Lower back pain during pregnancy - especially during the last trimester - is a very common condition. As your belly grows, the extra weight added to the front of the body can become quite hard on the lower back, since the muscles and ligaments have more work to do to support the body. Back pain in pregnancy can be very uncomfortable, and can affect the woman's sleep patterns and daily activity level. Often this lower back pain an radiate to the upper back, or even shoulders.
What Causes Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy?
The most common and obvious reasons for lower back pain during pregnancy is the added weight being carried in the front as the baby grows. This gradual increase in weight in the belly can put pressure on the lower back muscles and ligaments. The added weight in the front can throw off a pregnant woman's posture, which can further complicate matters and cause further pain and discomfort. Many pregnant women in this position tend to try to counter this altered weight distribution by arching their back and putting their pelvis forward in order to offset this imbalance.
Pregnant women may also develop lumbar back discomfort from excessive and prolonged sitting and/or standing. Because of this shift in the distribution of body weight, standing or sitting for too long can aggravate the condition.
It is important for pregnant women who are getting close to their due date to distinguish between lower back pain from muscular tension and actual labor pain. Many women experience "back labor", in which a majority of the pain they feel during all stages of labor is felt predominantly in the back. With general back discomfort, the pain can start from the lumbar area and then spread to the upper back. During labor, the back pain felt will stay near the bottom, and radiate around to the front of the abdominal area.
Treatment and Remedies For Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy
Treatment for this condition generally involves being conscious of certain postures that are assumed, and adjusting them accordingly. For example, pregnant women really should not be standing for long periods of time, since that added weight in the front will put the back muscles under unnecessary strain. Sitting in a certain position for too long is not a good idea either, unless constant adjustments are made while the pregnant women is sitting. When laying down, it is best to lie on your side in order for the weight to be distributed away from the spine.
If the pain is severe and unbearable, one should seek medical attention for more invasive treatment options.
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