So, if you are pregnant or you know someone who is. Then you should know that 50% of pregnant women get back pain. What can you do about it? We may just have the answer.
1. Improve your posture
Maintaining good posture is important but as you gain weight this becomes increasingly difficult. A trick, which is not that well known is to make sure that your ears and your shoulders stay inline with each other. Also avoid locking your kness straight when you stand. These small adjustments make a far reaching postural change that can relieve back pain. Best checked by someone else as looking at yourself from the side in a mirror is impossible.
2. Avoid standing up. take more rest
Don’t be brave and stand up when you could be sitting. The hormone Relaxin courses through your system softening ligaments in preparation for the birth, hence weakening your postural support. Make sure you rest regularly. Use the priority seats if you use public transport; don't be afraid to ask.
Keep your face glowing with pregnancy pride, not a painful grimace. Your hourglass shape has gone for the time being so swapping your shape enhancing fashion belt for a pregnancy support belt makes loads of sense. A smaller pelvic belt is available to support your back after the birth.
4. Sleep with a pillow between your knees
Straddling a pillow at night may just provide the necessary support for your tired back and pelvis. Specially designed pregnancy pillows are widely available. Prices vary so shop around, and do it before or early on in the pregnancy as a day’s shopping is far less enjoyable when heavily pregnant.
5. Desk work make back pain in pregnancy worse
During pregnancy even the smallest problems with your setup at work and at home are amplified. What may have seemed OK before conceiving now hurts. Check your desk and seat height, angles and distances. You are also more prone to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome so it may be worth exploring alternatives to the conventional computer mouse such as an upright controller or a trackpad.
6. Have a warm bath
A warm bath may help ease back aches. Only warm though as a HOT bath may be stressful
for the baby. Baths are not suitable if you have acute or severe pain as this may
indicate the presence of inflammation, which is worsened by heat -
7. Go shopping for new shoes
Hahaa, sounds good doesn't it. Alas, your excitement is dashed as it won't be for
glamorous stilettos and kitten heels but something rather more sensible and supporting
(that word again!). As your weight increases and your centre of gravity shifts there
is a tendency for your foot arch to flatten putting huge strain though your knees,
hips and -
Any pre-
See also our ‘What? Why? and Who?’ page on pain in pregnancy.
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