It is very common to get backache or back pain during pregnancy, especially in the early stages. During pregnancy, the ligaments in your body naturally become softer and stretch to prepare you for labour. This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis, which can cause back pain. Try these tips: You can take paracetamol to ease back pain while you are pregnant, unless your GP or midwife says not to. Always follow the instructions on the packet. When to get help for back pain in pregnancyIf your backache is very painful, talk to your GP or midwife. They may be able to refer you to an obstetric physiotherapist at your hospital, who can give you advice and may suggest some helpful exercises. Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP or midwife urgently if:You have back pain and you:
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:You have back pain and:
Exercises to ease back pain in pregnancyThis gentle exercise helps to strengthen stomach (abdominal) muscles, which can ease back pain in pregnancy: 1) Start on all fours with knees under hips, hands under shoulders, fingers facing forwards and stomach muscles lifted to keep your back straight. 2) Pull in your stomach muscles and raise your back up towards the ceiling, letting your head and bum relax downwards gently – do not let your elbows lock and only move your back as far as you comfortably can. 3) Hold for a few seconds then slowly return to the box position – take care not to hollow your back, it should always return to a straight, neutral position. 4) Do this slowly and rhythmically 10 times, making your muscles work hard and moving your back carefully. Doing prenatal yoga or aquanatal classes (gentle exercise classes in water) with a qualified instructor can also help build your muscles to better support your back. Ask at your local leisure centre. Why does my back hurt at night during pregnancy?Another theory has been put forward that low back pain during pregnancy, especially pain that worsens at night and is severe enough to wake the patient up, is the result of venous engorgement in the pelvis. The expanding uterus presses on the vena cava, particularly at night when the patient is lying down.
How should I sleep to relieve lower back pain?The ideal sleep position: On your back
The best position to avoid back pain is lying flat on your back. Even so, many people find it the hardest way to enjoy deep sleep. For optimal spine alignment, place one pillow underneath your head or neck and another underneath your knees.
How can I sleep comfortably on my back while pregnant?Try crossing one leg over the other and putting one pillow between them and another pillow behind your back — or any other combination that helps you sleep. Get a special pillow. For extra support, try using a wedge-shaped pillow or a 5-foot full-body pregnancy pillow.
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