If this is your first pregnancy, don't be alarmed if you are experiencing lower back pain in the first trimester. There are a number of reasons that you may be suffering with back pain during the early part of pregnancy and none are any danger to you or the baby.
Hormones, Hormones, Hormones
Becoming pregnant causes an influx of hormones. Hormones are fluctuating and certain hormones necessary to a successful pregnancy such as progesterone are increasing and can cause lower back pain. Though every woman is different, lower back pain is often one of the first symptoms a woman experiences when she is newly pregnant.
Managing Lower Back Pain in the First Trimester and Beyond
Though pregnancy is a time for joy, it is not always comfortable for the expectant mother. Aches and pains and strange symptoms can come and go. Lower back pain is not limited to the first trimester, but as the expectant mother grows larger with the growing baby, her center of balance will be shift and this will cause lower back pain. There are a variety of ways to combat lower back pain during pregnancy, but don't expect to become symptom free as long as you are carrying.
Doing pelvic tilts can help to ease the strain on the mother-to-be's lower back. Later in your pregnancy you will not be able to lie on your back, so strengthen those muscles in the early part of your pregnancy so that lower back pain is reduced later on. Gaining too much weight during your first trimester may also increase the chances that you will experience lower back pain. Take good care of yourself by eating healthy and nutritious foods and don't follow the old wives tale that you are now eating for two. Drink plenty of water and get the proper amount of rest. Try not to become stressed as it is no good for the baby or your lower back pain.
If you have been exercising regularly before you became pregnant, continue to do so. You can discuss the type of exercise routine that is safest for you and your baby with your health care provider. The stronger you stay, the easier it is to give birth and strong muscles will help to eliminate or ease any lower back pain you are experiencing.
Wear sensible shoes that will give your feet the support they need. Flat shoes without support will only add to your lower back pain woes. High heels during pregnancy are never recommended. Getting a massage can also help with lower back pain and help you to feel pampered and special during your pregnancy. Once the baby comes, there won't be a lot of time to get a massage, so take advantage of the time you have now to treat yourself well.
Once the baby is born, you will have forgotten all the aches and pains while you were pregnant and this includes lower back pain. Holding your wee one in your arms for the first time makes everything you've been through worthwhile.
Hip and Lower Back Pain Tip #1
Back pain is one of the most common forms of bodily pain. It is estimated that eight in ten people will be affected by back pain. Amazingly, back pain is one of the easiest injuries to prevent. |
Hip and Lower Back Pain Tip #2
Believe it or not, cigarette smoking can increase a person's risk of developing lower back pain and sciatica. What's more, smoking can prolong the healing process which means that back injuries, surgery and bones will cause pain for a longer period of time. |
Hip and Lower Back Pain Tip #3
The best thing a person can do to keep his or her back healthy is to get regular exercise. In addition to a few muscle specific exercises that can be found by way of a simple web search, it has been proven that exercises geared toward balance and strength (like yoga) can help a person decrease his or her risk of falling and causing injury to the back muscles. |
