Back pain during pregnancy

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Le Hong Lien - Doctor of Pregnancy Ultrasound - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
According to statistics, about 50-80% of women experience back pain during pregnancy. The long-lasting aching pain has become an obsession of many pregnant women.

1. How does back pain during pregnancy manifest?

The degree of back pain, the nature of back pain during pregnancy is different for each person. Depending on the location and pregnancy characteristics of each person, each woman will have to face pain like no other. The basic symptoms of back pain during pregnancy include:
Pain at the junction between the sacrum and the pelvis; Severe pain in the low back ; Pain worse at night; Back pain appears from the 4th month of pregnancy.

2. Causes of back pain in women during pregnancy

There are many causes of back pain during pregnancy. The main cause is back strain. From the 4th month of pregnancy, fetal weight begins to increase, especially in the last months. This weight is placed entirely on the front of the body, the body will be bent forward. To keep balance, the body will tend to lean back, creating pressure on the back muscles, back muscles have to work harder and heavier to be able to balance the body, leading to aches and pains. .
In addition, the abdominal muscles play a very important role, closely related to the back, which is one of the muscle groups that support the spine. During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles will stretch, not fulfilling their supporting role, causing the pregnant woman's back to hurt.

The size of the uterus is enlarged and the muscles that support the spine are affected, causing the spine to curve, under great pressure. The prolonged pregnancy period causes the spine to be affected, the waist has to bend forward, changing the center of gravity of the body. Pregnant women often have to lean back after moving to keep their bodies steady. This posture causes long-term damage to the spine, leading to pain.
A woman's body changes a lot during pregnancy, and the mother's body will gradually adapt to childbirth by secreting hormones. One of these hormones helps to relax the pelvic ligaments in preparation for labor. This process inadvertently causes bones and joints to be affected.

3. What to do to relieve back pain during pregnancy

Daily exercise: not only pregnant women and ordinary people exercise regularly, it will help bones and joints become more flexible, reduce pressure on the spine, and improve the health of pregnant women. Pregnant women should exercise gently and moderately so as not to affect the health of the baby in the womb. Should participate in sports such as swimming, walking, yoga... Change lifestyle, living habits: Walk gently, correct posture, stand up straight, reach high. Do not suddenly bend down or stand up suddenly. Do not sit in one place for too long, so get up and walk about 5-10 minutes after about 1-2 hours of sitting. When you sleep on your side, use a pillow between your legs, use a thin blanket to support your belly. This will help reduce pressure on the spine. Apply cool or warm compress: this method will also help pregnant women reduce pain. Apply on the back for about 20 minutes. Take care not to apply to the abdomen.

Wear flat shoes: Flat shoes help distribute your weight evenly, reducing pressure on the spine. Flat shoes are also easy to wear, making it safer for pregnant women. For the health of mother and fetus to be protected and comprehensively developed, you should use maternity services at reputable medical facilities for examination and monitoring. At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of highly qualified doctors Regular check-ups, early detection of abnormal problems. There are regular pre-floor classes to guide pregnant mothers; how to exercise, diet during pregnancy, physiology of labor, care for mother and baby after birth ....
Maternity package to facilitate the birthing process Newborns are fully cared for face

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