Back Pain in Pregnancy

The good news is, your baby is growing. That's exactly what should be happening -- but it can still
be tough on your back.

You've got lots of company -- most pregnant women experience back pain, usually starting in the
second half of pregnancy.

You should know that there are things you can do to minimize your back pain. Here's what helps.

Causes of Back Pain in Pregnant Women

Pregnancy back pain typically happens where
the pelvis () meets your spine, at
the sacroiliac joint.
There are many possible reasons why it
happens. Here are some of the more likely
causes:

Weight gain . During a healthy

pregnancy, women typically gain
between 25 and 35 pounds (11 and 15
Kg). The spine has to support that
weight. That can cause lower back pain. Figure 1 - Pelvis Bone
The weight of the growing baby and
uterus also puts pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back.

Posture changes. Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity. As a result, you may gradually --
even without noticing -- begin to adjust your posture and the way you move. This may result
in back pain or strain.

Hormone changes. During pregnancy, your body makes a hormone called relaxin that
allows ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation
for the birth process. The same hormone can cause ligaments that support the spine to
loosen, leading to instability and pain.

Muscle separation. As the uterus expands, two parallel sheets of muscles (the rectal
abdominis muscles), which run from the rib cage to the pubic bone, may separate along the
center seam. This separation may worsen back pain.
 Stress. Emotional stress can cause muscle tension in the back, which may be felt as back
pain or back spasms. You may find that you experience an increase in back pain during
stressful periods of your pregnancy.

Treatments for Back Pain in Pregnancy

More good news: Unless you had chronic backaches before you got pregnant, your pain will likely
ease gradually before you give birth.

Meanwhile, there are many things you can do to treat low back pain or make it rarer and milder:

Exercise . Regular exercise strengthens muscles and boosts flexibility. That can ease the
stress on your spine. Safe exercises for most pregnant women include

walking,

swimming , and

stationary cycling. Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend exercises to

strengthen your back and abdomen.

Heat and Cold. Applying heat and cold to your back may help.

If your health care provider agrees, start by putting cold compresses (such as a bag
of ice or frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel) on the painful area for up to 20
minutes several times a day.

After two or three days, switch to heat -- put a heating pad or hot water bottle on the
painful area. Be careful not to apply heat to your abdomen during pregnancy.

Improve your posture. Slouching strains your spine. So using proper posture when working,
sitting, or sleeping is a good move. For example,

sleeping on your side with a pillow between the knees will take stress off your back.
When sitting at a desk, place a rolled-up towel behind your back for support;

rest your feet on a stack of books or stool and sit up straight, with your shoulders
back.

Wearing a support belt may also help.

Counseling. If back pain is related to stress, talking to a trusted friend or counselor may be
helpful.
 Acupuncture . Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine in which thin needles are inserted
into your skin at certain locations. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in
relieving low back pain during pregnancy. Check with your health care provider if you're
interested in trying it.

Chiropractic. When performed correctly, chiropractic manipulation of the spine can be safe
during pregnancy, but consult with your doctor before seeking chiropractic care.

More tips:

If you need to pick something up from the ground, use your legs to squat rather than bend
over.

Don't wear high-heeled shoes.

Don't sleep on your back.

Wear support hose.

If your back pain persists, you may want to consult your doctor to see what else you might try. Be
sure to consult your doctor before taking pain medications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe for most
women to take during pregnancy. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) are not advised. In some cases, your doctor
may recommend other pain medicines or muscle relaxants that are safe during pregnancy.

When to Seek Treatment From a Doctor

Back pain, by itself, usually is not a reason to call your doctor. But you should call your doctor right
away if you experience any of the following:

Severe pain

Increasingly severe pain or pain that begins abruptly

Rhythmic cramping pains

Difficulty urinating or pins and needles in your extremities

In rare cases, severe back pain may be related to problems such as pregnancy-
associated osteoporosis, vertebral osteoarthritis, or septic arthritis. Rhythmic pains may be a sign
of preterm labor. So if you are experiencing any of these problems, it's important to be checked by
your doctor.
Figure 2- Support Hose for Pregnant Woman
Itchy Breasts During Pregnancy
Various changes occur in the body when you are pregnant. Apart from weight gain,
expectant mothers are also likely to experience itchy breasts during pregnancy. Most
women feel embarrassed about it and are unwilling to discuss it with their doctors or
loved ones. In this article, we will talk about the occurrence of itchy breasts in
pregnant women, possible causes and what you can do to relieve this condition.

