8 Ways to Avoid Back Pain During Pregnancy - Dr Ganesh Navaneedhan

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8 Ways to Avoid Back Pain During Pregnancy
By Dr Ganesh Navaneedhan
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Introduction
Many pregnant women experience achy backs due to
the increased weight of their stomachs and the
strain on their spines. The body produces
relaxation during pregnancy. This hormone helps
prepare the body to give birth. Relaxin causes
the body to loosen its ligaments, which makes
pregnant women more vulnerable to injury,
particularly in the back. Back discomfort is
typical during pregnancy, particularly in the
latter months. Back discomfort during pregnancy
may be pretty distressing. However, dont ignore
your aches and pains as a regular aspect of your
illness. Consider the several things you may take
to prevent or alleviate back discomfort during
pregnancy.
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Reasons for Backpain

• Weight fluctuations, pregnancy hormones, and a
  change in posture can all contribute to back pain
  during pregnancy.
• Pregnancy hormone changes produce ligament
  laxity, particularly where the pelvis and spine
  meet. This occurs to prepare the infant for
  passage via the birth canal, however, it can
  cause joint instability and back discomfort.
• As the babys weight grows, so does the strain on
  the spine and pelvic regions. During pregnancy,
  most women gain between 25 and 35 pounds.
• Because your uterus expands during pregnancy,
  your centre of gravity shifts, causing postural
  alterations and putting strain on your back.

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Diagnosis of Back Pain

• The hazards to the growing foetus can restrict
  the ability to diagnose back pain during
  pregnancy. Because of these concerns, clinicians
  are often hesitant to perform imaging
  examinations on pregnant women.
• The best way to diagnose back pain symptoms is to
  take a comprehensive history of the symptoms and
  then do a full examination to examine the
  functioning of the spinal muscles, joints, and
  nerves.
• X-ray examinations are avoided throughout foetal
  development, with the foetus most vulnerable
  between 8 and 15 weeks. Because of the high
  dosage exposure to the foetus, fluoroscopy and CT
  scans are nearly generally avoided entirely.
• MRI imaging can be conducted more safely during
  pregnancy, however, MRIs are still avoided due to
  some potential risks.

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Ways for Preventing and alleviating back
discomfort during pregnancy
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Exercise

• Regular physical exercise can help to strengthen
  the muscles that support your back and legs, as
  well as improve flexibility and posture.
• Try mild movements that are not painful.
• Physical therapy programmes emphasise improving
  posture as well as increasing range of motion,
  flexibility, and muscular strength.

Lift correctly

• Avoid lifting too much weight or seek assistance
  when lifting big goods.
• If you have to lift something, do not lean over
  from the waist.
• Use your legs to lift. Squat with your legs bent
  and your back straight.

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Avoid wearing high heels

• Wear arch-supporting low-heeled shoes. High heels
  and flat shoes should be avoided. To assist treat
  low back discomfort, your doctor may advise you
  to use specific shoe insoles.

Think about complementary techniques

• Make sure you first receive permission from your
  doctor.
• Meditation and other relaxation techniques,
  acupuncture, massage, osteopathic manipulative
  therapy, and chiropractic treatments with a
  practitioner specialising in pregnancy are all
  deemed safe.

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Sleep on your left side

• Sleep on your side with one or both legs bent.
• A cushion between your legs and another under
  your tummy might also assist.
• Make sure you get adequate sleep as well.

Wearing braces

• Wear a pregnancy support belt for extra-abdominal
  and back support.
• Place a little cushion behind your lower back or
  sit in seats with sufficient back support.

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Cold packs

• To relieve back discomfort, use a heating pad
  covered in a towel to avoid burns.
• Apply for a maximum of 20 minutes.
• Back pain can also be relieved by using cold
  packs.

Posture

• Maintain proper posture.
• Stand or sit up straight.
• Long durations of sitting or standing should be
  avoided.
• If you must stand for an extended period of
  time, place one foot on a stool or a box to
  relieve back tension.

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Conclusion
After having delivery, back discomfort normally
goes away on its own. Contact your doctor if you
develop back discomfort that lasts more than two
weeks throughout your pregnancy. Your doctor can
confirm or rule out anything more serious, as
well as provide medical or other therapies.
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Contact Us !
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Thank you!
By Dr Ganesh Navaneedhan