Back spasms during pregnancy can be scary, especially to first time mothers. However, this is really just a natural occurrence and not a cause of alarm except when the spasms are painful and really bother the pregnant woman.
About 30% of women will experience back spasms during pregnancy though the rest of the popular seems to be lucky.
Reasons for back spasms vary, depending on which portion of the back – lower or upper – is affected.
Lower Back Spasms During Pregnancy
- The muscles of the abdomen relax to accommodate the growth in the womb.However, many women have weak abdominal muscles. With weak muscles, the woman tends to bend backwards to compensate. This will put too much pressure to the back muscles that need to counteract the added weight for balance. These make spasms and pain in the lower back appear.
- If the gluteal muscles are weak, they won’t be able to support the woman’s increasing weight; thus, spasms in the lower back occur.
- The sedentary lifestyle that pregnancy induces in some women can lead to loss of muscle strength and mass. This, in turn, will lead to lower back spasms.
Upper Back Spasms In Early Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes in the woman’s body can also cause pain in the upper back. However, upper back spasms occur less often than lower back spasms.
- Sometimes, the baby lies against the spine, radiating pain to both the lower and upper backs.
- During early pregnancy, the body’s hormones increase in preparation for the baby. This can lead to back spasms.
How To Relieve Back Spasms In Pregnant Women?
- Exercise, approved by the health care provider, can help alleviate pain as it strengthens the muscles.
- Try to get adequate sleep and rest.
- Always use a proper posture while picking up items off the floor. Bend both your knees and keep your back straight. Always lift your legs not your back and keep the object close to your body while picking it up.
- Ensure a proper sitting posture at all times. Make sure your back is straight and well supported. Don’t cross your legs when you sit. Crossing legs will increase pain and reduce circulation in your extremities.
- Avoid high heeled shoes. Always use flat, simple and comfortable foot wear.
- Make sure your sleeping mattress is firm. If not put a hard board bellows the mattress. Put a pillow under your knees while sleeping, this will reduce the pressure on your back.
- Make sure you follow a strict diet. A woman gains approximately 10-11 kilograms during the tenure of the pregnancy. Make sure you don’t gain more weight, which will increase the burden on your back.