Low back pain in pregnancy first trimester is a common thing. There are various things that can be the cause, ranging from weight gain to stress. However, the good news is that there are also many ways to treat back pain during pregnancy.”
During pregnancy, changes that occur in the body may make pregnant women experience a number of discomforts. Well, one of the most common complaints experienced by many pregnant women is back pain. Usually, these complaints begin to appear in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Back pain during pregnancy is a common thing. However, this condition needs to be addressed immediately. Back pain has the potential to interfere with the comfort of pregnant women in the long term.
Well, by knowing the causes of back pain during pregnancy, pregnant women are expected to be able to find ways to overcome these complaints.
Read also: Questions To Ask Doctor When Pregnant First Visit
Causes of Back Pain During Pregnancy
Here are some possible causes of low back pain in pregnancy first trimester:
- Weight Gain
During pregnancy, women will usually experience a weight gain of about 11-15 kilograms. Well, the spine must support the load. This is what causes pregnant women to be prone to back pain. In addition, the weight of the baby and the growing uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back.
- Posture Changes
Pregnancy also makes the center of gravity of the mother’s body shift. As a result, pregnant women may unknowingly begin to gradually adjust their posture and way of walking. This can cause back pain or tension in the area.
- Hormone Changes
During pregnancy, the mother’s body produces a hormone called relaxin which allows the ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation for labor. The same hormone causes the ligaments that support the spine to loosen, causing instability and pain.
- Muscle Split
As the uterus expands, the two parallel pieces of muscle (rectal abdominal muscles) that run from the ribs to the pubic bone may separate along the midline of the body. This muscle separation can make back pain worse.
- Stress
Stress can also cause pregnant women to experience back pain. This is because stress causes muscle tension in the back of the body, which is felt as back pain or back cramps. Pregnant women are also more likely to experience back pain during the stressful period of pregnancy.
How to Overcome Back Pain During Pregnancy
The good news low back pain in pregnancy first trimester will usually subside gradually before you give birth. Meanwhile, there are many ways that mothers can do to overcome, prevent, or relieve back pain:
- Exercising
Exercising regularly strengthens the muscles and increases the flexibility of pregnant women. This healthy habit also helps relieve stress on the mother’s spine. Various choices of types of exercise that mothers can do during pregnancy are leisurely walking, swimming, or static cycling. Your doctor or physical therapist may recommend exercises to strengthen your back and abdomen.
- Alternately Applying Hot and Cold Compress
Alternately applying hot and cold compresses can also help relieve back pain during pregnancy. However, this must be done with the approval of a gynecologist. Place a cold compress on the sore waist area for up to 20 minutes several times a day. Then, after two or three days, replace it with a hot compress on the affected area. Be careful not to apply hot compresses to the abdomen during pregnancy.
- Improve Posture
Having a stooped posture when walking or sitting can stretch the spine which makes pregnant women prone to back pain. So, maintaining good posture while working, sitting, or sleeping is a good way to prevent back pain. For example, when sitting at a table, place support behind your back, put your feet on a short stool, and sit up straight with your shoulders back.
- Avoid Lifting Heavy Weights
If pregnant women want to take things that are under pregnant women, do it properly and slowly. Squat first by bending your knees, then pick up things and then stand back up by slowly straightening your legs. Remember, do not take things by bending at the waist.
- Wear the Right Shoes
Pregnant women are not recommended to wear high heels or shoes that are really flat. Experts recommend pregnant women to wear heels 5 centimeters to keep the body in the right balance.
- Calm down
If pregnant women’s back pain is caused by stress, do things that can have a relaxing effect and calm the mind. Pregnant women can also try to join a prenatal yoga class that will calm the mind and back of pregnant women.
Well, that’s why pregnant women are prone to back pain. Pregnant women can also check the need for drugs and vitamins to treat back pain during pregnancy. However, remember, make sure pregnant women talk about it with their doctor before taking any medicine.