficial during pregnancy, some forms of exercise can be hard on the back. Activities such as high-impact aerobics, running, or weightlifting can strain the back muscles and lead to pain and discomfort.

Pre-existing Conditions

Women who have pre-existing back conditions, such as scoliosis or herniated discs, may experience an increase in back pain during pregnancy.

3. Massage

A prenatal massage can help relieve the causes of severe back pain during pregnancy. It can help improve blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation.

4. Acupuncture

Acupuncture can help relieve back pain during pregnancy. It involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points to help alleviate pain.

5. Proper Sleep Position

Sleeping on the side with a pillow between the legs can help relieve back pain during pregnancy. This position helps keep the spine in a neutral position and reduces the strain on the back muscles.

6. Supportive Shoes

Wearing supportive shoes during pregnancy can help reduce back pain. Shoes with good arch support can help distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on the back muscles.

7. Good Posture

Maintaining good posture during pregnancy can help prevent back pain. It’s important to sit straight besides avoiding slouching.

8. Maternity Belt

A maternity belt can help relieve the causes of severe back pain during pregnancy. It provides support to the lower back and helps distribute weight evenly.

9. Rest

Resting can help relieve back pain during pregnancy. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day and avoid standing or sitting for long periods.

Conclusion

To summarize, causes of severe back pain during pregnancy tend to subside on their own after giving birth. However, if you experience persistent back pain lasting for more than two weeks during pregnancy, it is advisable to seek medical attention from your healthcare provider. This is important so that your doctor can rule out any serious underlying causes and suggest appropriate medication or other treatments to alleviate your discomfort.

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