Back and chest pain during pregnancy

Contents 1 Back pain during pregnancy 2 Pregnancy back pain 3 Chest pain during pregnancy 4 References

[edit] Back pain during pregnancy

• As the fetus grows, the lower back curves. This causes muscles to strain resulting in lower back pain.

Tips

• Pregnant women should avoid lifting heavy objects. Squat and lift objects with the legs.^[1]
• Sit comfortably. This may mean an incline, to reduce stress on the lower back. Lift legs onto a stool.
• Regular exercise.
• Avoid high-heeled shoes.

[edit] Pregnancy back pain

As the baby grows, the body's center of gravity moves forward. This can cause a back lean to keep balance, adding to lower back stress. Progesterone also starts to soften pelvis joints and pregnant women may feel a tugging pain when getting out of bed. The pain may be at the point where the spine meets the hipbone.

Contractions with indication of low back pain may be indications of labor.

[edit] Chest pain during pregnancy

Heartburn and indigestion are very common in expectant mothers. The gas gets trapped in the rib cage, causing a sharp chest pain during pregnancy. It may help to eat food that do not cause too much acidity and to consume a lot of fluids like juices and water.

As the baby is rapidly growing, it causes muscle strains resulting in chest pain during pregnancy. Also, as the rib cage becomes wider, women may sometimes feel short of breath. Experts recommend women to practice pre-natal exercises and breathing techniques to relieve chest pain during pregnancy.

Chest pain during pregnancy can also caused by deficiency of iron, calcium and magnesium. While doctors usually prescribe iron and calcium tablets during pregnancy, a healthy diet intake also consists of iron- and calcium-rich foods.

For women who are are asthmatic, there may be higher chances of having chest pain during pregnancy.

Many back and chest pains are reported to be temporary, as they are caused directly by the pregnancy.

[edit] References

• Greenfield, Marjorie. Dr Spock’s Pregnancy Guide (2003) April 11, 2011.
• Khan, Dr Sumaiya. Chest Pain during Pregnancy. April 11, 2011 http://www.buzzle.com/articles/chest-pain-during-pregnancy.html
• Murkoff, Heidi. Back Ache during Pregnancy. April 11, 2011 http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/backache.aspx
• Staff, Mayo Clinic. Back Pain during Pregnancy: 7 Tips for Relief http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy/HQ00302/NSECTIONGROUP=2

1. ↑ Dr Spock’s Pregnancy Guide

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