Feb 22
This is an extract from various Pregnancy Websites, the Credit for this work should be rightfully given to them, these websites are mentioned at the bottom of the post.
Note: All information on this blog is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor
Is it Common to have Back Ache during Second Trimester?
Backache is very common in pregnancy. About half of all pregnant women complain of backaches. Fortunately, there are lots of simple strategies you can use to ease the pain
Why Back Ache in 2nd Trimester ?
In the second trimester, your uterus becomes heavier, changing your center of gravity. Gradually — and perhaps without even noticing it — you will begin to adjust your posture and the ways in which you move.
Why do we get such back aches?
During pregnancy, the joints between your pelvic bones begin to soften and loosen in preparation for the baby to pass through your pelvis during birth.
Is there any other reasons?
Another contributor to back pain may be separation (diastasis) of the muscles along the front of the abdomen (the rectus abdominis muscles). These two parallel sheets of muscles run from the rib cage to the pubic bone. As the uterus expands, these muscles sometimes separate along the center seam, and back pain can then become worse.
As the baby grows, the hollow in your back may increase and this may cause you backache.
Also, due to the increased weight, the muscles in your back may have to work harder to support your balance, resulting in increased lower back pain
How do you prevent or ease back pain ?
Exercise. Sticking to an exercise program can solve a lot of your worries. Find out from your doctor what abdominal and back strengthening exercises are safe for you. Also, find out how long you can maintain your regular exercise program.
Swimming, for example, may be an excellent way to keep fit and relieve the stress on your back from the extra pregnancy weight. Water exercises also invariably work out the trunk muscles, as you use them to balance yourself while floating weightlessly.
Proper Picking up Posture, Girls! You’re walking down the hall when you spot your husband’s toolbox laying on the floor. Stop! Remember, when picking something up from the floor, bend your knees and keep your back straight. Always lift with your legs, never your back, keeping the heavy object close to your body at all times.
You can also try kneeling down on one knee with the other foot flat on the floor. Get as close to the renegade object as you can.
Don’t Be A Sitting Duck. Improper sitting positions will make you an easy target for back pain. Be sure to sit with your back straight and well supported. When you are seated, tuck a small, firm cushion in the small of your back. It will give you support and help relieve the aches you experience after you have been sitting for a while. Make sure that your chair has a straight back, arms and firm cushions.
When sitting, try not to cross your legs. This can aggravate your back pain and compromise the circulation in your extremities.
Showing Style. High-heeled shoes are so before-you-were-pregnant. Word to the fashionista: because of the extra weight you’re carrying, you’ll want to pack away uncomfortable footwear. Think flat, simple and comfortable.
Sleeping Arrangements A firm mattress will help relieve your back pain. If you don’t have a firm mattress, put a piece of hardboard under your current mattress.
Lying on your back puts 55 lbs. of pressure on your back. Placing a pillow under your knees cuts the pressure in half. Lying on your side with a pillow between your knees also reduces the pressure.
A Pillow is the Answer. Try a pregnancy pillow (see photos below). These popular full-body pillows provide great support for your head, shoulders, abdomen and legs. They promote healthier circulation and can reduce head, neck and back pain. These special pillows soothe aching muscles and also ensure proper spinal alignment. After the arrival of your baby, lie back and use it as a nursing pillow.
Wear a Support Belt. A pregnancy support belt gently lifts the abdomen without squeezing and encourages a more erect posture. Proven to be safe, these popular belts can dramatically reduce or even eliminate lower back pain caused by the strains of pregnancy. These belts are comfortable and fully adjustable.
Pamper Yourself. While a birthday lets you be “Queen of the Day,” pregnancy means people will tolerate you lavishing yourself with tender loving care for a whole nine months. Pampering yourself, even if it’s just getting more rest, can mean reduced back pain.
Ask your partner or a friend to massage your back — remember though that some aromatherapy oils can be dangerous for the baby. Instead, use baby oil to rub your aches away. Also, make sure you get enough rest, especially later on in your pregnancy. Lastly, try not to stand for long periods of time. If you have to, keep one foot up on a stool with your knee bent to prevent strain on your lower back.
About Weight Gain. Don’t gain more than the recommended amount of weight. Nine months of carrying extra weight gain will take its toll on your back. If you’re already a bit over the suggested gain, be sure to make up for it with added rest.
If none of these measures bring relief, your doctor may recommend special back strengthening exercises or classes for pregnant women.
All the above Information are extracts from the Following Websites :-
