That there is a "high incidence" of back pain during pregnancy doesn't come as news to most of us who have cooked a few wee babies in our time (especially parents of multiples --ouch!!). Nor would most of us be surprised to hear about a recent study, which found that despite 85% of pregnant women reportedly experiencing back pain, only 10% received care for the pain.
The study authors conclude that in addition to a need for increased care for back pain, women may be insufficiently educated about the risks of taking pain medication during pregnancy. And in my favorite study conclusion of all time, they also express concern that pregnant women may not have sufficient ability to cope with pain, which leads them to take the ill-advised pain medication in the first place.
Ahh yes. Pregnant women are wimpy, aren't they? Always complaining and griping about the weight and the hunger and the aches and the pains. If I had a NICKEL for every wimpy pregnant lady I met, I'd be a millionaire three-times over. Seriously. Especially during labor and delivery. Have you heard them screaming out? I mean COME ON. In all seriousness, though, this study points out yet another reason that high quality prenatal care is crucial. Because that's how you get all the good pain drug hook-ups, my sister.
