Back Pain During Pregnancy

It is estimated that around 70% of women will have back pain at some point during their pregnancy. The developing baby will put increased pressure on your back and its position means that your pelvis is tipped forward placing pressure on the arch of your back. In addition to this hormones during pregnancy naturally cause your ligaments to become softer and stretch to prepare for labour. This strain can put strain on your back which will cause backache.

Avoiding Backache

Although back pain is not always avoidable there are certain changes you can back to help prevent it or deal with it. Try to remember the following and implement them into your daily schedule.

• avoid lifting heavy objects
• keep your back straight and bend your knees when lifting or picking up something from the floor
• sit with your back straight and well supported
• wear flat shoes as these allow your weight to be evenly distributed
• make sure you get enough rest, particularly later in pregnancy
• prevent stooping by working on a surface high enough to allow good posture
• move your feet when turning round to avoid twisting your spine
• try to balance the weight between two bags when carrying shopping
• make sure you get enough rest, particularly later in pregnancy

Our Maternity products

At Putnams we are back care specialists and we pride ourselves on the quality of our products. We have a range of back supports that can help with posture in the office, in the car and at home. We also do a range of wedges that can help to promote good posture including our coccyx wedge. Although it is not designed for the back our ring cushion is a great postnatal pain relieving cushion that can help ease the associated pain.

Getting Help

If your backache is very painful, ask your doctor to refer you to an obstetric physiotherapist at your hospital. They can give you advice and may suggest some helpful exercises. The National Clinic for Health and Clinical Excellence advices that gentle water exercise can help with back problems as it can strengthen your core. Aquanatal classes are sessions that are held especially for pregnant women, some local swimming pools run these classes so it might be worth enquiring.