6th February 2007

Lower Back Pain in Early Pregnancy

For some women, lower back pain is the first sign that they might be pregnant.

It's very common for pregnant women to experience back pain, with only around 20-40% of women experiencing none.

If you're pregnant, back pain during your pregnancy is not a trivial matter and it can be frustrating to be told by your doctor that it's " normal "!

Not only does it cause discomfort, but it can limit your mobility, require bed rest and may make your delivery more difficult, though this is rare. 

It seems strange that women experience pain during the first trimester, and it's thought to be related to the hormonal changes taking place in the body.  Hormones affect the insertion point of ligaments to the bone, as there is a higher concentration of ligaments in the lower spine, this may explain why such pain is felt in early pregnancy.

It's also thought that alterations to the blood flow may affect the pelvic muscles and ligaments.

A small percentage of women may experience sciatica during pregnancy, which is usually felt as pain in the hip or the back of the leg.

It is thought that the sciatica may be unrelated to being pregnant and will need treatment from your health care provider or doctor.

In later pregnancy, the additional weight gain is a major contributory factor, causing a change in posture and the resulting strain on the ligaments and muscles.

Prevention

Making sure that you're fit and walking regularly before becoming pregnant may help.

During your pregnancy, taking regular exercise, watching your posture, avoiding heavy lifting and sharp movements can all help to protect you from problems.

Avoid standing for long periods, climbing up and down stairs, bending, driving long distances or carrying heavy bags full of shopping.

Treatment

When low back pain is seen to last for weeks or months during pregnancy, it can be followed by discomfort following the birth.

It's important to seek some relief or treatment during your pregnancy:-

Bed Rest - taking the strain off your back for a while by lying down can help promote recovery

Exercise is a simple way to achieve comfort and relief at this time.  Ask your health care provider for their recommendations on the exercises that are safe for you to carry out.  Building up strength, flexibility and stability can help reduce the strain on your lower back.

Massage - ask your husband or partner to gently massage the muscles on either side of your lower back.  If this seems effective, consider buying a book to further help your massage technique.

Medication - check with your physician before taking medication

Sleep with a pillow - under your stomach as your pregnancy develops.

Stretch - gentle stretches can help to reduce the discomfort of muscle spasm and restore movement.

Take classes - research has shown that aqua natal classes actually reduce back pain during pregnancy.

Visit your chiropractor or osteopath - whilst much modern medicine treats the symptoms, these alternative treatments go to the root cause of the problem.  It's been shown by recent research that chiropractic adjustments (to treat such problems as sacroiliac dysfunction) can be successful in relieving discomfort in the majority of cases.  Do ensure that your practitioner is experienced in dealing with pregnant women.

Warm bath - relaxing in a warm bath or in a hot shower can help relax muscles and reduce the feeling of tension.

Wear a supportive belt - in some cases your chiropractor or physician may recommend that you wear a belt to give additional support and provide relief.  This is usually only available on prescription.

Some of the best relief obtained is by combining one or more of the above treatment options, noteably medication and massage.

Always discuss your symptoms with your health care provider to be informed of any guidelines or restrictions that may be recommended.

It Will Go!

The good news is that

With thanks to photographer: Nils Fretwurst / Foto: Nils Fretwurst

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