Back Pain During Pregnancy

Approximately three out of four women have some type of back pain during pregnancy. For some, the symptoms begin early in the pregnancy, during the first trimester, and may occur intermittently until delivery. Over 50% of patients have pain during the last 3 months and the exact causes have not been determined. Recent studies show that women who have had multiple pregnancies, a greater weight gain, with a previous history of back pain, were the most likely to experience this pain again with a subsequent pregnancy.

The causes are believed to be due to:
• Change in body posture
• Poor body mechanics
• Muscle fatigue
• Hormones that cause the connective tissue in ligaments, especially in the pelvic region, to relax..
• Sciatica type pain may appear in the second or third trimester and it is believed to be caused by pressure of the baby on the sciatic nerve.
• Excessive weight gain is also believed to be a contributing factor.

The following activities seem to cause or increase back pain:
• Standing or walking for more than 30 minutes
• Standing on one leg
• Climbing stairs
• Bending forward
• Stepping in or out of bed
• Turning over in bed
• Driving for more than 30 minutes
• Poor posture such as sitting slumped at a computer
• Carrying a baby on one hip
• Wearing shoes that throw the weight backwards
• Carrying heavy bags, packages, or boxes

Treatment
• A pelvic belt may be prescribed
• Regular exercise and conditioning exercises such as walking, swimming, bicycling
• Moist heat and cold packs help relieve back pain
• Any medication, including over-the–counter ones, should only be taken under a physician’s care.
• Bedrest or increased rest periods when having back pain
• Massage may be recommended by the physician.

Prevention
• Avoid excessive weight gain during the pregnancy
• Maintain good posture
• Practicing proper body mechanics
• An exercise program to strengthen the back
• Wear low heeled shoes

Back pain is not usually persistent during the entire pregnancy and the good news is that it usually disappears after delivery.