By Dr. Jessica Thompson

What to expect while you're expecting.
Half of all pregnant women can expect some back pain. Back pain develops for one basic reason. Pregnancy causes shifting of your center of gravity forward which leads to changes in your normal posture. The muscles in your back have to work harder to support this shift and to help you maintain your balance. This causes the back and neck muscles fatigue more easily and, thus, pain begins to set in.

How can you minimize neck and back discomfort?

1) Regular Chiropractic Adjustments. The single most effective way to relieve back pain during pregnancy is to have regular chiropractic adjustments. The methods used to adjust pregnant women are specialized and are safe and gentle for both mother and baby.

2) Stick with your exercise program. Ask your chiropractor which abdominal and back strengthening exercises are safe for you, and how long you can maintain your regular exercise program. Swimming is an excellent way to keep fit and relieve the stress on your back from the extra weight of pregnancy.

3) Lifting. Whenever possible, get assistance in lifting things from the floor or low surfaces. If you must, bend at your knees and use one hand to balance yourself and the other to pick items up.

4) Sleeping. Sleeping on your back with legs out flat puts 55 lbs. of pressure in your low back. Placing a pillow under you knees cuts the pressure in half. If you prefer to sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to help keep your spine in a neutral position.

5) Stretching. Taking a yoga class, or one especially for pregnant women helps not only to relieve pain, but stress and tension as well.

6) Ice, Ice, Ice. Apply ice packs for no longer than 20 minutes per hour to your neck and/or low back or other areas in your spine that may be sore. This will provide a numbing effect.

If you develop any radiating pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in your legs, you should consult with a chiropractic physician immediately. Dr. Thompson has expertise in women's health issues and pregnancy-related spinal pain. Please call to schedule a consultation with her at 732-223-1990.