What is it?

Pregnancy related pain is a common complaint among pregnant women, with approximately 50% of women suffering from some kind of back pain during their pregnancy or postpartum period (1). 

Why am I feeling this pain?

Pregnancy related pain can be due to a few causes, such as hormonal changes and  mechanical changes. Here are some of the existing theories that may lead to low back pain in pregnant women:

Naturally occuring hormones including relaxin, progesterone and oestrogen, help prepare the uterus, pelvis and surrounding tissues (pelvic muscles and ligaments) for the growth of a foetus and for the birthing process. Unfortunately, these hormones do not only act on the structures within the pelvis, resulting in the loosening of ligaments surrounding the area, such as within the low back and hips. As a result, women will often complain of being unable to walk, feeling unstable, and feeling pain within their low back. 

During pregnancy, there is an increased strain on the muscles surrounding the pelvic girdle to provide support and stability as the ligaments stretch (1). In particular, weakness of muscles including gluteus medius, one of the major gluteal muscles responsible for hip stability, is strongly related to the presence of low back pain. 

Due to mechanical alterations during pregnancy and load changes due to a growing child, there is a significant amount of load being placed through the spine and intervertebral discs (gel like substance in between each vertebra) (1). This may also account for the pain that you are experiencing. 

There is no need to be concerned, these are normal processes which most women will feel during their pregnancies. If you have any concerns, it is a good idea to always discuss symptoms and concerns with your GP and maternity care team. 

How may Osteopathy help me?

Infinity’s key focus in pregnancy care includes treating associated issues during all stages of pregnancy. We can also help address other common complaints experienced during including:

• Pelvic instability
• Headaches
• Neck, shoulder and upper back pain
• Leg cramps
• Lower back pain
• Hip pain
• Sciatic-type pain

Postnatal osteopathic treatment may help in treating the postural problems that may develop after having a newborn. These may include:

• Mid-back pain associated with breastfeeding 
• Lower back pain associated with lifting/ carrying your child 

Osteopaths will work with the soft tissues of the body, with articulations and movements, helping to relieve tension, stress, improve functionality and provide symptom relief associated with the constant changes occurring during each trimester of pregnancy.

Looking for some pain management at home? Here are some exercises you can complete at home to help with your pregnancy-related back pain: Basic Mid-Low Back Mobility Exercises for Pregnant Women

By Brooke Beauchamp

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3306025/

https://www.apemedical.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/pregnancy_back_pain.jpg (photo 1)

https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/aches-pains/pregnancy-back-pain-remedies/

https://www.yerongachiropractic.com.au/back-pain-pregnancy-inevitable-avoidable/

Did you catch our last post on Sleep 101? Sleep 101: Issues waking, falling asleep or never feeling refreshed?

Would you like to know about osteopathic treatment for lower back pain? Find out here: OSTEOPATHY FOR LOWER BACK PAIN