Low back pain is a pain in the lumbar area. More than half of pregnant women suffer this pain, mainly at the end of the second and during the third trimester of pregnancy. It is normal to suffer it, so do not worry. We will tell you why it occurs and how you can prevent its appearance!
Why does low back pain occur?
It is produced by the compression of nerve roots that produce the change of the axis of the spine due to uterine growth. The mother shifts her center of gravity to keep her balance, separates her feet, and curves her back in its final portion, accentuating the problem.
How can low back pain in pregnancy be prevented?
- Avoid being overweight. The correction that the spine must carry out to support being overweight accentuates low back pain.
- Avoid flat or high-heeled shoes. Walking in low-heeled shoes facilitates good posture.
- Avoid bearing weight. Like being overweight, it accentuates low back pain.
- Always sleep on your side, preferably with a pillow between your knees and arms. So your back has an optimal position and all your muscles relax.
- Perform physical therapy, yoga, or other exercises. They will help you maintain good posture and relax your back.
How can lumbago be treated during pregnancy?
- Local heat improves low back pain. Preferable a hot gel pack in times of 15 minutes for a longer treatment.
- In certain cases, the doctor may prescribe treatment with pain relievers. The painkiller choice in pregnancy is paracetamol, although its efficacy is relative. During the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, low back pain will appear most frequently, women must avoid any painkillers treatment.
- In pregnant women, physical therapy, yoga, and osteopathy exercises are recommended to help decompress the affected nerve roots as well as improve posture. It is an effective alternative to pain relievers.
