also loosen up, which
forces the back muscles to
work much harder.
Sometimes a backache
may be a sign of preterm
labor. Call your doctor
immediately if you
experience pain that's
centrally located very low
in the back and is
accompanied by pelvic
pressure, spotting, or
unusually thick vaginal
discharge. For other types
of aches, the following
prevention and treatment
strategies from the experts
should help to make you
more comfortable.
Pay More Attention to
Your Posture
In many cases, an aching
back can be alleviated
simply by becoming more
aware of your body's
alignment when sitting
and standing. "Keep the
Joy feelings magazine
chest and head high, hold
ears over shoulders, tuck
buttocks under, and keep
the pelvis more flat, rather
than arching your back, to
support your additional
weight," says Roger
Harms, M.D., an
obstetrician-gynecologist
and author of Mayo Clinic
Guide to a Healthy
Pregnancy.
Though standing for long
periods is discouraged for
pregnant women, it's
occasionally unavoidable.
You can make it less
stressful by donning a
lightweight walking or
running shoe that's wide
enough to allow for
swelling. "Women should
wear shoes that provide
shock absorption, stability,
and support," says Alicia
Silva, a physical therapist
and author of Preventing