Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Upper Back Pain During Pregnancy
Back pain is something that all expecting mothers experience at some point during their pregnancy. However, most of the back pain that occurs is in the lower back area, near the abdomen and it is due to the additional weight gained during pregnancy.
Upper back pain is not as common as lower back pain, but its effects can be just as unpleasant. The pain can occur at any time during the pregnancy but is more common in the third trimester. Upper back pain usually occurs because the weight distribution of the body changes when the pregnancy progresses, and the back has to cope with all the additional weight. It can also occur as a result of the ligaments and the muscles of the back loosening up as labour approaches, which reduces the inherent stability of the body. Either way, upper back pain during pregnancy is just as big a problem as lower back pain, so care must be taken to alleviate the pain for the comfort of the mother.
Reasons for Upper Back Pain During Pregnancy
Here’s what causes upper back pain during pregnancy.
Change in Balance: The uterus expands throughout the pregnancy, so the mother is forced to stretch the muscles of her neck and pull her shoulders for prolonged periods to maintain balance. This causes a strain on the spine and results in upper back pain in the expecting mother’s body.
Size of the Uterus: The size of the uterus keeps growing throughout pregnancy, which puts pressure on its surroundings. The nerve endings and the blood vessels surrounding the spine are most affected, resulting in back pain. This gets especially pronounced if the mother lies on her back in the third trimester.
A Shift in the Centre of Gravity: As your pregnancy progresses, you will find your body’s centre of gravity gradually shifting to the front. This can induce back pain as your back muscles are not used to holding so much weight.
Incorrect Posture: Incorrect posture can place unnecessary stress on the back and the spine, which directly results in upper back pain. A mother gains around ten to fifteen kilograms over the course of her pregnancy, so even standing upright for a long time can result in upper back pain. High heels also have a detrimental effect on your spinal column.
Symphysopathy: Symphysopathy is a hereditary condition where the pubic articulation and the pelvic area of the mother are too soft and overly stretched. This results in haemorrhages in the area, and affected people also have poor coordination of movements.
Hormonal Changes: Relaxin is a hormone which is secreted in the pregnant woman’s body which helps to relax the pelvic joints and ligaments to prepare the body for childbirth. A common side-effect of this process is that the mother experiences back pain as a result of the strain on the muscles and the spinal column.
Remedies to Relieve Upper Back Pain While Pregnant
You can follow these remedies to alleviate upper back pain during pregnancy.
Consume a Lot of Calcium: Calcium can strengthen the bones and muscles of the body so that your body becomes more capable of sustaining all the gained weight. Dairy products, meat, green vegetables and fish contain enough calcium for a pregnant mother. But do consult the doctor if you opt for calcium supplements.
Focus on the Footwear: Any footwear that places undue stress on the spinal column is a strict no, as it directly contributes to upper back pain during pregnancy. High heels must be avoided at all costs, and you must select shoes that are made of natural material, comfortable and have good soles.
Bend Correctly: Bending can place unnecessary stress on the back muscles and the spinal column since the mother is now carrying a lot of additional weight. If you want to pick up something from the floor, remember to bend your knees first before leaning down, and also to lift with your knees instead of your back.
Posture Is Everything: You might have seen that pregnant women often walk with their shoulders pulled back and a straight back. This posture while walking is followed for a reason– it reduces a lot of the load put on the spinal column while walking. You must also remember to change your position as often as possible so that no part is under too much stress.
Sleep Well: Sleep is essential for everyone’s health, not just a pregnant mother. The correct sleeping position during pregnancy is to lie on your right side, and not on the back. Most upper back pain goes away once you lie down for a bit, in the right posture.
Exercise: While gaining weight during pregnancy may seem normal, it still does not mean that the mother should gain more than the necessary amount of weight. You are expected to gain around 14 kilos by the end of the pregnancy, so exercise is necessary to ensure that you do not pass this threshold. Swimming and walking are the best exercises for mothers to keep fit.
