The second trimester of pregnancy is when back pain rears its ugly head

For many women, back pain becomes prominent during the second half of pregnancy, and gets progressively worse until the due date. There are a host of reasons for this because, as with all things spine-related, back pain is a much more complex biological process than we have been led to believe. 

With pregnancy, we start by identifying the common suspects, beginning with the hormonal changes of the first trimester. During this time, the hormone relaxin is produced in higher quantities, loosening the ligaments in the pelvis to prepare for childbirth and, crucially, destabilizing the spine. In the second trimester, this instability combines with:

• Your center of gravity shifting forward
• Growing weight of the baby as your pregnancy progresses
• Postural difficulties and changes in the spinal curvature 

So while you may be showing and ready to announce your pregnancy to the world, back pain is lurking in the background trying to spoil the party. 

Battling back pain is something that no pregnant woman deserves

At our office in Dunedin we see many women in their second and third trimesters who are fighting back pain. In extreme cases, the set of circumstances surrounding the spine contributes to herniated discs which can cause excruciating pain on top of the pregnancy. Chiropractic is considered a safe and non-invasive alternative therapy for women looking to ease the pains of pregnancy. We focus on improving pelvic stability and spinal alignment to prevent many of the factors which cause back pain. By providing gentle adjustments to the spine, we relieve pressure from spinal nerves, improve circulation to injurious regions and restore range of motion that helps you sustain normal movements without incurring pain. 

Fighting back pain for pregnant women so they don’t have to in Dunedin

Back pain does not have to be part and parcel of your pregnancy. If you are interested in preventing pain during any phase of your pregnancy, give our office a call to schedule an appointment today.