Pregnancy is a joyous time for many mothers, but the side effects of being pregnant can cause significant discomfort. Your body is rapidly changing as the baby grows, and you begin to produce a chemical called relaxin that allows muscles and ligaments in your pelvis to relax. The extra weight of the baby can throw your body off-balance and make it difficult to walk, sit, and even sleep. To make your pregnancy as comfortable as possible, consider these ways to combat back pain and find relief for the next nine months.

5 Ways to Combat Back Pain During Pregnancy

1. Avoid Sleeping on Your Back

To get the best sleep possible, avoid sleeping on your back. To keep both you and the baby healthy, you need to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep regularly. Back pain can keep you uncomfortable and prevent you from sleeping at night. Consult with your chiropractor about sleeping positions that will help alleviate back pain, and consider purchasing a pregnancy pillow to provide extra comfort and support.

2. Wear Proper Shoes

Your shoes are often the cause and the cure of much pregnancy-related discomfort. Forgo high heels and opt for low-heeled shoes with a lot of arch support during your pregnancy. You also want to avoid flats since they provide no arch support and put a strain on your posture. If you are conscious about the shoes you wear back pain can be relieved, and you will find it easier to stand and walk during the day and to sleep at night. 

3. See a Chiropractor

Many expecting mothers turn to chiropractors to help alleviate their pregnancy-related back pain. By seeking out chiropractic care, you’ll be given expert advice as well as treatment for the pain you’re experiencing during pregnancy. Make sure to consult with your OBGYN about any underlying pregnancy issues that would prevent you from receiving chiropractic care.

4. Plan Physical Activity Into Your Day

Staying active while pregnant can be hard. Your body is under significant stress, and this can limit the amount of physical activity you can participate in. Still, some physical activity during the day can help keep your muscles healthy and improve your balance as you carry around the extra weight. Look into yoga classes and other low-stress exercises that focus on stretching, breathing, and body awareness. Talk to your doctor about what activities are right for the trimester you’re in and if it’s safe for you to engage in these activities. 

5. Practice Good Posture

Focusing on proper posture can make the nine months of pregnancy, and even your future delivery easier. You should aim to keep your chest high, shoulders back and relaxed, and knees bent to keep you stable and upright while pregnant. If you sit for most of the day, make sure you have a good chair that supports your back and hips. Placing a small pillow between your lower back and chair will help you keep good posture, as well. If you begin to notice issues with your posture, reach out to your chiropractor for a consultation.

If you’re experiencing lower back pain during pregnancy, then schedule an appointment to see the chiropractic care team from Chiropractic Associates of Platteville. They also treat nerve pain, sports injuries, neck pain, and sciatic pain in Platteville, WI. If any of these back-related issues are keeping you down, give them a call at (608) 348-3156 or visit them online for more information.