Natural Ways to Help with Backaches during Pregnancy

Backaches are very common during the last few months of pregnancy. Not only does your growing belly put pressure on your back muscles, but pregnancy hormones cause ligaments and joints to loosen--causing more discomfort. Pregnant women need to avoid asprin and ibprofen. While they can take Tylenol, it needs to be taken in moderation.

There are many kinds of back pain. While most during pregnancy is in the lower back, many pregnant women have to deal with sciatica pain which is a burning pressure that radiates from the lower back down the buttocks and into the thighs. For more information about dealing with sciatica pain during pregnancy, click here.

While most women will get a backache during pregnancy there some things you can do to prevent one from even starting.

• Gain the proper amount of weight to keep pressure off the ligaments and joints in your back. Speak to your care provider about proper weight gain during pregnancy.
• Avoid high heels after your first trimester. High heels cause the back arch which can cause backaches.
• Bend at the knees to lift objects.
• Avoid standing for long periods If you have no choice about how much you stand, try standing with one foot on a low stool. Switch feet every so often.
• Alleviate stress. Stress is a huge culprit of backaches, with or without pregnancy. Talk to your partner or care provider about stress release options.

Heat is probably one of the best ways to relieve backache during pregnancy. A warm bath or a warm shower can ease tense muscles. If possible, take a chair (sit backwards in it) or a birthing ball into the shower with you so you can aim the water at the exact spot that hurts and sit down at the same time. However, you should make sure you take warm, not hot showers. Raising the body temperature too high can harm the baby.

Heating pads set on a low setting are usually safe as well, with the approval of your care provider.

Pregnancy yoga stretches and strengthens muscles which for many women alleviates backaches. It also may help prevent backaches from even starting. In addition, pregnancy or prenatal yoga prepares your body for labor and birth. Speak to your gym or your care provider for a recommendation to a pregnancy yoga class.