How Can I Prevent Back Pain During My Pregnancy?
To optimize your chances of keeping back pain at bay, there are a variety of preventive measures you can take: First, maintain a reasonable activity level and — under your doctor's supervision — incorporate exercises that gently stretch and strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. "Keep moving!" advises Dr. Peters. "The ability and motivation to remain active is very important during this time." If you spend your days behind a desk, take advantage of opportunities to get up and stretch your legs — and back — while getting your work done. "Don't stay at your desk," Dr. Peters says. "Early in your pregnancy, discuss with your employer the ways in which you might be able to use a little more autonomy in how you carry out your job, if at all possible." Maintaining good posture as your body changes is also important. As your center of gravity shifts forward, minimize the strain on your lower back by standing as straight as possible,