Back Pain, Stomach Discomfort, and Braxton Hicks Contractions

Other pregnancy discomforts are back pain, abdominal discomfort, and Braxton Hicks contractions.

Back pain in pregnancy

Back pain is usually caused by tension in the back muscles, changes in hormone levels, and changes in your posture.

Recommendation:

• Wear low-heeled shoes (but not flat-heeled shoes / flat shoes, use shoes that adjust the shape of your heel).
• Avoid lifting heavy objects.
• Squat with your knees bent when picking up objects instead of bending at the waist.
• Don't stand for long.
• Sit in a chair with a good backrest, or place a small pillow behind your lower back. Also, place your feet on the footrest.
• Check if your bed is comfortable enough.
• Sleep on the left side with a pillow between your legs.
• Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad on the lower back, take a warm bath or try a back massage, avoid massage the abdominal area.
• Do exercise as advised by a doctor, to make your back muscles stronger and help ease pain.
• Maintain good posture. Standing up straight will relieve tension in your back.
• Contact your doctor if you have lower back pain that is twisting and does not disappear within one hour after you change position or rest. This may be a sign of premature labor.

Abdominal discomfort during pregnancy

Sharp and sharp pain on both sides of your stomach may arise from stretching the tissue that composes and helps the growing uterus. This pain can also spread to your thighs and legs.

Recommendation:

• Change your position or activity until you feel comfortable; Avoid sudden or extreme movements.
• If you have sudden pain in your stomach, bend to the point of pain to reduce tension and relax the tissue.
• Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad to your back, or take a warm bath
• Try a massage.
• Make sure you get enough fluids.
• Take pain relievers that are safe for pregnant women like occasional paracetamol.
• Contact your doctor if the pain is severe or constant or if you are pregnant less than 36 weeks and you experience signs of labor. (Signs of labor include recurrent abdominal cramps such as contractions)

Braxton-Hicks contractions

The uterine muscle will contract (tighten) starting in the second trimester of pregnancy. These irregular and rare contractions are called Braxton-Hicks contractions (also known as "false labor pains"). This condition is normal during pregnancy.

Recommendation:

• Try to relax
• Change position. Sometimes this can facilitate contractions.
• Contact your doctor if the contractions do not subside.

Share this post