Back Pain During Pregnancy: Care Instructions
Overview
Back pain has many possible causes. It is often caused by problems with muscles and ligaments in your back. The extra weight during pregnancy can put stress on your back. Moving, lifting, standing, sitting, or sleeping in an awkward way also can strain your back. Back pain can also be a sign of labour. Although it may hurt a lot, back pain often improves on its own. Use good home treatment, and take care not to stress your back.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Ask your doctor or midwife about taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve).
- Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor or midwife told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
- Try heat or ice, whichever feels better. Apply it for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Put a thin cloth between the heat or ice and your skin. A warm bath or shower may also help.
- Lie on your left side with your knees and hips bent and a pillow between your legs. This reduces stress on your back.
- Try to avoid standing or sitting for too long or heavy lifting. If your job requires lots of standing, sitting, or heavy lifting, ask your employer if you can take short breaks or adjust your work activity. You can ask your doctor or midwife to write a note requesting these breaks or other adjustments.
- Wear supportive, low-heeled shoes. Avoid flat or high-heeled shoes.
- Try a belly support band. Supporting your belly can take the strain off your back.
- Ask your doctor or midwife about how much exercise you can do. Regular exercise such as swimming, water aerobics, walking, or stretching can help with back pain.
- Ask your doctor or midwife about exercises to stretch, strengthen, and relax your muscles. Your doctor or midwife may recommend physiotherapy.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor, midwife, or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You've been having regular contractions for an hour. This means that you've had at least 6 contractions within 1 hour, even after you change your position and drink fluids.
- You have new numbness in your buttocks, genital or rectal areas, or legs.
- You have a new loss of bowel or bladder control.
- You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
- Pain or burning when you urinate.
- A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.
- Pain in the flank, which is just below the rib cage and above the waist on either side of the back.
- Blood in your urine.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor, midwife, or nurse advice line if:
- You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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Current as of: July 10, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
