Easing Back Pains During Pregnancy

Filed in archive Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms , Third Trimester on September 14, 2008

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Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Meredith Mullins

What's the greatest all-time complaint among pregnant women, particularly in the last trimester? You got it- back pain! The increasing weight in front shifts your center of gravity and changes the way you stand, walk and move. You tend to arch your back to compensate for the weight in front. In addition, the hormonal changes, which losens up your muscles and joints in preparation to childbirth, also contributes to the pains.

Here are some tips from Dr. Hope Ricciotti, Director of OBGYN at the Dimock Center, to help alleviate back pains during pregnancy:

"Try sleeping with a pillow under your knees," advises Dr. Ricciotti. "Warm showers and massage will help. And acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used during pregnancy."

"High heels definitely make it worse, so wear low shoes," she continues. "And avoid sitting for long periods. If you have to sit for a long period of time, like at work, try putting a stool under your feet and take frequent breaks to get up and walk around."

The same goes for preventing low back pain in the first place. "The same things you do to treat back pain can help with prevention," says Dr. Ricciotti. "Avoid high heels, use pillows for support when sleeping, stretch. And be careful with heavy lifting."

Take heart, it's not going to last forever! As soon you deliver your baby, the pressure to your back will be gone almost immediately!