Pregnancy Back Support - Easing the Pain

Most women experience back pain during pregnancy and so advice on back support is invaluable - especially in the early months when there is less likelihood of having the pain and the mother-to-be can get organized by purchasing or borrowing any kind of back support that is thought to be the most helpful. It's no fun to be in pain and shopping so be prepared!

One of the first things that you may need to consider for back support is a good mattress. If you are still sleeping on the same mattress that you have slept on for many years, then take a good look at it during early expectancy. Is it still looking taut, or does it now sag in places? If it sags, then it has lost some of its support and will increase your chances of having back pain once you start to gain weight.

Pillows are an expectant woman's best friend! As the size of your bump increases, so does the amount of pillows you need. They are invaluable as back support because they allow you to lie in a position that balances all of your weight correctly and without putting stress on areas such as your knees. Place one between your knees if you sleep on your side, or if you sleep on your side with one leg over the other, let the crossing leg rest on a pillow.

If you work in an office or have a job which involves you sitting for large periods of time, make sure that your chair offers adequate back support. Check with any health standards that your work chair complies with current legal guidelines so that you don't incur unnecessary damage owing to sitting on a badly supported chair. When driving, you may find that you need to add a small cushion for your lower back.

Although there are many things you can do to alleviate back pain once it occurs, such as pain relief creams, stretching and massage, the best thing is to try and ensure that you optimize all pregnancy back support early on, and keep the unnecessary strain on your back to a minimum.

Also read our article about Pregnancy and Birth Advice