Expecting a newborn is an exhilarating time in your life. However, the joy can often be accompanied by lower back pain, which is a common issue during pregnancy. Understanding the causes of this pain and finding effective solutions can make the journey smoother. Our St. George prenatal chiropractor offers expert adjustments and guidance to help alleviate your discomfort. Let’s explore the reasons behind low back pain during pregnancy and discover how you can improve your experience.
Physical Changes of Pregnancy Causing Low Back Pain
During pregnancy, your body has to make crucial changes to help support the life of your infant. The most common cause of low back pain in pregnancy is the growth of the fetus causing strain on the musculature of the lower back while increasing the curvature of the spine. Here are a couple of reasons why the curve in your low back increases and causes you to have pain:
– Postural Changes: Your spine adapts to the new forces during pregnancy, resulting in an increased curvature of the lumbar spine. This adjustment allows your body to accommodate the growing baby. However, this increased curve can lead to pain caused by spinal misalignment or muscular imbalances. The distribution of weight during pregnancy varies among women and can affect the location of pain.
– Gravity Changes: As your pregnancy progresses, your center of gravity shifts from the midline to the front of your body, enabling weight distribution. This change increases the curve in your lower back, which can cause pain due to muscle tightness or joint restrictions. Maintaining an active walking routine throughout your pregnancy can help you feel more balanced.
– Weight Gain: Weight gain is essential during pregnancy. In those short nine months, your body will change to help your baby grow. The increase in weight goes to the growing fetus, maternal organs and, extra storage of protein, fluid, and fat. I cannot stress this enough that weight gain is a normal and healthy part of pregnancy. Let’s start putting those stretchy pants to use!
Over 50% of women have low back pain during pregnancy
Pregnancy Hormones Causing Low Back Pain
Many hormones play an essential role during pregnancy. Progesterone and Relaxin are a couple of the main hormones that cause soft tissue laxity throughout a women’s pregnancy. These hormones allow the tissues to relax, creating optimal room for the baby to grow and helps the female body relax during labor. What does this have to do with your lower back pain? Increased laxity in muscles can cause postural changes creating pain in certain areas.
Alleviating Low back pain during pregnancy?
Over 50% of women have lower back pain during pregnancy. However, just because it is common does not mean you have to suffer through this pain for nine months. Here are some steps you can take to alleviate your low back pain during pregnancy.
– Exercise Routine: Establishing a suitable exercise routine can significantly decrease low back pain during pregnancy. Strengthening your core muscles helps stabilize the spine and reduce discomfort. It’s important to ensure that core exercises avoid twisting or crunching of the abdomen to ensure safety.
– Walking: Walking is one of the best activities for pregnant women. It promotes better blood flow and nutrient delivery to the baby while activating your core muscles. Incorporating regular walks into your routine can effectively decrease lower back pain.
– Chiropractic Adjustments: Visiting a prenatal chiropractor can provide valuable relief for your low back pain. Chiropractic adjustments help maintain proper alignment, making the birthing process smoother and faster. Our St. George prenatal chiropractor specializes in providing adjustments tailored to pregnant women.
Take Away
Experiencing low back pain during pregnancy is common, but it doesn’t mean you have to suffer for nine months. By incorporating exercise, walking, and seeking chiropractic care, you can alleviate discomfort and enjoy this exciting journey with more ease. Our St. George prenatal chiropractor is here to support you, providing expert adjustments and guidance throughout your pregnancy. You are not alone in this journey! Just remember to do these small tasks, and it can make the wait of meeting your little one go by that much faster!
Dr. Kati Smith
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