Back Pain In pregnancy
Is back pain common in pregnancy?
Yes, one to two-thirds of pregnant women will experience back pain to some degree especially at the later end of pregnancy.1 It is more common in women who have pre-existing back pain or suffer from back pain in previous pregnancies.
Why does back pain happen in pregnancy?
There are several reasons why back pain happens during pregnancy:
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy could lead to joint laxity, muscle and ligament weakness
- The extra weight and fluid retention places more stresses on the back
- Changes in posture during pregnancy.
Disc herniation is a rare cause of back pain during pregnancy.2 Ask your doctor for further treatment regarding this.
How should I care for my back during pregnancy?
- Wear proper supporting shoes i.e low heeled but not flat with a good arch support
- Avoid lifting heavy objects if you still need to get help from others and lift the objects properly.
- Ensure you are sleeping on a good firm supporting mattress
- Sleep on the side with pillows between your knees to provide support and relief from back pain.
- Apply heat, cold or massage to the painful area
- Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Take breaks in between.3
What treatment could I have for my back pain during pregnancy?
- Rest. Lie on your side with your knees and hips bent. A pillow could be placed beneath your tummy to support your uterus or in between your legs to relief to stress on your back.
- Back exercises. Ask your doctor regarding any exercise which could strengthen your trunk muscles to stabilize your spine so that you could relieve your back pain.
- See a physiotherapist to get a support belt.
- Swimming could give some relief.
- Medication to relieve your back pain. Paracetamol is safe in pregnancy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) should be avoided in pregnancy. If the pain is still not relieved, your doctor may prescribe you with a stronger analgesia which is suitable in pregnancy.
When should I contact my doctor?
- Severe back pain interfering with your daily activities and sleep
- Back pain associated with lower abdominal cramping. This may be due to contractions.
Will the back pain go off after pregnancy?
In most patients the back pain will ease off after delivery.
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REFERENCES:
1. Wang SM, Dezinno P, Maranets I, et al. Low back pain during pregnancy: prevalence, risk factors and outcomes. Obstet Gynaecol 2004; 104:65
2. Chan YL, Lam WW, Lau TK, et al. Back pain in pregnancy- magnetic resonance imaging correlation. Clin Radiol 2002; 57:1109
3. Easing back pain during pregnancy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Washington DC, 1997.
