Pregnancy Pain

Being pregnant can be both exciting and confusing, especially the first time. Pregnancy is also a time when women are more aware of the workings of their body. It produces the largest postural change that a woman’s body will undergo.

For many years Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Massage therapists have used their skills to help relieve the aches and pains caused by weight and postural changes during and after pregnancy.

What causes the back pain?
No single cause explains the common experience of back pain during pregnancy; however, postural and hormonal changes do contribute to the problem. During pregnancy a woman’s body changes dramatically. These changes cause the spine to undergo changes in its shape. The most common postural changes are due to the bulk of the growing baby, the enlarging breasts and secondary weight gain as the body prepares to nourish the new baby.

Due to the growth of the abdomen (see diagrams below), the lower spine is pulled forward, causing the woman to throw her shoulders back and her heads forward to compensate for these changes. This often results in the backache and tension headaches associated with pregnancy.
Hormones released during pregnancy, particularly oestrogen, progesterone, and relaxin, cause softening and relaxation of the ligaments and joints. This creates increased mobility especially in the pelvic joints, giving a“waddling” walk, and makes them more prone to injury and pain.

Advice from our practitioners can help you change your posture and learn to use your body correctly through pregnancy.  Our practitioners can also help to ease other side effect of pregnancy such as heartburn, indigestion, constipation and pain in the buttock, groin or legs. 

Some patients also report reduced morning sickness after treatment.

Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to seek treatment during pregnancy. When the pelvis is misaligned it may reduce the amount of room available for the developing baby. This restriction is called Intrauterine Constraint. A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery.

Treatment may be supplemented by exercise and other forms of self help which the practitioner may prescribe for the mother to do at home.

We can also advise on positions in labour to help prevent back problems later.  Pain relief techniques can also be shown to the mother and her partner or friend so that they can help during labour.

After delivery it is advised that mother and child return for a full spinal examination, advice and check ups and if necessary for treatment.

Pregnancy tips

• Try to get fit prior to becoming pregnant.
• Look after your back during pregnancy.  Take care when lifting and carrying especially lifting or carrying other children.  Do not carry a small child on one arm for any length of time.
• Don’t wear tight clothing which may resist normal joint movement.
• When sitting on a chair it may help to use a cushion or Lumbar support in the small of the back to give support for tired muscles and don’t sit with your legs crossed as this will cause a torsional stress in your pelvis.
• If you stand for any length of time, keep your bottom ‘tucked in’ to reduce strain on your lower back.
• Lying on your side in bed, place a pillow under the bump to provide support and also put a pillow between your knees to prevent back strain.
• If you prefer to lie on your back place pillows beneath your knees to keep them bent.
• Aching legs and ankles are a common problem in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, so give yourself regular breaks and take the pressure of your feet. Sit in a comfy chair with your feet on a footstool or propped up on cushions, lie on the sofa or lie on your bed – whatever is comfortable for you. If your ankles are swelling, stack several cushions together to raise your feet up higher, as this helps reduce swelling.
• Make sure all equipment (changing tables, pushchair, pram etc) is at a comfortable height for you.
• Your practitioner will prescribe exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles, and it is also of value to strengthen the leg muscles for the increase in weight and to prepare for labour.
• Swimming is ideal during pregnancy, as the water is supportive, and it’s not too exhausting. If you fancy a class, most places offer antenatal swimming sessions, but if a swimming pool isn’t your cup of tea, enjoy a nice long soak in the bath instead.
• Use ice packs for 10 minutes every hour if experiencing back pain.
• Last but not least, regular Spinal checkups before, during and after your pregnancy will help minimise the potential spinal problems that can occur during a pregnancy.

Remember Prevention is better than cure!

The information provided is for general guidance only and must not be used for diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.