By Abid Hussain

The Aches and Pains of Pregnancy

Women with pre-existing back pain prior to pregnancy have an easier time adjusting to the discomfort as the pregnancy develops. Proper medical advice and treatment can prevent back pain from becoming a complication when labor occurs.

Causes of Pregnancy Back Pain

Two categories of back pain during pregnancy are caused by:

1.) Strained ligaments, muscles, discs and joints - caused by poor posture, incorrect lifting methods, weak or taut muscles, or injury, this type of back pain can occur with people even before pregnancy. A minority of pregnant women may experience symptoms of sciatica during the course of their pregnancy. Other symptoms include tingling, weakness, backaches, and pain traveling down one leg. 2.) Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) - this back pain is pregnancy-related and may need to be treated differently from standard back pain. A majority of pregnant women who experience back pain during pregnancy suffer from this ailment.

Preventing Back Pain

By making sure the body is fit and healthy before getting pregnant can help prevent back pain. Even if pregnancy has already occurred, keeping fit is still possible through exercise specially tailored for pregnant women (refer to antenatal fitness portion). These exercises can lower the risks of developing pregnancy-related back pain. Women unaccustomed to exercise are advised to take it slow.

Ways to Alleviate Back Pain

Massage performed by a massage therapist, a midwife, or a physiotherapist may further relieve back pain.

4.) Wearing a support belt - a maternity or support belt can help hold up the baby’s weight, easing the strain on the stomach and back muscles.

6.) Strength and stability exercises - exercises involving the pelvis and lower abdominals can strengthen back and stomach muscles to help support the baby’s weight. 7.) Having a good posture - this helps particularly if pain symptoms are centred on the tailbone, or coccyx. 8.) Aqua-natal classes - according to research, these water exercises can significantly decrease pregnancy-related back pain.