1st,
2nd, 3rd Trimesters
Backaches are one of the most common complaints during pregnancy. Your growing
uterus puts
a strain on your back muscles and changes your posture.
Tips
to prevent or lessen back pain:
- Wear
low-heeled, supportive shoes.
- Do
not stand with a "sway back" -- keep your hips pulled forward
and your back straight.
- Wear
a "prenatal cradle" or support belt.
- Avoid
lifting heavy objects.
- Do
not bend at your waist to lift anything. Instead, squat
down and bend your knees with your back straight.
- Do
not stay on your feet for long periods of time. If you
must, elevate one foot while standing by putting it on
a stool or a box.
- Sit
in chairs with good back support or put a small pillow
behind your lower back.
- Arrange
your home and workplace so that you do not have to bend
or stretch very much.
- Sleep
on a firm mattress or put a board between the mattress
and box spring.
- Sleep
on your left side with a pillow between your legs for support.
- Apply
heat or cold to the painful area and massage it.
- Do
back exercises (Click here to go to the Exercise pages
for exercises to lessen and prevent back pain during pregnancy)
