Easing Back Pain During Pregnancy

Just as you begin to fall in love with that bump housing your beautiful baby it just might grow big enough – and heavy enough – to cause you back pain.

While over-the-counter pain relievers are the obvious go-to for women who are not pregnant, we aren’t 100% clear on what the long-term effects of these are on developing fetuses.  Thus, we recommend women try to relieve pregnancy back pain as naturally as possible, only using over the counter options when advised by a healthcare provider.

Tips for Natural Relief for Pregnancy Back Pain:

Here are some of the most successful, natural pain relievers for our patients who experience pregnancy back pain.

Take a prenatal yoga class

There are many reasons why we would recommend taking a prenatal yoga class – and relieving back pain (along with most other pregnancy-related aches, pains and discomforts) is one of them. Yoga does all kinds of wonderful things like building strength, flexibility and stamina to support you during labor and delivery, as well as teaching you important poses to help your regain post-partum pelvic strength and tone.

Focus on good posture

Poor posture is a sure way to develop back pain, pregnancy or not. When you’re pregnant, however, posture is even more important since the body carries so much extra weight.

Hit the pool

Swimming and water exercises are other forms of pregnancy-safe exercises that support your body (it feels blissful to float with a pregnant belly).

When your body is buoyantly suspended in water, the spine is relieved of all  extra pressure. This relief can decrease inflammation impacting compressed nerves. Plus, the rhythmic breathing and meditative state of mind inherent in swimming are a relaxing benefit too.

Support the spine while you sleep

While you may feel like the pain is worst while you’re up and about during the day, the worst damage done to your back may be taking place while you’re sleeping – or trying to sleep – if the spine isn’t properly supported.

Since most pregnant women sleep on their sides, you can fold a thick towel length-wise and lay it perpendicular to your body at the point where your spine “sags” the most while lying down.  Placing a wedge or a correctly-sized/proportioned pillow under your belly can also help when lying on your side.

Try ear (auricular) acupuncture (or acupuncture in general)

Many studies show that one-week of consecutive auricular acupuncture relieves back and pelvic discomfort during pregnancy. More traditional acupuncture can be used as well.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes

Don’t let your penchant for fashion get in the way of physical comfort.  Tight or restrictive clothing, high-heels, shoes without proper cushioning and support – all will affect your pelvis and back. There is always a way to look both fashionable without contributing to back pain or other pregnancy discomforts.

Did you just find out you’re pregnant? Visit us here at Women’s Care Group and see if we are the right fit for you and your baby. Our team of OBs will do our best to provide the most comfortable pregnancy, labor and delivery for you both.