TRANSCRIPT
Dr. Randall
During your pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimester, you may get backaches because your muscles are being stretched and overworked. As your pregnancy progresses, your back muscles are helping to hold up your growing abdomen. Hormones can cause ligaments to relax and joints to loosen, which can also lead to lower back pain.
There are several things that you can do to help reduce lower back pain during your pregnancy.
- Use proper body mechanics
- Keep your back straight and your head up
- When bending to pick something up, bend from your knees, not your waist
- When sitting, place a small pillow behind your lower back for support
- Avoid lifting heavy objects by yourself
- Avoid standing for long periods of time
- Sleep on a firm mattress, or place a board between your mattress and box spring
- Sleep on your side and place a pillow between your legs
- Gently massage your lower back or apply hot or cold compresses
- Soak in a warm, but not hot, bathtub
- Take a warm shower with a pulsating or heavy stream aimed at your lower back
- Talk with your provider about over-the-counter pain medications, if needed
- Consider a maternity girdle for support, and
- Wear flat or low-heeled shoes that provide arch support
Be sure to contact your healthcare team if you experience:
- Severe pain
- Intermittent pain
- Burning with urination
- Vaginal bleeding, or
- Tingling or numbness in your lower legs