How to Prevent Back Pain During Pregnancy
Nobody enjoys back pains...
Back pain at some point during pregnancy is almost inevitable. An estimated two of every three pregnant women will experience back pains by the 36th week. As the baby grows, more pressure is placed on the back to support the mothers growing abdomen. Another contributor to back pain is the position of the growing baby in the womb. There are even more factors that can cause back pain in expecting mothers. Over exertion and stress can be major factors, besides being unhealthy for the baby. While most back pain resolves itself a few months after delivery, some back pain can be prevented altogether.
Take it Easy
Take breaks and get plenty of rest. This doesn't mean to become a couch potato, but you should take more time to rest and relax. Put your feet up, grab a cup of your favorite decaffeinated soothing drink and take it easy. Try to lie down once in a while and, if at all possible, try to minimize activities that put stress on your back. At work, dont sit for too long and when you are sitting, place a pillow behind the small of your back.
Get Enough Exercise
Exercise can actually help with back pain and can help to strengthen the muscles in the back. Yoga is a great exercise for this purpose. Walking is great, but you need some strengthening and stretching exercises as well, that you do not get with just walking. Ask your doctor if he or she knows of any pregnancy exercise classes and pregnancy yoga. If classes are not your thing, you can find several pregnancy yoga and pregnancy exercise DVDs, sometimes even for free at your public library. You should check with your doctor first before doing any exercises.
Eat Right
You may find that you crave for funny foods while you are pregnant, but it is very important that you eat healthy. First, eating healthy will help you from gaining additional weight. The less extra weight you are carrying, the less pressure you have on your back. Second, healthy eating helps your body ward off illness and actually helps it deal with pain more efficiently. Last but not least important, drinking plenty of water will keep your kidneys working properly, which can create another type of lower back pain. Your back and your baby will thank you for eating healthy.
Get a Pregnancy Girdle
The term, "pregnancy girdle", has an ominous sound, but it can be an expecting mothers best friend. It is designed to be worn under your clothing, much like a traditional girdle. But it is designed to better support and lift your stomach so that pressure is taken off of your back. You can pick up a pregnancy girdle at many maternity shops. You can always give it away to someone else for their baby shower after your baby is born.
Check the Stress
Like I mentioned earlier, stress can cause back pain. Try to relieve your stress, even if it is for just a few moments every day. Set aside "mommy time" each day so that you can decompress, relax and refresh. Meditate, take a warm bath, listen to soothing music, anything that helps you relax. You will be surprised at how helpful just 10 minutes or so a day of this activity can be in relieving your stress.
Spencer Hunt is a wellness consultant and glyconutrient distributor who recommends that everyone research and try glyconutrients.
http://www.ifoundhealth.com. Glyconutrients are essential carbohydrates that you need for optimal health.
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