Belly Bands: Belly bands during pregnancy can go a long way in helping distribute the weight on your back. They take the load off the spine and can be a blessing for affected mothers.
How Can Pregnant Women Prevent Upper Back Pain?
Here are some ways you can prevent the occurrence of upper back pain while you are pregnant.
Avoid Lifting and Carrying Heavy Objects: Your back and spine are already under a considerable amount of pressure, so it would be unwise to add to that stress by lifting unnecessary or heavy objects. Remember to bend using your knees, and not to twist while lifting.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: A supportive bra can really help prevent upper back pain early in pregnancy. Shoes too, as mentioned earlier, can play a huge part in preventing upper back pain.
Reduce Stress Levels: Physical stress obviously contributes to back pain, but emotional stress also plays a part. It can cause back spasms and tension in the muscles, which manifest as back pain in the upper back area. So talk your stress out with a friend or a therapist- it is more important than you think.
Tips to Relieve Back Pain
Using a warm or cold compress to relax the tight muscles.
Getting prenatal massages from a massage therapist specialising in pregnancy massages.
Using alternative methods like chiropractic services or acupuncture to relieve the pain.
When to Contact Your Doctor
You have to pay a visit to the doctor if:
Your symptoms suggest that you are going to go into labour.
You have lower back pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding or leaking fluid.
The back pain is accompanied by burning when you pee, and frequent urination– this may indicate a urinary tract infection.
The pain is severe and shows no signs of easing up even after a couple of weeks of trying remedies.
The pain is accompanied by a tingling sensation and loss of feeling in your extremities, which might indicate problems with the spinal nerves.
Upper back pain in early pregnancy and throughout can be prevented or alleviated by using home remedies and bringing changes in your lifestyle, so mothers need not worry about this too much. However, if the symptoms do not go away even after trying the remedies, you should pay a visit to the doctor. Is upper back pain a sign of labour? It could be, and a visit to the hospital is warranted if you experience contractions along with it.
Also Read: Exercises to Get Rid of Back Pain during Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
How to Deal with Cramping in Pregnancy
One of the most common problems that a pregnant woman faces is cramping. As you take baby steps towards the new chapter of your life, here is what you should know about cramps in the stomach during pregnancy and at different stages.
What is Cramping in Pregnancy?
Lower abdominal cramps in early pregnancy happen because the uterus expands, causing the ligaments and muscles supporting the uterus to stretch. Since the uterus is a muscle, it usually responds to change, through contractions resulting in cramps. While abdominal pain in pregnancy is common in expectant mothers, it is important to find out when cramping could be a concern. Many women experience light cramping, but it is not much to be concerned about, because it may fade without any specific care. Bear in mind though, if you experience occasional uterine cramping, it could be a sign of pregnancy complications. Read on for an overview of the physical changes that your body might go through, including cramping and abdominal pain.
Is It Normal to Have Cramps during Pregnancy?
In most cases, mild tummy cramps should not be a matter of concern because it’s just a part of early pregnancy symptoms. Cramping is a sign that your body is preparing to carry the baby, and is gearing up for change. Some expectant mothers could experience cramps with a little bleeding as the embryo implants itself into the wall of the womb. You may also experience cramps while sneezing, coughing or changing positions during pregnancy.
What do Early Pregnancy Cramps Feel like?
Every woman describes cramps differently, but they are best described as pulling sensations on one or both sides of your abdomen. Some may describe the experience as a sharp, stabbing, dull, heavy or “just annoying” pain. You may also feel period like cramps because the uterus is contracting and it could feel heavy in the pelvis. Often the abdominal pain could be experienced more on one side than the other. You cannot completely avoid some level of discomfort and cramping. Knowledge about the causes and implications can prepare you to manage the cramping as you progress in the pregnancy.
