How to Prevent Backache during pregnancy?
Backache is a very common complaint during pregnancy and a lot of pregnant women believe it is an inevitable part of being pregnant. But if we understand the reasons why it happens, then we can take remedial measures to help ourselves.
1) Majority of backache happens due to the wrong posture and improved posture will reduce the stress on your back. As the pregnancy advances, the growing baby bulk pushes the centre of gravity forwards. This enhances the natural curve of the back and puts the back muscles under more stress.
One must try to walk tall and keep the stomach tucked in towards the back (as far as comfortable) while standing and walking. Always bend your knees and not waist to pick up something from below (even your baby). Avoid sudden twisting movements from the waist, instead, turn the whole body sideways to reach the object.
2) Try to improve the strength of the back muscles by gradually including the endurance exercises in your daily regimen. One can safely do almost all kinds of exercises until the fifth month of pregnancy but always have a word with your doctor before starting.
3) Always take your supplements (calcium, Vitamin D) as prescribed by your doctor because nature tends to draw calcium from mother’s bones and divert it towards the baby. So any kind of deficiency will be more harmful to the mother rather than the baby.
4) Use a medium -firm mattress and a good pillow to sleep. Very soft or very firm (Orthopaedic) mattresses may not be very comfortable during pregnancy.
5) During early pregnancy one can sleep in any posture including sleeping on your tummy if this makes you more comfortable. After the 6th month of pregnancy, it is better to sleep preferably on your side with a small cushion placed between your knees. A gentle back massage is very soothing at times. Drink plenty of water and other liquids so you don’t have urinary infections or constipation which may also sometimes cause a backache.