One look at a pregnant woman and you know she’s a candidate for lower back pain. In fact, it will be more surprising if she will not experience it as she enters her third trimester when her bump is at the heaviest. The woman gains weight, the posture is compromised and the hormones are causing the muscles and ligaments at the back to relax. Lower back pain is natural with pregnancy but pregnant women must not just bear it.
Of course, there are ways to alleviate lower back pain during pregnancy. One is by using a heating pad on your lower back. Some women are actually wary about using a heating pad for fear that the high temperature can harm or affect the developing baby. Nevertheless, there are different types of heating pads you can use, and The Soothing Effect can help you make the right choice as far as heating pads are concerned.
Other than a heating pad, there are other ways to relieve yourself of lower back pain that will not require you to take medications. For instance, there are stretches for lower back pain, and these can greatly ease the discomfort.
Now don’t worry that such stretches will harm the baby. Normal pregnancies can always handle a small amount of exercise. In fact, there are exercises designed for pregnant women, and that’s because the changes that occur in a pregnant woman’s body are bound to cause certain discomforts.
As an example, the brunt of additional weight takes a toll on the ligaments and joints with the major pain felt on the back. A regular exercise will prepare the body of a pregnant woman to the additional weight. Stretches for lower back pain can also help to relieve mounting stress.
There are simple stretches for lower back pain that are effective for pregnant women.
1. Lower Back Stretchis ideal on the first trimester. This will lengthen the butt muscles for better posture. While lying on the back, bend knees, loop a towel around the right foot then draw the right knee toward the chest and shoulder. Keep the position for three counts before releasing the right leg and proceeding to the left.
2. Upper Back Crunchis perfect during the second trimester. This is done while sitting on the edge of a seat with the feet planted firmly on the floor. With back straight and abs contracted, extend arms out to the side at shoulder level and squeeze the shoulder blades together. Hold the position for a while and then repeat the entire process.
3. Full Back Stretchis excellent throughout pregnancy. It can be done anytime there is discomfort. This stretches the muscles and eases tension at the lower back. Stand with the feet apart. Holding on to a door or anything for support, bend the knees and round back, tucking chin toward the chest and the pelvis under. Hold the position and repeat.
Exercises with stretches for lower back pain are easy to do. Focus on the body postures at all time because the way the additional weight is carried makes a difference. Aside from that, using a heating pad for 10 minutes at a time can do wonders in relieving you of lower back pain.