Back pain in pregnancy
Back pain during pregnancy is almost a certainty rather than a side effect of being pregnant.
Let’s immediately make a brief distinction, as there are three types of back pain that can affect women both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
Lumbar pain
The pain extends from the height of the lumbar vertebrae down to the leg or even to the feet. Lumbar pain increases when you do sedentary work or if you repeat movements during the day.
Pain in the pelvis and pubis
The pain may extend from the pelvic floor towards the back or from the pelvic floor towards the pubis. This type of pain increases when walking, climbing stairs, changing positions in bed.
Chest pain
After giving birth, it is not uncommon for mothers to feel pain in the center of the chest, between the shoulder blades due to breast augmentation, incorrect position during breastfeeding. Carrying the baby in your arms is often painful.
In pregnancy, with the weight of the belly, the way of walking that changes because the center of gravity is shifted, the effort of labor that adds up and tires all the muscles, the progesterone that relaxes the ligaments, the joints that hurt, they are all small aggravating factors that can increase or cause back pain.
Why does back pain occur?
The presence of relaxin . This hormone is produced during pregnancy and allows the abdominal muscles, pelvic muscles and ligaments in the pelvis to release tension in order to accommodate the changes of pregnancy. The uterus grows and must make room, during childbirth very open positions are assumed and the ligaments of the pelvis must loosen to allow them.
Center of gravity : as the belly grows, the center of gravity shifts, the body takes on a different potion, there is an accentuation of the lumbar curve, the toes turn outward when walking because the belly throws the weight forward. This attitude causes the constant contraction of the abdominal and back muscles and therefore pain.
Weight gain : the weight of the growing uterus, of the newborn, of the amniotic fluid, of the extra kg aggravate the work of the spine and this favors the onset of back pain especially at the end of pregnancy and for each kg gained more than due.
tiring work, forced postures such as sitting or standing for a long time, shoes with uncomfortable heels or no heels, emotional stress, they are all due to muscle tension in the back of the body.
Obviously a back pain present during pregnancy does not go away with the simple birth of the baby but remains and can be accentuated and pain in the pelvic floor and headaches are added.
Pelvic floor pain is felt because throughout the pregnancy and especially when there is a spontaneous birth, these very important muscles are stressed, sometimes they tear and it is essential even in the case of a caesarean section, a visit to the osteopath and a good pelvic rehabilitation.
And what does the headache have to do with it, you’ll say?! There is an effort headache. When the body is subjected to strong muscle tension, headaches can occur.
Try to follow this video with some exercises to relieve back pain that can help you if practiced daily and also tips to keep fit during pregnancy .
Natural remedies
Also in this case there are good natural remedies!
Make poultices of clay : it has an anti-inflammatory power on headaches and back pain. You can buy the tube of cream prepared at the pharmacy directly or make it yourself by adding water to the powdered clay. Apply to the area, cover with a cloth and wait for it to dry. Then wash the area thoroughly.
Swimming
Let’s not forget that swimming is an excellent ally , if done with the necessary precautions and modifications of positions. Also in this case, let a midwife or a pool trainer who knows the problems of pregnancy and post-pregnancy follow you.
And maybe, continuing over time, you can let your baby accompany you on baby swimming.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.