Viet Nam News

by Dr. Andres Sosa *

Lower back pain is a common issue during the two last trimesters of pregnancy. The female pelvic bone increases its diameter to allow the baby’s transit during labour. This process begins around the thirty fourth week. After birth, the pelvic ring closes, but usually does not reach its original size. This is the reason why many women with children notice a small increase in the size of their hips after pregnancy.

During the third trimester, the female pelvic bone opens like a hinge thanks to the sacroiliac joints that allow more space for the baby to descend and find a good position for delivery. This situation can cause severe pain on both sides of the lower back (sacroiliac joints) and the lower abdomen above the genitals (pubic area). This pain makes walking, sitting and sleeping very difficult.

It is important to say that this pelvic opening process is a normal biological change that prepares your body to have your baby in a natural way.

What can I do if I am pregnant and I have lower back pain?

Most painkillers are not recommended during pregnancy. Therefore, if you feel lower back pain, take a rest laying down on your left side for a couple of hours, meanwhile applying a warm bag or cushion on your lower back to relax the muscles. If this does not work, visit a doctor.

First, a gynaecologist/obstetrician needs to ensure that everything is all right with you and your baby. If all is well, you can be referred to an orthopedic surgeon, who can offer a safe option to treat the pain.

In the meantime, try to keep a good posture. This is difficult because your body is different and heavier, but you need to avoid flexing your hips as much as possible, specifically when trying to pick something up from the floor. Keep your back straight, no matter if you are walking, sitting or sleeping.

What might the orthopaedic surgeon offer?

An orthopaedic surgeon can offer a safe, quick and minimally-invasive pain management therapy directly applied to both of your sacroiliac joints. This procedure is 100 per cent safe for your baby and also for you because the applied medicines will not reach your bloodstgream. It is also safe after delivery for breast-feeding mothers who feel pain.

During the procedure you will feel the same as with any other injection, like a blood test or vaccination. Pain relief can be immediate and it may last for 60 to 90 days on average. Taking painkillers will be unnecessary and you will feel more comfortable while walking, sleeping or resting until the end of your pregnancy. — Family Medical Practice Vietnam

*Family Medical Practice Hanoi welcomes Dr. Andres Sosa to the medical team. Dr. Sosa is an orthopaedic surgeon trained in Italy, specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal trauma (fractures, dislocations, wounds), degenerative joint diseases (osteoarthritis, spine disc herniation) and sport lesions (sprains, joint instability, tendon ruptures) with a particular and deep interest in upper limb, spine and knee. With two European master degrees and multiple courses overseas, Dr. Sosa is able to perform open surgery, internal fixation, shoulder/knee arthroscopy, external fixation, and joint replacement as well as non-surgical pain management therapies.

For more advice on any medical topics, visit Family Medical Practice Hanoi at: 298 I Kim Mã Street, Ba Đình District. Tel: (024) 3843 0748. Email: hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com or https://www.vietnammedicalpractice.com

FMP’s downtown Hồ Chí Minh location is: Diamond Plaza, 34 Lê Duẩn Street, District 1; 95 Thảo Điền Street, District 2. Tel: (028) 38227848. Email : hcmc@vietnammedicalpractice.com

FMP Đà Nẵng is located at 96-98 NguyễnVăn Linh Street, Hải Châu District, Đà Nẵng. Tel: (0236) 3582 699. Email: danang@vietnammedicalpractice.com