Pregnancy does all kinds of wild things to the body. Sure, needless to say, it’s all magical because you’re experiencing all sorts of different sensations (like those little flutter kicks) before the baby arrives. But of course, it’s not always like pregnancy is amazing. Outside of the nausea, there’s usually some physical pain, and usually you hear about the back pain, well, spine to get more specifically here (but there’s other aches and pains too, of course).
But yeah, the shift in balance, the growing belly, the new way weight gets carried… it all puts extra pressure on the back. And yeah, that baby bump looks adorable, but the body’s working harder than it ever has before just to keep everything upright and moving. And so yeah, it’s not just a cute belly. It’s a whole new center of gravity that changes how the spine supports every step. But yes, it’s also a cute belly, too.
That Sweet Little Bump Changes How You Stand
As the belly grows, the spine leans back a bit to compensate. It’s the only way to keep from tipping forward while walking or even just standing still. But that adjustment pulls on the lower back like crazy. So yes, you can count on soreness, lots of stiffness, discomfort, you get the idea. But your spine, well, your body, is doing the best it can.
The Hormones Don’t Help
So, Relaxin is the hormone that makes ligaments softer to prepare for birth. Now, yes, obviously, it’s a very important job. But it also means joints feel looser and less supported, especially around the pelvis and lower back. Movements that used to feel easy suddenly feel wobbly or awkward. Actually, even rolling over in bed becomes a whole event.
You Might have Noticed Your Posture
Sitting, standing, walking… they all feel different now, right? Well, you need to keep in mind that the back muscles are constantly trying to protect the spine, which can lead to tightness in the shoulders, neck, and hips. And if there’s already a tiny bit of posture trouble before pregnancy? Well, it might decide to make itself known now.
Since this is going to be going on for months on end, it’s better to do something now about the discomfort than later on (when it gets really bad). Some moms will see a prenatal physical therapist, but sometimes just going to a pregnancy chiropractor like Harmony Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic can help a lot. It really just depends on the personal situation you’re in.
Don’t Try to Ignore the Pain
Well, that, or even try to “tough it out.” Back pain during pregnancy is common, sure, but that doesn’t mean it should just be accepted like it’s part of the deal. Keep in mind that discomfort can affect sleep, energy, and even the ability to enjoy all the happy little moments. Besides, stress and lack of sleep are bad for the baby, too. Besides, think about it for a moment; there’s nothing fun about waddling because the back is exhausted before the feet even are. You absolutely need to take some action.
