Expecting a Child? Expect Also These Changes:

So you're expecting a child soon! That's wonderful! You may have just gotten the news, or be approaching the big day, but regardless, you are probably going through quite a bit of physical change and discomfort. Low-back pain is one of the most common afflictions experienced during pregnancy. More than 50% of pregnant women go through a period of low-back pain at some point. The causes are both chemical and physical, as your hormones and center of gravity undergo significant change. Many women are shocked that they feel back pain so early in their pregnancy.

The first hormone that causes low-back pain in early pregnancy is progesterone. This hormone is essential for proper implantation and gestation of the embryo. However, it also softens the ligaments and disks in your back. Spasms or cramps in your lower back may result, as this process limits the amount of support provided to your upper body.

The hormone relaxin is increasingly produced in your body as your pregnancy progresses. As you might guess, relaxin serves to relax the joints in your body, specifically the pelvis. This provides the baby with enough room to pass through the birth canal during labor and delivery. On the other hand, inflammation and pain may result, as the hormone can cause abnormal movement of other joints in the body. Low-back pain may also result from the changes caused in pregnancy by your growing fetus. As your fetus increases in size and your uterus expands, your abdominal muscles are required to stretch far past their usual capacity to make way for the extra growth. The outcome of this is that your abdominal muscles become unable to help maintain proper body posture. Consequently, your lower back supports the extra weight from your torso. Your pregnancy can dramatically change your center of gravity. In the course of a typical pregnancy, the average woman gains roughly 7 – 8 pounds of weight from the baby itself, 1– 2 pounds of just placenta, 2 pounds of uterine tissue, and another 2 pounds of amniotic fluid! On the other hand, inflammation and pain may result, as the hormone can cause abnormal movement of other joints in the body.

Back pain is a serious issue, and should always be approached as such, regardless of how common it is in pregnancy. Some people find that back pain is the result of an underlying condition, such as an injury from an accident. In order to avoid the risks associated with this issue, you should always mention any low-back pain with your chiropractor. A low, dull backache, that comes and goes in rhythmic waves, might be a sign of labor. Often women have what is called “back labor.” Severe back pain and fever may indicate an infection, though you may still have an infection without a fever.

There are several effective methods to prevent and manage low-back pain during pregnancy:
Exercises that work primarily on stretching — pelvic tilts, for example.
Standing up straight and tall, keeping your shoulders properly down and back, and curling your buttocks under your spine — which is to say, making sure you have good posture. Make a point not to stand for extended periods of time, though, if you can't avoid it, try elevating one foot on something like a small box or low step stool. Put a small pillow behind your lower back when you're sitting.
Do not be tempted to wear high-heeled shoes. Flat shoes with good arch support will be far healthier for your back.

To give yourself a little bit of extra support, make an effort to find maternity pants with a wide elastic band worn under the belly. Maternity belts, girdles specifically designed for use by pregnant women, can be found in maternity and healthcare stores. Check in with your insurance company to see if they're covered, when prescribed by your healthcare provider.

When you go to bed, try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your legs, on a good, firm mattress. This will give your back more support than a softer one. A pillow specially designed for pregnant women, a maternity pillow, is a good tool to take strain off the lower back.
Lift objects using your legs, and not your back. Try not to lift heavy objects at all. Take big loads in smaller chunks, rather than all at once.

Stay active! Find out if walking or swimming will work for you by consulting with your healthcare provider.
Maybe your partner or friend is able to give you an occasional massage. They can gently rub or knead the sore spots on your lower back. Consider contacting a masseuse who specializes with pregnant women. Warm your back up and get it relaxed with a heating pad that you set as low as it can go, a comfortable, warm bath, or getting on your hands and knees in the shower, to allow the warm water to strike your lower back.

A safe and potentially beneficial choice is chiropractic care, which many women have found beneficial. Look into the option with your doctor. You may be like some women, and find some relief from acupuncture. Again, talk with your chiropractor and see if it's the right choice.
Pain relievers whose active ingredient is acetominophen, including Tylenol, are safe for use by pregnant women.

Be extremely aware of your changing body as you progress through your pregnancy, regardless of particular symptoms. Get used to thinking for two — don't let any unusual symptoms slip by like you might in normal circumstances. You will likely be shocked by the amount of physical change you experience in pregnancy, in spite of the mountains of reading you might have done. This is how it's supposed to be. Just pay close attention, take care with low-back pain, and cherish the experience of expecting your child!