Health & Pregnancy

Back Pain in Pregnancy

Treatments for Back Pain in Pregnancy continued...

More tips:

• If you need to pick something up from the ground, use your legs to squat rather than bend over.
• Don't wear high-heeled shoes.
• Don't sleep on your back.
• Wear support hose.

If your back pain persists, you may want to consult your  doctor to see what else you might try. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking pain medications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe for most women to take during pregnancy. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) are not advised. In some cases, your doctor may recommend other pain medicines or muscle relaxants that are safe during pregnancy.

When to Seek Treatment From a Doctor

Back pain, by itself, usually is not a reason to call your doctor. But you should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain
• Increasingly severe pain or pain that begins abruptly
• Rhythmic cramping pains

In rare cases, severe back pain may be related to problems such as pregnancy-associated osteoporosis, vertebral osteoarthritis, or septic arthritis. Rhythmic pains may be a sign of preterm labor. So if you are experiencing any of these problems, it's important to be checked by your doctor.