Pregnancy Symptoms- Backache

PREGNANCY SYMPTOM

• Backache is usually a general discomfort across the lower part of the back,often with pain across the buttocks and down the legs.It can happen when you have been standing too long with bad posture or after lifting a heavy weight,especially during the 3rd trimester.

CAUSES OF BACKACHE

• High levels of the hormone progesterone and relaxin cause softening and stretching of the ligaments of the pelvic bones which allows baby to be born.The ligaments of the spine also relax which puts extra strain on the joints of the back and hips.
• Oversized abdomen throws body off balance.
• Bad posture- belly thrust forward creating a deeply curved lower back.
• Incorrect lifting of heavy objects or child.

TREATMENT OF BACKACHE

• Try to keep weight gain within the recommended parameters- excess weight will only add to the load your back is under.
• Massage may help(performed by a qualified therapist).
• When lifting heavy weights, including a toddler, make sure you bend your legs and make your thighs do all the work.
• Be aware of your posture at all times and correct your posture when necessary.
• Avoid high heel shoes or very low flat shoes without proper support. 
• Avoid standing for long periods of time, if this is unavoidable keep one foot up on a stool with your knee bent, this helps to prevent strain on your lower back.
• When sitting try to use a chair that offers adequate support, ideally one with a straight back, arms (which can be used for assistance in rising), and a firm cushion that prevents you from sinking down into it. Stools and benches are best avoided and try not to cross your legs when sitting as it can cause you to tilt your pelvis too far forward which will aggravate backache. Leg crossing also promotes circulation problems; varicose veins, spider veins and oedema.
• Avoid sitting for long periods of time. Always try to have a walking/stretching break every half an hour.
• Sleep on a firm mattress. A comfortable sleeping position aided by a sleeping pillow will help minimize aches and pains. When getting out of bed swing your legs over the side of the bed to the floor, never twist to get out of bed.
• Ask your doctor if a bump support belt will help with your backache.
• Avoid reaching far above your head as this puts a strain on your back muscles.
• Alternate cold and heat to ease pain in sore muscles. Try an ice pack for 15 minutes followed by a heat pad for 15 minutes- make sure you wrap both the ice pack and heat pad in a towel or cloth before applying to the sore area.
• Relax in a warm bath (not too hot).
• Many back problems are made worse by stress so find the time to relax and unwind.
• Try yoga, pilates or swimming to help strengthen muscles- make sure the class is specifically designed for pregnant women and you get advice from your GP.
• If the pain runs down your leg to your foot it is important to contact your doctor in case it's a slipped disc.

Intensely painful lower backache (sciatica) may also occur when you rotate your spine and pelvis in opposite directions eg. turning over sideways in bed.This is caused by your baby resting against your sacroiliac joint,which is located about 3inches in from the top of your buttocks.Rotary movements of the spine and pelvis open and close the sacroiliac joint which causes the pain.The backache usually eases off around the 5th month when your baby tips forward,but you may wish to receive medical advice before then as it can be extremely painful!!!

 Pregnancy Symptoms - Backache