Back pain is a very common complaint among pregnant women, especially in the last months of pregnancy. This is mainly due to the increasing weight of the baby and the shift in the mother’s center of gravity, as the fetus becomes a fully developed being. This can cause temporary but painful and uncomfortable symptoms in the back and pelvis. The closer the woman gets to her delivery date, the more intense these symptoms may become. It is important to consult a doctor if the pain is severe or accompanied by fever or bleeding.
Dr. Mahmoud Arafat, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, explains the causes and symptoms of pregnancy-related back pain and offers advice on how to manage it during the last months.
Causes of Back Pain in Late Pregnancy
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Increasing Baby Weight: The growing fetus puts pressure on the pelvis and spine, leading to back pain.
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Hormonal Changes: The hormone relaxin is secreted, which softens the ligaments in the pelvis to prepare for delivery. This can cause joint instability and strain, leading to back pain.
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Body Posture Changes: The enlarged belly shifts the body’s center of gravity, causing changes in posture and muscle strain.
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Weak Abdominal Muscles: As the uterus grows, abdominal muscles weaken, reducing support for the back.
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Emotional Stress: Stress and tension can increase muscle tightness and cause pain.
Tips for Managing Back Pain in the Ninth Month
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Weight Gain: A healthy weight gain is about 1 kg per month during pregnancy. Excessive weight gain, often due to an unbalanced diet high in carbs and starches, increases pressure on the spine, worsening pain.
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Light Exercise: Gentle exercises, especially walking daily, help reduce back pain and prepare the body mentally and physically for labor.
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Avoid High Heels: Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes to ease movement and reduce strain on the back.
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Hormonal Effects: Increased relaxin causes ligament loosening around the spine and pelvis, which while necessary for childbirth, can cause discomfort.
How to Deal with Back Pain in Late Pregnancy
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See a Doctor Immediately If:
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Pain becomes unbearable or intensifies.
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Difficulty urinating occurs alongside back pain.
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Sudden, sharp back pain appears.
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Maintain Good Posture: Sit and stand properly, avoid prolonged bending, and wear comfortable shoes.
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Regular Exercise: Activities like walking and swimming strengthen back and abdominal muscles.
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Rest Adequately: Avoid standing long periods and use extra pillows to support the back and belly while sleeping.
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Use Warm or Cold Compresses: Warm compresses ease muscle pain; cold ones reduce inflammation.
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Gentle Massage: Helps relieve muscle tension and pain.
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Use a Back Support Belt: Provides extra support to the spine and reduces pressure.
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Consult a Doctor: Especially if pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms.
When to See a Doctor Urgently
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Difficulty urinating.
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Sudden onset of back pain.
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Numbness or tingling sensations radiating to limbs.
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Severe back pain possibly indicating premature labor, spinal arthritis, or osteoporosis.
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