(HealthDay News) -- The weight of a pregnant belly puts strain on the back, which may lead to significant back pain.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers these suggestions to help minimize back pain during pregnancy:
- Choose shoes that offer good support in the arch and have low, but not flat, heels.
- Get someone to help you when you're lifting anything heavy.
- Prop up one foot on a box or low stool when you're standing for a long time.
- Put a board beneath your mattress if it's soft. Make sure you don't lift the mattress by yourself.
- To lift objects, squat with your knees bent and your back straight.
- Use a chair that provides support for your back, or tuck a little pillow behind your lower back.
- If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees.
- Treat yourself to a light back massage, or apply a heating pad or a cold pack to the lower back.
- Ask your doctor about performing exercises to strengthen the back muscles.
