An Easy Fix For Back Pain During Pregnancy

As the fetus grows, the body stretches, shortens, and compresses organs, muscles, and ligaments to accommodate the baby. Since pregnancy brings on a lot of changes in the body, it can get a little uncomfortable at times.
 

Photo Courtesy of Pregnancy Massage Center

If you develop pain in your back or neck, it could be due to a number of reasons. During pregnancy your breasts grow, which in turn can pull forward the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and back. As the weight of the uterus increases, it can tilt the pelvis which can also pull on muscles of the back, hips, and glutes. 

Always check with your primary care provider first to make sure there isn’t a medical reason as to why your back or neck hurt. Next, see if your doctor has any recommendations for you. If there isn’t a medical reason for the pain, you should not have to take any medications to ease it. A few easy solutions is to increase your water intake, establish a new exercise routine (preferably modified for pregnancy), take a nap or rest for a short time during the day to take the pressure off the area that hurts, and get regular massages. 

“More and more care providers are suggesting prenatal massage to help soothe some of the aches and pains their patients experience during pregnancy.”

It is recommended to find a massage therapist that is certified in pregnancy. Most massage programs provide therapists with training for licensure only and may not include education on pregnancy related issues and how to deal with such. If you're located in the metro area of Atlanta, GA, please visit me or any of the certified prenatal massage therapists at the Pregnancy Massage Center and be sure to place a 4 pack of pregnancy massages on your gift registry. After all, you deserve pampering too.

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