Backache During Pregnancy: Causes and How to Avoid

Pregnancy is a magical time in the lives of women who look forward to the birth of a new family member. But it is also a phase that requires special care from the future mom, medical monitoring, etc.

There are not many reports of pregnant women suffering from some inconvenience at this stage. Among them, the back pain. Piero Scarparo, orthopedist at the Specialized Center for Spine and Pain in Ribeirão Preto, graduated from the Ribeirão Preto Medical School (USP) and specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology, points out that low back pain (low back pain) is a common symptom during surgery. gestation.

Also according to the doctor, research indicates that about 80% of pregnant women will, at some point, this type of pain.

What causes this pain?

Piero Scarparo points out that biomechanical factors, such as the change in the normal curves of the spine (kyphosis, lordosis, and pelvic tilt) that occur to the fetus, in addition to hormonal changes that promote fluid accumulation and? Loosening? Lumbar and pelvic ligament structures are described as mechanisms involved in the onset of gestational low back pain. "It is also known that in the third trimester of pregnancy, the appearance of low back pain is more frequent," explains the orthopedist.

Scarparo adds that some studies also point out that women who were sedentary before pregnancy and those who, during pregnancy, perform excessive physical exertion with repetitive movement, present a higher risk for low back pain.

Care needed to prevent back pain during pregnancy

• During pregnancy, it is crucial to avoid lifting weight. But if the pregnant woman has to carry something, should she hold the object close to her body, bend her knees? and not the back? and try not to twist the body.
• If the pregnant woman spends a lot of time sitting? due to work, for example - she should keep her spine straight. It's also important to get up from time to time and take a brisk walk on the spot just to change your position.
• The pregnant woman should not yet wear high heels, but instead choose very comfortable and firm shoes.
• Standing women, on the other hand, should organize to take a break in the middle of the day. In addition to these tips, it is essential to talk to your doctor about all your habits (not just work habits) so that he can give you the best guidelines for this period that requires special care.

Prevention: How to avoid back pain during pregnancy?

According to orthopedist Scarparo, the preventive recommendation is for women who plan to get pregnant to do moderate exercises, focusing on strengthening the lumbar and pelvic muscles. "For this, it is very important to follow up with a professional in the area," says the doctor.

For women who are already pregnant, the recommendation is to perform light to moderate physical activities, such as walking and water exercises, among others.

"It is important to emphasize that pregnant women should always seek advice from their doctor before starting physical activity, whether sedentary or not," says Scarparo.

Mothers reports

Andreia P. Martins, 32, a businesswoman, says that she had a quiet pregnancy without feeling sick and other symptoms, but in her last two months of pregnancy, she had back pain. “For the first eight months, I was able to work normally, sitting at the computer. My doctor directed me to get up every hour and take a short walk in the office to avoid further discomfort. But in the last months of my pregnancy, I suffered a little with back pain ?, reports. “I went to my doctor and he gave me good advice, telling me how I should sit properly, lie down, and so on. And remember that I should not stay in the same position for a long time ?, he adds.

Tatiane Bhoscariol, 29, a lawyer, says she did not have back pain during her pregnancy. “I had a great pregnancy, no hassle. I believe it was because I had practiced physical activities since before I became pregnant. Then I continued walking, practically daily, which helped a lot. Did I feel very well?

Now you know: if you are thinking about getting pregnant, a good tip is to invest in exercises focused on strengthening the lumbar and pelvic muscles, always with the supervision of a professional in the area. For this, consult a doctor you trust beforehand and follow all the guidelines given by him.

Managing Back Pain During Pregnancy (March 2024)