Active management, such as light exercise and calcium intake, is necessary.
Pregnancy is undoubtedly a blessing, but it often brings unwelcome visitors in the form of physical changes. Many women experience discomfort in joints such as the lower back, neck, and arms. It is often said that bone health deteriorates significantly during pregnancy, which may cause these symptoms.
Professor Jung Chae-ho of the Endocrinology Department at the Catholic University of Korea Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital stated that "pregnancy does not harm bone health" and that "even if bones are weakened during pregnancy, they usually return to normal after resuming menstruation following childbirth."
However, experts caution against becoming too complacent. As bones can weaken during pregnancy, preparing for the pain that may follow actively is crucial.
In particular, back pain is a frequent unwelcome visitor during pregnancy. After becoming pregnant, a woman's body naturally prepares for childbirth, and a specific hormone is secreted to facilitate an easier delivery. As pelvic bones and ligaments stretch, joint stability, particularly in the pelvis, is weakened, resulting in back pain. The problem is that many women endure the pain, feeling they have no choice.
Professor Jung Chae-ho suggests that "although it may not be possible to eliminate back pain completely, there are various ways to prevent or alleviate it." He recommends "lifting heavy objects by bending the knees instead of bending the back, wearing comfortable and low-heeled shoes, using a back cushion, receiving massages or taking half baths, and practicing pregnancy yoga, stretching, swimming, and other exercises."
If the pain is severe beyond just back pain, when the affected area is touched, it is advisable to undergo a comprehensive examination at a hospital. This is because it could be a sign of a spinal fracture.
Professor Jung Chae-ho also emphasized that "some pregnant women complain of severe back pain due to spinal fractures during late pregnancy or early childbirth, even if there is no specific trauma." He also warned that "if bones are weakened during pregnancy, even minor stimuli and coughing can cause rib fractures, so it is best to seek prompt medical attention from a specialist if back pain is particularly severe."
To qualify for weakened bones, paying attention to diet is fundamental. Above all, calcium intake is crucial. Since the fetus receives nutrients from the mother, pregnant women should consume more calcium while considering the nutritional needs of the fetus. In particular, the third trimester, when the baby undergoes rapid growth, requires the most calcium.
Professor Jung Chae-ho advised that "it is good to consume enough dairy products, seaweed, spinach, and green vegetables, as well as anchovies to supplement calcium, and to supplement vitamin D by exposing oneself to sunlight as much as possible." He also suggested that "walking exercise can naturally help prevent back pain, constipation, indigestion, gestational diabetes, and aid in postpartum body management."