Causes of Cramping in Pregnant Women
You must keep in mind that every pregnancy is unique with its own set of challenges. Though mild cramps are quite normal in pregnancy, the experience varies from one woman to another. Let us look at some of the common reasons for cramping at different stages of pregnancy:
Cramping during the First Trimester
1. Implantation Cramping
Cramps along with a slight bleeding during the first three weeks of pregnancy occur because of the implantation of the embryo into the wall of the womb, and normally occur at the same time your period is due
2. Enlarging Uterus
Cramping often stems from the normal changes that may result because of the baby’s development in the uterus. Cramps could be further accompanied by light bleeding where the colour of the blood can be bright red, pink or brown. As the uterus is stretched it could lead to extending of muscles and ligaments that support the uterus and lead to abdominal pain or cramps
3. Hormonal Changes
The veins supplying blood to the uterus become enlarged in this trimester and could make you feel heavy. Also, your body produces several hormones necessary to support the pregnancy, including progesterone. When progesterone increases, the ligaments tend to loosen up. The stretching of the abdomen accompanied with loose ligaments leads to cramping.
4. Gas or Bloating
Another common reason of cramps is gas and bloating, as hormones slow your digestion process and increase the pressure of your growing uterus on the stomach and intestines resulting in constipation
5. Stretching Ligaments
Some expectant mothers may experience sharp pains on one or both sides of the groin while standing up, stretching or twisting the body at around 12 weeks. This is because the ligaments that support your womb are stretching.
6. Ectopic pregnancy
A pregnancy could be unsustainable if the fertilised egg is implanted outside of the uterus. Such a pregnancy is called ectopic pregnancy and can cause painful cramping. It is a serious medical condition which needs medical intervention. If you experience any form of abdominal or pelvic pain or tenderness, then rush to your doctor.
7. Miscarriage
If you happen to witness any vaginal spotting along with mild or sharp cramping then it could be a sign of a miscarriage. Normally cramping during a miscarriage is caused when blood and tissue leaving the uterus irritate it, causing it to contract. But, you should also know that some pregnant women who have spotting and cramping can very well conceive and continue with a healthy pregnancy till the end
Your cramps might slowly fade as the uterus enlarges and is better supported by the bones in the pelvis.
Cramping during the Second Trimester
1. Round Ligament Pain
The most common reason of cramping in this trimester is round ligament pain. A round ligament is a muscle that supports the uterus which stretches as your pregnancy progresses. You may feel a sharp, stabbing, or a dull pain in your lower abdomen as a result.
2. Multiples
If you are pregnant with multiples then the uterus will grow faster to reach third-trimester proportions. Since the ligaments and muscles have to bear the weight of the uterus, this may lead to cramps.
3. Uterine Fibroids
A rare cause of cramping in the second trimester, this happens because of the pressure of the growing uterus on previously infected intestinal tissue that may cause bowel obstruction. If you have a history of uterine fibroids, stay alert to any cramping at this stage, because you may require hospitalisation to manage the pain effectively until it subsides.
4. Placental Abruption
This happens when the placenta separates from the uterus before the baby is born. This could even be a life-threatening condition and is accompanied by a painful cramp that refuses to die down.
5. Pre-eclampsia
You could experience cramping if diagnosed with Preeclampsia. This is a pregnancy complication causing changes in your blood vessels, and leading to high blood pressure. Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome, a complication caused by Pre-eclampsia can also cause cramps
Cramping during the Third Trimester
1. Braxton Hicks Contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions, also called practice contractions, take place during the third trimester. Characterised by sporadic uterine contractions, these cramps are the body’s way of preparing for labour. It is important to determine if cramping during this trimester indicates preterm labour. This could begin with vaginal cramping and lead to bleeding, discharge, and at times dizziness during pregnancy
2. Weight Gain
You may experience occasional leg cramps during pregnancy. The weight gain during pregnancy and the heaviness from the growing baby may also put pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that go to your legs.
3. Preterm Labour
You could also experience signs of cramping during pre-term labour. As the baby grows, it increases pressure on your cervix, and it could begin to dilate before 37 weeks.
