Pregnancy is a wonderful 40 week long period in a woman's life which she spends in nurturing her unborn baby, in anticipation of its arrival. Like most events in life, pregnancy too has its ups and downs. An expectant mother has to go through so many physical, emotional and hormonal changes that affect her life tremendously. Back pain during pregnancy is one such unavoidable hurdle that plagues women during pregnancy.
Back pain in pregnancy is a result of the effects of the hormone progesterone.
An increase in the level of this hormone during pregnancy leads to a softening of the ligaments and discs in the expectant mother's body thus causing back pain in early pregnancy. Many women are also known to experience cramps and muscles spasms in the lower back as a result of these changes. In addition, the pressure exerted by the expanding uterus and the weight of the growing baby also causes a strain on the ligaments that hold the uterus in place.
This is also known to cause lower back pain in early pregnancy. With the passage of time, the uterus exerts pressure on the sciatic nerve as well, causing lower back pain and pain that travels down into the legs. The accumulation of gas in the abdominal region is another cause for abdominal and back pain during pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses, the expectant mother tends to tilt slightly backwards in order to balance the weight of her body thus causing increased strain on the back. In addition, women tend to sit, stand or walk awkwardly in an effort to be comfortable.
A suitable balance of wholesome food, sufficient physical exercise, good posture and adequate rest help in minimizing the severity of back pain during pregnancy. A good blend of various nutrients will provide the body with nourishment and energy to carry out its functions effectively. Smaller, easy to digest meals are better than heavy meals during pregnancy. Physical exercise in the form of walks and swimming are recommended ways of staying fit and keeping the muscles and ligaments flexible. Body posture during pregnancy also plays a vital role in reducing backaches. In addition, the usage of comfortable footwear and well fitting clothes also have a part to play in minimizing discomfort owing to lower back pain during pregnancy. Rest helps the body to recuperate from the strain caused by various activities during the day. It also helps to relax muscles and ligaments thus ensuring less aches and pains.
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