Curing Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

Lower back pain is a common issue during the two last trimesters of pregnancy. The female pelvic bone increases its diameter to allow the baby’s transit during labour. This process begins around the thirty fourth week. After birth, the pelvic ring closes, but usually does not reach its original size. This is the reason why many women with children notice a small increase in the size of their hips after pregnancy.

During the third trimester, the female pelvic bone opens like a hinge thanks to the sacroiliac joints that allow more space for the baby to descend and find a good position for delivery. This situation can cause severe pain on both sides of the lower back (sacroiliac joints) and the lower abdomen above the genitals (pubic area). This pain makes walking, sitting and sleeping very difficult.

It is important to say that this pelvic opening process is a normal biological change that prepares your body to have your baby in a natural way.

What can I do if I am pregnant and I have lower back pain?

Most painkillers are not recommended during pregnancy. Therefore, if you feel lower back pain, take a rest laying down on your left side for a couple of hours, meanwhile applying a warm bag or cushion on your lower back to relax the muscles. If this does not work, visit a doctor.

First, a gynecologist/obstetrician needs to ensure that everything is all right with you and your baby. If all is well, you can be referred to an orthopedic surgeon, who can offer a safe option to treat the pain.

In the meantime, try to keep a good posture. This is difficult because your body is different and heavier, but you need to avoid flexing your hips as much as possible, specifically when trying to pick something up from the floor. Keep your back straight, no matter if you are walking, sitting or sleeping.

What might the orthopaedic surgeon offer?

An orthopaedic surgeon can offer a safe, quick and minimally-invasive pain management therapy directly applied to both of your sacroiliac joints. This procedure is 100 per cent safe for your baby and also for you because the applied medicines will not reach your bloodstgream. It is also safe after delivery for breast-feeding mothers who feel pain.

During the procedure you will feel the same as with any other injection, like a blood test or vaccination. Pain relief can be immediate and it may last for 60 to 90 days on average. Taking painkillers will be unnecessary and you will feel more comfortable while walking, sleeping or resting until the end of your pregnancy. — Family Medical Practice Vietnam

Dr. Andres Sosa - Orthopedic Surgeon, Family Medical Practice Hanoi