Left back pain during pregnancy is a complaint that is often experienced by pregnant women. This is due to the various natural changes that occur during pregnancy. About 50-75 percent of pregnant women feel this complaint and mostly in the third trimester.
During pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes that can trigger the appearance of lower back pain. One of them is a change in the muscular system. The severity of left back pain during pregnancy varies, ranging from mild to disturbing the sufferer's activities.
Causes of Left Back Pain During Pregnancy
Basically, back pain in pregnant women occurs because the muscles in that part of the body have to work harder than usual. Then, why the left waist? There has been no research that discusses this in detail.
However, this could be because the uterus during pregnancy generally leads to the right side of the mother's body. This makes the left waist muscles of pregnant women work more actively to balance it.
The following are possible causes of left back pain during pregnancy:
1. Hormonal changes
In the last trimester of pregnancy, the body will release the hormone relaxin which will relax the muscles and joints of the pregnant woman's pelvis. This actually happens so that the baby can come out easily during delivery.
Unfortunately, this change will also make the muscles of pregnant women have to work harder to maintain a straight body posture. This is what causes the mother's waist muscles to tire more easily.
2. Muscle stretching
The muscles of the waist will stretch more and more as the size of the fetus increases. This of course can cause complaints of muscle pain, let alone stretching for a long time.
Stretching for 15-20 seconds during exercise alone can cause soreness. Just imagine, this stretch goes on for months.
3. Weight gain
Weight gain during pregnancy can also cause complaints of left back pain. As you gain weight and your belly expands during pregnancy, your spine and the muscles around it have to support heavier loads.
4. Changes in body posture
The mother's growing belly can cause the mother's posture to change since the beginning of pregnancy. Without realizing it, the mother's posture during activities becomes more tilted or more hunched. Over time, this will certainly make the waist muscles become sore.
In addition to the things above, the growing fetus can also press the pelvic nerves of pregnant women and cause low back pain. Pain, especially in the lower back and can radiate to the hips, buttocks, and legs. Pregnant women also experience symptoms in the form of numbness, pain, and tingling in the legs that are parallel to the waist.
Tips to Relieve Left Back Pain During Pregnancy
Generally, left back pain during pregnancy is not dangerous. If it is bothersome, pregnant women can try to do independent treatment in the following ways:
Sleep on your side
Pregnant women are advised to sleep on their side and not on their back. Bend one knee and place a pillow under it. Add another pillow or bolster behind the sore waist to make sleeping more comfortable.
Do light exercise regularly
In addition to improving sleeping position, pregnant women are also recommended to do light exercise regularly. Doing light exercise can strengthen muscles and increase body flexibility, especially the muscles of the waist, lower abdomen, and legs.
Some sports that pregnant women can do to reduce left back pain are walking, swimming, and yoga. However, you should first consult about whether or not you can exercise with your obstetrician.
warm compress
Applying a warm compress to the left hip that hurts can also relieve this condition. Warm compresses are useful for reducing tension and stiffness in the pregnant women's waist muscles. Apply a warm compress to the left waist for 5-10 minutes. However, make sure the water used is not too hot, OK?
Although usually left back pain during pregnancy is not a dangerous condition, pregnant women still need to be aware of it. Immediately consult a doctor if the left flank pain is very disturbing, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as lower back pain, abdominal cramps, or discharge from the vagina.