Signs of Pregnancy Cramps- What is Normal and When You Need a Doctor
Lower abdominal cramps and pain during urination may indicate a urinary tract infection leading to cramps. If you ignore urinary tract infections, it may lead to a burning sensation, blood in the urine, lower backache and even kidney infection.
Some women experience cramping during sex or after an orgasm, which can cause abdominal pain due to increased blood flow to the pelvic region. Mild and short-term pain post sex is normal.
If you experience any pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, and feel it a little higher during pregnancy, then it could be a sign of Appendicitis. Not easily diagnosed during pregnancy it could be a serious condition.
If you experience intense pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen which spreads from the back and below the right shoulder blade, then there are chances of gallstones.
How to Relieve Cramps while Pregnant
While cramping during pregnancy is inevitable, you can take measures to avoid this discomfort to a great extent. A couple of things that you could do to cope with this phase are:
Sit, lie down or change positions. There are times when changing position,lying on the alternate side, light stretching and some body movement can help ease the pain
Soak in a warm bath
Try relaxation exercises or yoga under supervision or as prescribed by doctor
Loosen any tight or constrictive clothing
Subtle tummy massages offer relief
A full bladder or bowel can lead to uterine cramping
Drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables and try to ignore highly processed foods to avoid constipation
Rest your legs elevated and use a foot rest or low stool when sitting
While pregnancy could be a life changing experience, it could leave you baffled at many occasions. Make sure you that you don’t lose sleep over these physical changes because it might affect your emotional well-being. Be proactive and enjoy the pregnancy to the fullest. Read more
Check out this new Memory
KajalDhiman
Mom of a 1 yr 2 m old boy
6 mins ago
Me first time in Shimla
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
How to Work When Everything Else is at Centrestage!
When that to-do list piles up in and outside of work, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Everyone’s work is important except yours right? When everything else is at center stage it’s important to prioritize your tasks so you don’t end up in a stew.
You know that sinking feeling when you wake up knowing you have 101 things to do at work and at home, but not knowing where to begin? You’ve got to start somewhere so instead of letting that feeling get to you, try to stay afloat by incorporating these simple tactics in your daily routine to help you take control.
Control Your Workload Before it Takes Control of You
1. Don’t Rely on Your Memory
You may have a superb memory but sometmes it can let you down. Always prioritize your tasks by keeping a to-do list because you can count on that to help you get through the day. With your hectic schedule of getting everyone ready for school and work in the morning, it may not be possible to make one as soon as you're up. So when you reach work, take 5 minutes to compose yourself and jot down all that needs to be done. Then divide it into what needs immediate attention and that which can wait. At the end of the day take another 5 minutes to jot down things that need tending to at home and then accomplish them.
2. Stick to a Schedule
At work, it’s best to create a time schedule and stick to it daily. If you’ve got a flood of emails to answer to everyday, set aside a time in the day to do so. Give yourself 24 hours to reply to each response that comes in thereafter and make sure you respond within that interval. Create a calendar list of all upcoming events as seeing everything in one place will foster the ability to prioritize work according to the order of events landing you on top of your game.
3. Ask Yourself, What is More Important?
At work, you'll find colleagues and superiors dumping you with work till there’s no room to breathe. Deep breathe nonetheless, asking yourself whose work is more important. It’s the first step in learning how to prioritize workload. The work of your reporting authority is always more important, everyone else can wait. So once you’re done with that, move onto the next.
4. Get Rid of Clutter
Why is it important to prioritize? If you leave little things on your table to attend to bigger matters, you’re not going to make much headway. Leaving all the small stuff for later will only clutter your table, which is the sign of a cluttered mind. It reflects a disorganised persona. Get all the little things out of the way. It'll surely ease the workload and your mind, keeping you free to attend to other important things.
When you find ways to prioritize your time you will be in a much better position to steer your own ship. It’s all about being organised and maintaining a certain discipline at work and at home. Most importantly, learn to be honest with yourself and your capabilities. Don’t take on more than you can handle for that will be your undoing. Read more
Suggested for you
How to increase breast milk during breastfeeding.foods that may help in increasing breastmilk..
