Back Pain in Pregnancy

During pregnancy it is very common for women to get back pain. This is due to the change in hormone levels. One in particular is ‘Relaxin’. ‘Relaxin’ causes the ligaments and the pelvis to soften to allow the baby out through the pelvis. This is also what causes pregnant women to waddle. While the pelvis relaxes the uterus grows which causes the following:

• Your centre of gravity changes
• Relaxing uterine ligaments cause additional strain to be placed on the spine and your surrounding muscles
• Your overstretched abdominal muscles are also not equipped to handle the entire weight of the uterus so your spine and back muscles will bear this extra burden as well

Prevention of Back Pain In Pregnancy

Prevention is the best management for this discomfort, and these include:

• Exercises - Strong abdominal muscles reduce the possibility of back pain significantly. Ask your midwife or doctor about appropriate abdominal exercises in pregnancy
• Paying attention to your posture, avoid slouching and high heels where possible, when sitting on a chair sit with a towel or cushion behind you
• Lifting and bending appropriately - avoid bending over with your legs straight as this places excessive strain on your lower back. Squat down or kneel down to pick up objects off the floor, keeping your back straight. Bend you kneels, back straight!
• You also need to rest. Your need to rest will increase as the pregnancy advances
• When doing housework be particularly careful when vacuuming – try lunging with your legs rather than bending your back. When hanging washing on the line – place the laundry basket on a chair so you’re not constantly bending down to pick up the clothes. Position your feet to face the task you’re doing and avoid twisting your upper body. If you’re carrying shopping bags – carry two light bags, one in each hand to even the load rather than carrying one heavy bag.
• If this is not your first pregnancy ensure that you lift your children using your legs and not your back or sit down and get them to climb onto your lap. When bathing them kneel at the tub instead of bending at the waist.

It is also important to continue these techniques after the birth as your core (back and abdomen) muscles are still quiet relaxed, giving you a greater chance of back injury.

BabyBjörn Baby Carrier       

BabyBjörn Comfort Carrier is the new, safe and ergonomic carrier – smart and cleverly designed as ever. It retains the closeness between you and your baby, whilst recognizing the demands for comfort for those who would like to carry their child up to the age of two.

Designed for babies weighing from 6 kg to 14 kg, the Comfort Carrier has an adjustable waist belt to let most of the weight be carried on the hips, removing any added strain on the back. To offer flexibility and maximum comfort for you and your baby, the carrier has two different leg positions to choose between; your baby can be carried either facing towards you or facing outwards.

The Comfort Carrier has a stable head and neck support, with a specially designed bib included. The carrier’s textiles are made from 100% organic cotton and are certified with Oeko-Tex Standard 100, class 1, which guarantees that they are free from harmful substances. The carrier is machine washable at 40 degrees.

The BabyBjörn Comfort Carrier has been created together with pediatricians, parents and children to make it easy to use and in touch with parents needs, whilst not sacrificing safety.

 

 

 

References:
http://www.pregnancy.com.au/resources/topics-of-interest/pregnancy/back-pain-in-pregnancy.shtml
http://pregnancy.about.com/od/backache/a/backache.htm