Pregnant : Back pain a problem?

What is the most common complaint you hear from a pregnant woman? That her back hurts. When you are pregnant, you put on a good amount of extra weight that you are not used to. This is a big contributor to the pain, plus with the extra weight you’re posture changes. Bain pain is something that pregnant women do not have to live with. Pain relievers such as Acetaminophen are safe to use while pregnant. Many medications are not safe so before taking anything you should check with a doctor. Even though back pain is easy to fix it should not be ignored. Back pain could mean complications with the pregnancy so you always want to monitor the pain.

Some other ways to prevent or stop back pain are:

Practice good posture. As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts forward. As you compensate in some way to avoid falling forward, you may strain the muscles in your lower back — which can cause back pain. Enter the principles of good posture. Tuck your buttocks under, pull your shoulders back and downward, and stand straight and tall.
Sit and stand with care. Sit with your feet slightly elevated, and don't cross your legs. Choose a chair that supports your back. Change position often, and avoid standing for long periods of time. If you must stand, rest one foot on a low step stool.
Sleep on your side. Sleep on your side, not your back. Keep one or both knees bent. It may also help to place one pillow between your knees and another under your abdomen, or use a full-length body pillow.
Lift properly. When lifting a small object, squat down and lift with your legs. Don't bend at the waist or lift with your back. Try to avoid sudden reaching movements or stretching your arms high over your head. And know your limits. Don't attempt to lift heavy objects or children.
Get the right gear. Wear low-heeled shoes with good arch support. Wear maternity pants with a low, supportive waistband. Consider using a maternity support belt.
Try heat, cold or a back rub. Apply heat to your back. Soak in a warm bathtub, or use a hot water bottle or a heating pad. Some women find relief by alternating ice packs with heat. Rubbing your back also may help. Better yet, ask someone to rub your back for you.
Stay fit. Regular exercise can keep your back strong and may actually relieve back pain. With your health care provider's OK, try swimming, walking or riding a stationary bike.
Try pelvic tilt exercises. Kneel on your hands and knees with your head in line with your back. Pull in your abdomen, arching your spine upward. Hold the position for several seconds, then relax your abdomen and back. Repeat three to five times, working gradually up to 10. Ask your health care provider about other stretching exercises, too.
Consider complementary treatments. For some women, massage therapy or chiropractic care provides relief. Although these techniques haven't been proved effective for treating low back pain, they may provide some comfort and are generally safe during pregnancy — as long as you're receiving good prenatal care. Discuss your pain with your health care provider first, however, to make sure you're dealing with muscular back pain rather than an underlying condition.