Post Pregnancy Care: Causes Of Back Pain And How To Manage It

From being pregnant to delivering a child, there are various challenges that a woman goes through. The most prominent concern post-pregnancy is back pain. It can be caused due to various issues like excessive weight gain and hormonal changes. We spoke to our expert Dr Tasneem Nishah Shah, Consultant and Clinical Lead, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, who explained the causes and ways to manage C-section back pain.

Dr Shah said, “Joints and ligaments are usually affected due to hormonal changes after delivery, leading to discomfort and body pain. Excessive weight gain in pregnancy is another reason for low backaches. This is more prominent in women who experience prolonged and difficult labour, which can often be seen in both normal and C-section deliveries. However, these discomforts usually get better within one to two months after delivery.” 

Tips To Manage Back Pain Post-Pregnancy

According to the International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 70% of women experience back pain after giving birth. Pre and post-pregnancy back pain, obesity, and poor posture while breastfeeding, sitting, walking, and standing are all risk factors for postpartum back pain. Moreover, if it is not treated timely, it can lead to worsening back pain in the future. 

Dr Shah said, “Post-pregnancy care to accelerate recovery and manage body and back pain can be achieved by adhering to certain measures.” Some of them are as follows:

Good Posture While Breastfeeding

Dr Shah said, “Good and proper posture of the back during breastfeeding greatly helps to reduce backaches. You should always bring the baby to the breast rather than the other way around.” Apart from this, use a comfortable chair with proper back and arm support with pillows. While sitting, place a footstool to raise your feet.

Also Read: Bonding Beyond Words: Expert Explains The Emotional Connection of Breastfeeding

Postpartum Exercise and Yoga

Women should engage in postpartum exercise or yoga to manage their pain. Consult with your expert before starting your exercise routine to avoid complications. Also, start with gentle exercises or a walk. However, ensure you take proper rest as overexertion of the muscles would make them worse and make the pain worse. Hence, take a nap whenever possible.

Try Acupuncture

You can even try acupuncture to get rid of pain. According to Hippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki, acupressure helps relieve Lumbar Pain (LP) and Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) throughout the pregnancy, while increasing the capacity for some physical activities and helping to reduce the need for drugs.

Also Read: Pregnancy After 35: Expert Lists Risks And Challenges Of Motherhood In Later Years

Use a Heating Pad

Dr Shah added, “New mothers can also benefit from using a heating pad on the painful area and receiving a relaxing massage for tense shoulders and lower back pain.”

Bottomline

Dr Shah concluded, “You can try these measures to alleviate your pain. However, if the pain doesn’t subside and instead becomes severe or worsens, they must consult with their doctor and get themselves checked. Lastly, I would suggest all new mothers make some time for self-care; it is very important for a smooth transition to embrace motherhood with a positive mindset.”

[Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided by a registered healthcare practitioner and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult with your expert for a treatment plan tailored to your needs and medical history.]