You may experience discomfort in your upper or lower back, which can be attributed to several plausible reasons, but there is no singular definitive cause of the pain.
1. Fluctuations in hormones
After experiencing pain, contributing to delivery, there may be some visible changes. However, these changes do not only increase the size of your stomach, but also occur even if you are not pregnant.
During pregnancy, the body releases the hormone relaxin in preparation for giving birth. This hormone loosens the joints and ligaments, making it easier to push the baby out.
The body secretes these hormones irrespective of whether you undergo a vaginal birth or a cesarean section.
Since it’s easier to strain your back when joints and ligaments are loose, the slightest activity might cause lower or mid-back pain.
The great news is that your joints, muscles, and ligaments will slowly strengthen in the months after giving birth.
2. Weight increase
Carrying additional body mass is another contributing element to back discomfort.
During pregnancy, it is normal for your size to increase, causing your center of balance to shift and the extra weight to put stress on your spine and back, leading to back pain.
3. Picking up and transporting a newborn baby
Each day, you’re presently bearing that additional burden in your arms, yet it doesn’t appear to be a significant amount. Your infant might only weigh six or seven pounds.
Pain in the back and/or neck can be caused by poor posture, which can also impact your ability to reach and move. Additionally, constantly lifting and bending over to handle your baby from the stroller, car seat, and crib can contribute to these issues.
When handling your baby, be more conscious of your posture by keeping your back straight and upright instead of bending over. Use your legs to lift and support the baby, as it may provide relief.
Consider making any necessary adjustments to ensure the baby’s safety and optimal positioning. The same goes for the crib, whether it’s in or out, and for lifting and positioning the baby while accessing the car seat. By doing so, you can decrease the awkwardness and need for lifting the baby while positioning them in the car seat.
4. Nursing
Breastfeeding is an excellent way to bond with your baby, and during each feeding, you may stare lovingly into your baby’s eyes.
Unfortunately, shrugging your shoulders while breastfeeding with bad posture can cause back pain, particularly towards your baby. Maintaining this position for too long can also strain your neck, causing pain that radiates to your back and neck.
To alleviate discomfort, place a cushion under your elbow to provide support for your arm and ensure that your shoulders remain relaxed. It is advisable to take breaks from staring and maintain a forward gaze, although it is acceptable to glance downwards while feeding.
5. Impact of anesthesia
You might receive surgery to numb a specific area in order to block spinal or epidural pain. The type of anesthesia used can also cause pain in the weeks or days following the delivery.
The method of delivery can influence the type of anesthesia used, so an epidural may be used to numb the abdomen. It can take up to 20 minutes for the epidural to work, whereas injecting anesthesia closer to the spinal cord blocks the spinal nerves faster. Meanwhile, the doctor injects anesthesia into the surrounding area of your spinal cord with a spinal block.
Following childbirth, these contractions may persist for a number of weeks or even months. An issue associated with an epidural or spinal block is that they can induce spasms in the muscles surrounding the spinal cord.