Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back pain is a common complaint during pregnancy.

Like so many other symptoms, back pain is a common complaint for many women during pregnancy.

With so many women experiencing back pain during pregnancy, you might wonder what causes the pain. Increasing levels of hormones within the body cause joints and ligaments to loosen. In addition, a growing uterus and increase in weight leads to a shift in a pregnant woman’s center of gravity, causes poor posture and weak muscles within the abdominal cavity.

Although back pain is common during pregnancy, there are some things that you can do to help relieve the severity and frequency of back pain.

Practice good posture while walking and sitting. When sitting, choose a chair that provides good back support.
Light to moderate exercise and frequent stretching of your muscles.
Sleep on your side and use a body pillow. Some women also find that placing a pillow in between the legs helps to alleviate back pain.
Avoid wearing high heels and flip flops. Wear shoes with quality arch support.
Lift bulky items with your legs, not your back. Avoid lifting heavy items.
Relax in a warm, but not hot bathtub.
Use a heating pad on a low setting. Be careful not to use it for long periods of time.
Ask your partner for a back massage or seek the support of a certified prenatal massage therapist for back pain relief.
Some women find that chiropractic care reduces back pain during pregnancy.
Painkillers, only when suggested by your healthcare provider.

It is important to tell your healthcare provider if you are experiencing back pain so that recommendations can be made to suit your exact needs. Generally, back pain is just another symptom of pregnancy and is nothing to worry about. However, there are times in which back pain may be an indicator of a more severe complication of pregnancy. If you experience severe back pain or notice that your legs, buttocks or genital area are numb, you might be experiencing sciatica or some type of neurological problem. If you have low back pain in the second or third trimester, it may be an indication of preterm labor. Other symptoms of preterm labor include uterine contractions, pressure within the pelvic area, spotting or vaginal discharge. In either case, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.

Comments: Back Pain During Pregnancy

Comments 1 to 6 of about 6.

slaidley - 313 days ago.
I'm worried I am 12 weeks and I have lots a back pain. I fell down last year down a stair case and sprain my lower back and now I fell pain everyday the doctor gave me pain killer but that don't help, at nigh I can't sleep because when sleep on my back it pain and when I sleep on my side they cramp and sometime swell on me. I don't know what to do any advise

nice_things@ymail.com - 379 days ago.
I've always had back problems, but find with this pregnancy (#5) its severe pain. I have my husband rub my back and legs and use hot baths and A535 rub. I also use tylenol extra strength.

judith - 536 days ago.
i,v bin tld several times dat its normal durin pregnancy bt smtims it can b quite stresful kuz it kips u on ur toes.i dnt knw if sm1 knws a remedy 4 it?

Maryxx06 - 646 days ago.
That one of my bad complaint in my pregnancy so far, back pain, its above my bottom were i got it. Dont know whether its coz its my 3rd pregnancy and my body is trying to adapt to the baby !! Also I ave gone of coffee n tea so im just stuck on water and juice ! x x Any 1 got any suggestions on how to ease back pain ? x

ryroz08@gmail.com - 878 days ago.
a woman i work with had has her lower back fused as well, i think she opted for a C-section because of the possible complications, but i don't think it was forced on her by her OB.

Hels - 1041 days ago.
Hi, I didn't know where to post this, but this seemed the most logical place. I have had a spinal fusion L4 to S1 and am worried about childbirth as have heard that if fused to S1, the coccyx does not move out the way and can snap. It is very unlikely I'll be able to have an epidural so I am worried about how the birth will go. Has anyone experianced childbirth with a lower lumbar fusion?