 Back pain during pregnancy is one of the most common discomforts for women. As a baby grows during pregnancy, the uterus expands to as much as 1,000 times its original size! This amount of growth affects the balance of a woman's body and may cause discomfort.
CAUSES OF BACK PAIN
One main cause of back pain during pregnancy is the strain on back muscles. In mid-pregnancy, when the uterus becomes heavier, it changes the center of gravity. A woman then slowly begins to change her posture and the ways that she moves. Most women begin to lean backwards in the later months of pregnancy, making their back muscles work harder.
Another cause is the weakness of the abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscles normally support the spine and play an important role in the health of the back. The hormones of pregnancy cause the muscles to relax and become loose. This may cause back pain as well as make a woman more prone to injury when exercising.
OTHER TYPES OF PAIN DURING PREGNANCY
Many types of pain can occur during pregnancy. Thoracic pain occurs in the area near the chest. There is also lumbar pain that occurs in the area of the lower back. Pubic and sacroiliac pain occurs near the sacrum, the triangular-shaped bone in the lower portion of the spine.
Posterior pelvic pain is felt in the back of the pelvis. It is felt deep inside the buttocks, on one or both sides, or in the back of the thighs. It may be triggered by activities such as walking, climbing stairs, rolling over in bed, or lifting.
Pregnancy can cause pain in many areas of the body. At PT Center for Women, our therapists can help alleviate your pain with a customized treatment plan and support tools such as pregnancy belts. Here are other types of pain many pregnant women face: - low back pain
- upper back pain
- neck pain
- hip pain
- sciatica pain - buttocks and leg pain
- sacroiliac joint pain - hips/pelvis/buttocks pain
- thoracic outlet syndrome - arm pain and numbness
- urinary incontinence - leakage of urine
- diastasis recti - separation of the abdominal muscles
- carpal tunnel syndrome - pinched nerves in hands
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