You’ve been praying for a baby for months, and now you’re finally pregnant. But nobody told you the amount of pain you would have to go through.
Of course you’re happy; the pain would end in glory when you eventually get delivered of your baby. Right now, however, your back aches unbearably. Why?
Pregnant women frequently experience back pain. Although it shows that your baby is growing, it can still be difficult to endure. Below are possible reasons you feel the pain:
1. Weight gain
The most obvious sign of pregnancy to outsiders is weight gain. Not just because of your protruding belly, but also because your hips begin to widen, and you generally become fatter, gaining about 25 pounds. Your spine has to carry all that weight, which may cause lower back pain. Despite that, the weight of the growing fetus alone is enough to put pressurize the blood vessels and nerves in the back.
2. Hormone changes
We know that the body releases lots of hormones during pregnancy to aid the entire process, one of which is relaxing. Relaxing causes the ligaments in the pelvis to relax, as well as loosen the joints in preparation for delivery. It also causes ligaments supporting the spine to loosen, causing instability and pain.
3. Muscle separation
As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus, some muscles may begin to separate, most especially the rectus abdominis muscles. From the rib cage to the pelvic bone, two parallel sheets of muscles run, separating along the center. Of course, the separation causes back pain.
4. Posture changes
Have you heard of center of gravity? It is the point where a person’s mass is concentrated. In the body, the center of gravity is around the abdomen. However, pregnancy shifts center of gravity. As a result, you may slowly begin to change your posture, which would undoubtedly cause back pain.
Not to worry, there are a handful of tips you can try in order to reduce the back pain your little bundle of joy would undoubtedly cause you.
- When lifting or picking something up from the floor, bend your knees and keep your back straight.
- Avoid any activity that requires lots of strength and strain.
- To avoid twisting your spine, move your feet when you turn.
- Rather than heels, opt for flat shoes.
- Ensure your back is straight and well-supported (preferably by maternity pillows) while sitting.
- You should get plenty of rest each day throughout the pregnancy.
- Sleep on a mattress that supports you properly.
- Regularly stretch your lower back.
- Avoid standing for long periods.
- Avoid sleeping on your abdomen.
- Practice gentle exercises regularly.
