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The article was professionally consulted by Specialist II Lai Thi Nguyet Hang - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International HospitalBack pain during pregnancy is a common phenomenon but should still be paid attention to by pregnant women. Changing posture, gentle exercise, or applying certain therapies can help improve this condition.
Pregnant women often suffer from back pain, especially back pain during the last 3 months of pregnancy. The cause of the pain is because women gain weight during childbirth, causing the body's center of gravity to shift. During this time, the mother also secretes hormones that expand the pelvis, which affects the ligaments and loosens the joints, causing back pain. To prevent and reduce pain, pregnant women can refer to 7 useful tips below.
1. Maintain the correct posture
As a pregnant woman's belly grows larger with the growth of the baby, the center of gravity of the body will shift forward. At this time, the mother tends to lean back to keep balance. This inadvertently strains the muscles and ligaments in the lumbar region, creating pressure, and at the same time arching the joints causing back pain. Pregnant women should remember to adjust their posture:Stand up straight. Chest up, not stooped. Lower your shoulders and let go naturally. Loosen your knees. When standing, keep your feet wide enough for balance and comfort. If you have to stand or sit for long periods of time, use a small footstool and it's best to take time to rest regularly.
Trắc nghiệm: Đau lưng sau sinh mổ và những điều cần biết
Sau sinh mổ, bà mẹ không chỉ đau đớn với vết khâu bụng dưới mà còn đối mặt với những cơn đau lưng. Mức độ đau lưng sau sinh mổ theo thống kê chiếm đến hơn 70% các trường hợp. Trả lời nhanh 5 câu hỏi trắc nghiệm sau sẽ giúp bạn có thêm kiến thức để hạn chế tình trạng này.The following content is prepared under supervision of Thạc sĩ, Bác sĩ y khoa, Tạ Quốc Bản , Sản phụ khoa , Khoa Sản phụ khoa - Bệnh viện Đa khoa Quốc tế Vinmec Phú Quốc
2. Select support products
Using a pregnancy chair to support your back is also a good idea. It is simpler to use a small pillow to line the back when sitting to help women feel soft and comfortable for the waist.Prioritize choosing shoes that are low, flat, non-slip and hug the whole foot. Avoid wearing high heels because it can make the pregnant woman's center of gravity shift more forward and cause falls.
Another suggestion that mothers can consider is to use a support belt when the pregnant belly is quite large, especially pregnant women with multiple pregnancies, polyhydramnios. Although research on the effectiveness of this maternity support belt is still limited, many women have given it positive reviews and feedback about its effectiveness in alleviating back pain.
3. Lift properly
Many people still have the habit of bending down to pick up objects that fall on the floor and this has a direct impact on the back area. Instead, medical experts recommend that when lifting an object from the bottom, you should squat down and use the force of your legs rather than bending your waist. For pregnant women, don't try and ask people around for help when your big belly prevents you from picking up items on the floor.4. Lying on your side when sleeping
Pregnant women should not sleep on their back to avoid putting extra pressure on the lower back. Lying on your side not only helps relieve back pain during pregnancy but is also good for blood circulation. It is recommended that you lie on your left side, with one or both knees bent. You can use a mattress designed specifically for pregnant women or refer to the instructions for placing pillows on the legs, abdomen and back to create the most comfortable feeling when sleeping.5. Hot/cold or massage
Although there is not much evidence to confirm the effectiveness of these methods, in fact many women feel more comfortable when bathing with warm water or applying ice packs, performing specialized and gentle massage movements. gently in the lumbar region.6. Do appropriate physical exercise every day
Regular exercise can keep your spine strong and help relieve back pain during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for advice on gentle sports activities, such as walking or swimming. Physical therapy exercises, including stretching, can also help in preventing and preventing back pain during pregnancy.Implementation instructions:
Use carpet. Lie on your stomach, arms and knees perpendicular to the floor. Keep your back, shoulders, and head aligned. Draw in your stomach and arch your back slightly, head slightly down. Hold for a few seconds. Relax back to the starting position, keeping your back as straight as possible. Repeat the movement over 10 times. Consult your doctor or other specialist about stretching exercises.
7. Consider Complementary Therapies
Some studies indicate that acupuncture or chiropractic can reduce back pain during pregnancy. However, it is necessary to have the consent and careful advice of the doctor if the pregnant mother is planning to conduct the above treatments.
In case a pregnant woman has severe back pain during pregnancy or back pain lasts more than two weeks, she should go to reputable specialist facilities for examination and monitoring of pregnancy status. Doctors can prescribe certain medications that are appropriate and safe for the fetus or conduct other treatments.
Sometimes back pain in the last 3 months of pregnancy is also a sign of premature birth or a urinary tract infection. If you have back pain during pregnancy accompanied by vaginal bleeding, fever, or a burning sensation when urinating, see your obstetrician for timely examination and treatment.
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References: Mayoclinic.org