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Back pain during pregnancy: 7 tips for relief
No. 5: Try heat, cold or massage
Use a heating pad to apply heat to your back, or alternate ice packs with heat. Rubbing your back also might help. Better yet, ask someone to rub your back for you or schedule a professional prenatal massage.
No. 6: Include physical activity in your daily routine
Regular physical activity can keep your back strong and may actually relieve back pain during pregnancy. With your health care provider's OK, try gentle activities — such as walking or swimming.
You might also stretch your lower back. Rest on your hands and knees with your head in line with your back. Pull in your stomach, rounding your back slightly. Hold for several seconds, then relax your stomach and back — keeping your back as flat as possible. Gradually work up to 10 repetitions. Ask your health care provider about other stretching exercises, too.
No. 7: Consider complementary therapies
Some research suggests that acupuncture can help relieve back pain during pregnancy. Chiropractic treatment seems to provide comfort for some women as well. If you're considering a complementary therapy, discuss the options with your health care provider first. He or she may want to confirm that your back pain isn't caused by an underlying condition.
Know when to consult your health care provider
However common, back pain during pregnancy isn't something to ignore. Consult your health care provider if your back pain doesn't respond to the self-care strategies described above. Medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) isn't necessarily out of the question, but it's important to check with your health care provider first.
Also, keep in mind that a low, dull backache might be a sign of preterm labor — and severe back pain or back pain that's accompanied by vaginal bleeding or discharge could indicate an underlying problem that needs prompt attention. If you're concerned about back pain during pregnancy, contact your health care provider right away.
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- Ee CC, et al. Acupuncture for pelvic and back pain in pregnancy: A systematic review. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2008;198:254.
- Ho SS, et al. Effectiveness of maternity support belts in reducing low back pain during pregnancy: A review. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 2009;18:1523.
- Stuber KJ, et al. Chiropractic treatment of pregnancy-related low-back pain: A systematic review of the evidence. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2008;31:447.
- Pennick V, et al. Interventions for preventing and treating pelvic and back pain in pregnancy (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2007:CD001139.
- Knight CL, et al. Treatment of acute low back pain. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 11, 2010.
- Improving posture through flexibility. In: Armiger P, et al. Stretching for Functional Flexibility. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2010:171.
- Jang J, et al. Balance (perceived and actual) and preferred stance width during pregnancy. Clinical Biomechanics. 2008;23:468.
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