Pregnancy is one of the most life changing event in any
women’s life. As the pregnancy progresses, low back pain is one of the most
commonly reported complaint by expecting mothers. The rate of prevalence of
back pain during pregnancy is around 50-70%. These pains can range from mild
ache related to specific activity to acute severe back pain that can eventually
become chronic. Many at times the women is “expected” to have back pain. Some
of the reasons behind this are as follows:
1.
Hormones: Pregnancy related hormones cause the
ligaments to soften and joints to become loose. This is to accommodate the
growing foetus and subsequent labor.
2.
Weight gain: The back needs to support your pregnant
belly which puts additional stresses on the joint
3.
Postural changes: There is increase in lumbar lordosis,
tendency to go into sway. Additionally with the breasts getting bigger, the
pregnant mommy-to-be can go into a slouch posture. All these changes can
contribute to back pain.
Studies have also shown that in females with history of back
pain prior to getting pregnant, back pain can start earlier in the pregnancy.
Types of back pain experienced in pregnancy :( excluding
labor pains)
This is
localized low back pain located around the waist area at the centre of the
back. It may or may not also refer pain down the leg.(Also called Sciatica). It
is usually with prolonged postures (sitting, standing, lifting, repeated
movements). There may be tenderness around lower back muscles.
2.
Posterior pelvic pain:
This
condition is 4 times more common than low back pain. The expected mother
usually experiences a deep pain below and to the sides of the waist as well as
across the tailbone area. In severe cases, it may extend to both buttocks and
upper part of the thigh. But it is usually never radiates below the knees.
There may or may not be associated pubic bone pain. This pain maybe aggravated
by:
a.
Rolling in bed
b.
Rising from seated position (getting out of car/tub/commode/bed)
c.
Walking
d.
Running
e.
Staircase climbing
f.
Forward bending
g.
Twisting
h.
Lifting
Tips to avoid back pain:
1.
Maintain good posture at all times.
2.
Do the exercises as approved by your doctor.
3.
Squat to pick things
4.
Wear comfortable footwear
5.
Consider using a support belt after discussing with
your medical provider.
In Spite of back pain being a very common problem issue
during pregnancy, it should definitely not be accepted as a part of pregnancy.
It is essential to seek treatment for the same at the earliest and the
guidelines need to be followed throughout the rest of the pregnancy and even post-delivery
while nursing and taking care of the new-born.