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Relieving Pregnancy Backaches

I'm 7 months' pregnant and my back is killing me! How can I get some relief?
- Fiona

Many pregnant women have achy backs as their bellies grow larger and their muscles and spine strain to carry the extra weight. During pregnancy, the body also produces a hormone called relaxin, which helps prepare the body for childbirth. One of the effects of relaxin is the loosening of ligaments throughout the body, making pregnant women less stable and more prone to injury, especially in their backs.

Here are some things you can do that might help ease your back pain:

* Try not to lift anything that weighs more than a few pounds. If you have to pick up something heavy (or a small someone), make sure to lift correctly. Don't bend down at the waist. Instead, bend at your knees.
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