Hello guys...here i want to share my story about increasing breastmilk during feeding it helps me a lot i hope it will help u too...
It was my first pregnancy ...i m very worried to breastfeeding that how i increase my breast milk becoz in first pregnancy any mother who have newly being mom it was very diffcult task,that how to feed baby,how increase breast milk,how to take care of baby in all these breastfeeding is most imp.becoz if u hav enough milk then baby feel no more hunger n u without any tenson enjoying motherhood but in my case i found that i have milk but not enough fr my baby n i m very worried about this...becoz i dont want to give any other milk to my baby any other type of milk is not good for the baby becoz all they decreses the immunity of baby breastfeeding upto 6 month is most imp.becoz in ur early milk there is colustrum that have many imp.quality like..it may have many antibodies that protect ur baby from being allergic,deaf,an it may also increases immunity to the baby...so it was required that a mother has enough milk ..so the food that i include in my diet are....1.curd it increases immunity n breastmilk too.
2.fenugreek seeds..it make more milk n baby have no stomach problm.
3.cumin..it also help in incresing milk.
4.more liquid water almost 2-3 lts per day.
5.fruits n veigies...
6.milk.
7.excercise.
After taking these things what i found ..i see the miracle n just becoz of almighty i have enough milk fr my angel...
Guys plzz may try this i hope it will be surely helpful to u..
Dont be tensed..feel easy to this task,all these things helps me i hope it will show miracle to u all Read more
Heenuchauhan has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
11 hours ago
Q. I got a very pinkish line in t from 2 test which I took after 7 days of missing period am I pregnant?????
Heenuchauhan
Guardian of 2 children
10 hours ago
A. yeah postive
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. hi,
I have done LFT in which SGOT is 58.80 & SGPT is 96.90,
and Bile test is 8.83.
my gyne is suggesting for pre term delivery in 37 weeks.
and other hospital gyne is saying it's normal.
please suggest what should I do, is it matter of concern?
do I have to do early delivery in as per report?
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. It is not a pre-term degree once you enter into your nine months you can deliver any time and it will be a full-time delivery so see if your gynaecologist is suggesting you something go for that because she’s monitored your pregnancy throughout these nine months so I think she would not suggest you anything wrong of going a sec for a second opinion you go for what your gynaecologist suggesting but try going ahead with a normal delivery
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a Newborn child
7 hours ago
Q. y does my baby spit up so much,is it fault of my breast milk
does eating tamird make baby to spit up
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. nothing to do with mothers diet ok. small babies will be having lot of gas because of various reasons it is advisable to do burping of the baby immediately after feeding please give colimex DF drops to the baby they are safe
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. difference between lactogen 2&3
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
7 hours ago
A. dear Mum the difference between lactogen 2 and 3 is related to the age
lactogen 2 is for the age group of after 6 months upto 12 months
lactogen 3 is formulated for the age group of after 12 months upto 18 months
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
5 hours ago
Q. Explain me procedure of epidural …how it works
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. most of the times the anaesthesia will be inside dura but in epidural it is above the dura matter oj. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. In august 2023 I diagnosed OHSS with ectopic pregnancy in September we abort that pregnancy after that my period cycle was not proper very irregular or scanty periods now can i plan next pregnancy naturally? How can i plan how to get rid of irregular periods
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. You have to take proper medications to balance your hormones and that is what is going to be helpful in a regular period cycle once your periods are regular you’ll be sure about the time when you’re on dating and that would be the right time for you to conceive so that is how you need to work upon it
Check out this new Memory
Nitesh
Father of a 1 yr 3 m old boy
New Memory
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Priyadarshni
Mom of a 1 yr 4 m old girl
1 min ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Nidhi Mehta
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old girl
2 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
SHIVAM JAISWAL
Father of a 5 m old girl
4 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive