Giving birth and raising a family can be one of the most exciting times of your life. But you may be so busy focusing on the child that's growing inside of you, that you neglect the changing needs of your own body.
When you're pregnant, your posture, center of gravity and body size all change as the fetus develops. Keep in mind that all these changes might be accompanied by some discomfort. But don't dismiss these aches and pains as merely a part of the pregnancy. Physical therapists will tell you that the "grin and bear it" approach is wrong. They can work with your doctor to determine what's causing your pain and tell you if its pregnancy-related.
A physical therapist will start off with a complete evaluation to determine how your body movements might be causing added strain on your spine. You'll learn how to maintain good posture throughout the day and even at night while you're sleeping.
Back pain is frequent complaint of pregnant women and has many causes. The hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy cause ligament laxity, a loosening of the ligaments, which hold bones together, especially where the pelvis and spine connect. As the weight of the baby increases, so does the pressure on your spine and pelvic area. The lumbar curve in your lower back can increase and cause poor posture: your shoulders begin to round and your head tilts forward.
Some women experience such laxity that they need to wear orthotic support for their low back and abdomen. This type of belt is worn to improve stability and function. It can help correct faulty alignment and relieve the strain on muscles that are stretched by the increasing size of the uterus in pregnancy.
As your size changes, your balance, center of gravity and ability to move alters, and the extra weight can strain your back as well as stretch your abdominal muscles. Even the arches of your feet can fall due to the added weight of a baby on board (wear lower heals and use heel inserts for shock absorption).
Since your balance changes during pregnancy a physical therapist will teach you to be more cautious in your movements. Be careful using the stairs, and when you're sitting, try not to cross your legs, which could slow down the blood returning to your heart.
*Sourced from: American Physical Therapy Association (www.APTA.org). "For Women of All Ages. A Physical Therapist's Perspective on Women's Health." 50M/3-07/PR-38