There are numerous uncomfortable issues associated with being pregnant. Of them all, it's fair to say that back pain is one of the most widely recognised, possibly because it's also one of the most common.
The reason pregnant women frequently get back pain is that the muscles and ligaments in the body undergo changes to accommodate the growing baby. Add to that a shifted centre of gravity and you've got a recipe for an uncomfortable, aching back.
Just because it's a natural part of pregnancy, it doesn't mean you have to let back pain get the better of you. Are you doing something that's making your backache worse? Take a look at this list and find out.
Wearing the wrong shoes
Most women know that high-heeled shoes aren't the best choice during pregnancy, as the extra height puts more strain on your spine and increases your back pain. What you may not know, however, is that completely flat shoes aren't great for pregnancy back pain either.
The slight lift that small heels will give you puts your back into a good alignment, which can really help reduce your discomfort. Make sure you wear good quality, supportive shoes, and choose ones that fit the arches of your feet closely.
Sleeping awkwardly
Everyone has, at some point, experienced back pain after a night sleeping in an awkward position. When you're pregnant, it's even more difficult to get into a comfortable position, and with the existing likelihood of strain on the back muscles, it can really increase your chance of pain and discomfort.
A lot of women find it best to sleep on their side rather than the back while pregnant. It can be difficult to get used to if it's not how you normally sleep, but it's a good way to reduce pain. You might also find it helpful to get some extra pillows and use them for support at various points on your body.
Letting stress get the better of you
Stress is never a good thing for pregnant women, but the unfortunate thing is that it can be a naturally stressful time. When you're stressed, your muscles become more tense, particularly those in the back. If they're already under unusual strain, stress adds to your discomfort.
Try doing stress-reducing activities, taking time for yourself or getting into meditation. Don't be afraid to ask for help or tell people you need some time to yourself; it's important to keep your stress levels as low as possible.
Sitting in the wrong position
Good posture is essential when it comes to minimising back pain, especially during pregnancy. As your body changes, your posture can too, and sitting the most common time to lose track of how well-positioned your back is.
If you're working at a desk, try to remain aware of your posture. A new chair might also be helpful, as you need support in the right parts of your back to keep it in a healthy position, so ask your boss for any extra help you need.
When you think about arthritis, you automatically assume it is affecting a person in the older age bracket. Unfortunately, juveniles can also suffer from this issue. When I found out my child had juvenile arthritis, I was stunned. So, I have created this blog to talk about arthritis and how to make the person's life more bearable after diagnosis. Changes to diet and exercise are two small ways you can reduce the impact of arthritis, so I want to share the tips I have found that has changed my child's life for the better. Don't let an unusual condition get your child down; make changes so they can live a full and pain-free life.