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Back Pain: Positioning Yourself

You likely position yourself differently now than you did before you were pregnant. Did you know that standing, sitting, or lying in certain ways can lead to back pain? To ease pain, use positions that support your body comfortably.

Image Tips for Good Posture

Using good posture means holding yourself so that your spine is aligned and your muscles can work without strain. To use good posture:

  • Raise your chest and head. Try to keep your ears lined up over your shoulders.

  • Use your abdominal muscles to pull in your abdomen. This reduces the amount of weight your back must support.

  • Keep your pelvis level. Think of your pelvis as a bowl of water that will spill if it tips too far forward or backward.

Standing

If you must stand for long periods, try to change positions every 15 minutes. This gives your muscles a break. When standing, also:

  • Keep your legs slightly apart. This helps you balance your weight.

  • Rest one foot on a book, ledge, or low stool. Every few minutes, switch legs.

  • Wear comfortable shoes with padded soles and arch support, such as athletic shoes.

Sitting

When sitting in a chair or car, make sure your spine's lumbar curve is supported. Use a chair with lumbar support built in, or put a firm pillow against your lower back. Also try the following:

  • Sit with your knees slightly lower than your hips. Don't cross your legs.

  • Take deep breaths often. This helps keep your spine and abdomen in the best position.

  • Vary your activity each hour. For instance, get up from your desk and take a 5-minute walk around the office.

Lying Down

To lie safely and comfortably:

  • Lie on your side with your knees slightly bent. This takes pressure off the uterus and improves blood flow to your baby.

  • Place pillows under your abdomen and between your knees.

  • To get out of bed, roll onto your side. Use your arms to push yourself into a seated position. Scoot to the edge of the bed and place your feet on the floor. Lean forward, then use your leg muscles to stand.

A 24-Hour-a-Day Job

Your muscles support your body all day, every day. You can't give them time off, but you can make their work easier. When you're using good posture, the natural curves of your spine align and your muscles work more efficiently. Your body uses less energy, so you feel less tired. Use these tips to maintain good posture when you stand, sit, and relax.

  • Do your best to align your ears, shoulders, and hips.

  • Tuck your chin in slightly to retain the neck's gentle curve.

  • Pull in your abdomen to support your low back.

  • Keep your pelvis level to help brace your low back. Think of the pelvis as a bowl of water that will spill if it tips too far forward.

Online Medical Reviewer: Dolan, Mary, MD
Date Last Reviewed: 2/13/2006
Date Last Modified: 7/30/2004