Low back pain during pregnancy is a very common problem among pregnant women. These pains can occur in the early stages or later in pregnancy.
You are wondering why pregnant mothers often suffer from low back pain? How can these pain be alleviated and can be prevented? If you have these concerns, please learn through the following article of aFamilyToday Health.
Low back pain (or lower back pain) is the medical term used to refer to pain in the lower part of the spine. The spine is made up of the vertebrae of the spine, the intervertebral disc, the spinal cord (containing nerves), muscles and ligaments. The muscles in the back and abdomen support the spine.
Pain in the lower back can sometimes only occur in the lower back or may spread up or down to the legs. In general, low back pain, except for serious diseases, is often related to posture and strength of the back and abdominal muscles.
There are many reasons why pregnant mothers suffer from low back pain during pregnancy. Common causes include:
The growing fetus over time also makes the ligaments of the spine (lumbar region) stretch. Due to this change, more back muscles, adjacent joints and ligaments have to work, leading to lower back pain.
As you know the back muscles that support our spine. Weak abdominal muscles put additional pressure on the spine, so the back muscles have to work harder to keep the spine straight. As the mother's abdomen gets bigger and bigger, the abdominal muscles become weaker, causing more strain on the muscles, joints and ligaments in the back, leading to low back pain.
During pregnancy, the mother's body will release the hormone relaxin. This is a hormone that works to make the cervix and the muscles in the pelvic area relax so that the process of labor and birth is smooth. Ligaments and joints relax under the action of relaxin, causing low back pain in pregnant women.
The condition of the abdominal and hip muscles being stretched when the abdomen is constantly growing is also the reason that contributes to the lower back pain during pregnancy.
The lumbar spine is bent when the pregnant mother's abdomen grows bigger and bigger, causing the neural tube to narrow. This causes the nerves passing through the lumbar spine to be pinched, causing lower back pain.
As the fetus grows, the center of the pregnant mother 's body shifts forward. This situation can make pregnant mothers fall easily. To prevent the risk of falling and help keep balance, the spine and other parts of the body have a mechanism to try to self-regulate. This change of the body puts more pressure on the back and other areas, which in turn leads to lower back pain.
The mother elected to stand or sit for a long time or lie incorrectly can also cause pain in the lower back.
Women with multiple pregnancies experience more back pain and lower back pain than single pregnant women, especially those with weak abdominal muscles.
Pregnant women who are overweight have a higher risk of back pain than pregnant women with standard weight. The reason is that the spine of the pregnant mother is not only affected by the weight of the whole body, but also affected by the weight of the growing fetus. This puts pressure on the spine, especially the lumbar spine, increasing lower back pain.
Invite you to refer to the article How much should the mother's weight during conception be? to know a woman's standard weight before conception for a healthy pregnancy.
Tension during pregnancy can also be one of the factors that make pregnant women suffer from low back pain.
In order to limit and help control low back pain, pregnant women should:
Try to practice good posture by keeping your body straight, your shoulders straight, and not bending your knees, and keeping your body relaxed.
When standing, always keep your feet at a reasonable distance to create a stable stance.
Avoid standing or sitting or lying down for too long. When sitting, pregnant mothers should put a pillow behind their back to support the lumbar region and put their feet on a low chair. When sleeping or resting, pregnant mothers should lie on their side, avoid lying on their backs. In addition, pregnant mothers should put a pillow between their legs to feel more comfortable.
Use a belly support belt to support the abdominal muscles.
Avoid wearing high heels, which can alter your balance so you tend to fall forward and fall more easily. In addition, pregnant mothers should also avoid using shoes that are too flat. Choose footwear with a curved arched sole for better foot bone support.
Avoid bending forward. When you have to lift heavy objects, you should squat, keep your back straight, and stand up slowly.
Maintain physical activities such as walking, light cycling, and simple chores. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and increases flexibility. That can reduce the stress on your spine. Safe exercises for most pregnant women include walking, swimming and cycling. An obstetrician or a physical therapist may recommend exercises to strengthen your back and abdomen.
Consult your doctor for free exercise, gentle stretching and practice them regularly.
If low back pain, pregnant mothers can go to hospitals with traditional medicine departments to examine, consult and conduct acupuncture. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in reducing back pain during pregnancy.
Warm compresses or massages can also be very helpful in helping pregnant mothers relieve pain.
Use a sturdy mattress with good elasticity for sleep.
Pregnant mothers with low back pain during pregnancy should see a doctor if they have one of the following conditions:
So hurt
High fever
The pain gets worse or starts suddenly
The throbbing pain
Difficulty urinating, burning when urinating
Vaginal bleeding
The limbs feel pain like needles ...
In rare cases, severe back pain can be related to problems such as: osteoporosis related to pregnancy, osteoarthritis or septic arthritis, urinary tract infection ... Rhythmic pain may be a sign of preterm labor. So if you run into any of these problems, go to the hospital to have your doctor checked and make an accurate diagnosis.
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