Nearly every woman experiences backache at some time during pregnancy. It usually occurs as you get bigger. You may also experience backache after walking, bending, lifting, standing or excessive exercise. Be careful about lifting and bending. Do so correctly, lifting or bending from the knees while keeping your back straight.
You can treat backache with heat, rest and analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Special maternity girdles provide some support. Keep your weight under control, and participate in mild exercise, such as swimming, walking and stationary-bike riding. Lie on your side when resting or sleeping.
Lower-back pain is common during pregnancy, but it could be an indication of a more serious problem, such as pyelonephritis or a kidney stone. If pain becomes constant or more severe, it's important to discuss with your doctor.
Sciatic-nerve pain may also be a problem during pregnancy. Sciatic-nerve pain is an occasional excruciating pain in your buttocks and down the back or the side of your leg. You may experience it as your pregnancy progresses. The sciatic nerve runs behind the uterus in the pelvis to your legs. We believe the pain is caused by pressure put on the nerve by the growing uterus. The best remedy is to lie on your opposite side to help relieve pressure on the nerve.