Itchy Breasts During Pregnancy: Is It Normal?

Yes. Expectant women start experiencing itchy and tender breasts one week after
implantation. At this stage, the breasts undergo more changes compared to during the
normal menstrual cycle. However, it is advisable to confirm the pregnancy by a simple
pregnancy test since breast tenderness and itchiness can be caused by other medical
problems as well.
Fluctuations in hormonal levels and having a fetus growing in the womb cause many
changes in the body of a pregnant woman. Itchy breasts are a common symptom
throughout your pregnancy. Even though itchiness does not pose a serious threat, if
you are concerned you should inform your obstetrician about this change in your body.

What Causes Itchy Breasts During Pregnancy?

Nipple tenderness and itchy breasts when pregnant are as a result of milk ducts and
milk producing cells forming or fat accumulation in breasts. Hormonal changes
in the body during pregnancy increase blood supply to the breasts, making them
larger and causing tenderness and itchiness.
Most pregnant women experience itchy breasts at different stages of pregnancy. This
is due to the various physical and hormonal changes that occur in the body of a
woman throughout pregnancy. Increased sensation around the nipples during early
pregnancy not only leads to red and itchy nipples, but also breasts that are sore
() and sensitive to touch. Itchy breasts occurring during the third trimester are a
sign that breasts are getting prepared for breast-feeding after delivery.

What Can I Do to Relieve Itchy Breasts During Pregnancy?

Itchy breasts can be embarrassing, especially when you have to scratch them in
public. You do not have to worry about that anymore. Here are a few skin products
and natural remedies to help with itchy breasts during pregnancy:

Lotion: A lotion containing vitamin E is recommended. Apart from reducing stretch marks,
vitamin E can also reduce itching. Aloe Vera is another important component in lotion
since it is known to reduce itchiness. Gently rub the lotion onto your nipples and
breasts for relief. Apply the lotion in the morning and evening before going to bed for
best results.

Moisturizer: A moisturizer is different from a lotion in the sense that it is used to lock in
moisture in the skin. It helps to prevent nipples and breasts from drying up. Itchiness
is mainly caused by dryness which occurs in pregnancy calling for frequent
moisturizing. Ideally, you should moisturize after showering in the morning and in the
evening before sleep. A good moisturizer will lock in moisture and keep you skin
smooth all day. It will prevent drying so you do not have to worry about scratching in
public.
 Petroleum jelly: Petroleum jelly also helps relieve itchy breasts during pregnancy. Dab a
little petroleum jelly in your hands and rub it onto your nipples several times a day . It is
advisable to apply petroleum jelly after moisturizing. It moisturizes your skin more
ensuring it does not dry up.

To moisturize the skin and keep it supple, apply some olive oil ( ), cocoa
butter ( ) or almond oil ( ).
Take an oatmeal (*) bath which involves soaking your body in a bath tub filled with
oatmeal paste.
In addition, below are some tips for preventing itchy breasts during pregnancy:
Avoid harsh soaps, perfumes and other skin care products with a strong scent as they
can cause itchiness. These products can be used comfortably before pregnancy.
However, they can cause itchiness during pregnancy since the body is more sensitive
this time around.
Wear a good maternity bra to reduce sweating, which may lead to itchiness. And wear
loose cotton () clothing to avoid further irritation of the skin.
Drink a lot of water and juices to keep your body hydrated at all times especially if you
have extremely dry skin.
Maintain good personal hygiene and keep your breasts clean to prevent a fungal or
bacterial infection that could lead to red itchy breasts.