Back pain in pregnancy: what causes it and how to relieve it?

Back pain is one of the most common complaints that most pregnant women may suffer from. This type of pain is accentuated as gestation progresses, since the woman is carrying more and more weight.

Although the causes of back pain during pregnancy cannot be avoided, it is true that the symptoms can be improved if a series of recommendations are taken into account, so that these pains do not prevent the enjoyment of such a special stage.

The different sections of this article have been assembled into the following table of contents.

Is back pain normal in pregnancy?

Discomfort in the lower back(low back pain) is one of the most common complaints among pregnant women, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy.

This discomfort in the lower back may be more noticeable at the end of the day and when standing, but if the woman has not slept in a proper posture, it may already be present from the moment of awakening.

Low back pain in pregnancy

In addition, this type of pain is more likely to appear if the woman already suffered from back pain before pregnancy.

Causes of back pain in pregnancy

The main reasons that favor the appearance of such a common ailment in pregnancy as back pain are:

• The weight that the pregnant woman is progressively gaining and the weight of her own belly, which is growing over the weeks, puts a greater strain on the bones and muscles of the back.
• The change in the center of gravity. The increased volume of the abdomen leads the pregnant woman to adopt a slightly backward posture to compensate and maintain balance. For all these reasons, the lumbar curvature is accentuated and can lead to an overloading of this area, thus causing discomfort.
• Weakening of the abdominal muscles due to the stretching to which they are subjected, as these muscles also help to maintain good posture.
• Hormones, which relax the ligaments of the pelvic area in late pregnancy. Although this is beneficial to facilitate the moment of delivery, it creates an instability that forces the muscles in the area.

What causes back pain during pregnancy?

All of this can also lead to upper back pain or dorsalgia, as the entire spine is in an unusual position to compensate for the increased size of the belly.

Finally, it is important to mention sciatica, which is quite common during pregnancy. It is pain in the lower back that may even extend to the buttocks, thigh and leg. This ailment occurs when the sciatic nerve is pressured due to the change in the curvature of the back and with the increase in size of the uterus.

How to relieve back pain during pregnancy?

Following a series of simple tips can help pregnant women significantly improve lower back pain. Some of these recommendations are:

• Perform physical exercise adapted to pregnancy. Certain exercises for pregnant women can help strengthen the back. Swimming, pilates or simply going for a walk are a good option, as long as the specialist has not contraindicated it. In addition, to prevent back pain, it is important to exercise before pregnancy.
• Go to physiotherapy and learn certain stretches, always telling the specialist that you are expecting a baby.
• Do not stand for long periods of time.
• Sleep on your side and, preferably, on a firm mattress. Flexing the legs and sleeping with a cushion between the knees, under the abdomen and behind the back can also help in adopting a proper posture.
• Sit properly, with the back straight and using a cushion in the lumbar area.
• Always try to maintain a good posture.
• Avoid lifting weights and ask for help to do so. In the case of having to lift a light object, it should be done from a crouched position and stretching the legs, avoiding pulling the back.
• Use low-heeled shoes, avoiding high heels, but also flat shoes.
• Applying gentle heat to the area may also relieve discomfort.

Tips to relieve back pain in pregnancy

In any case, if the pain is intense, prolonged or occurs together with bleeding, fever, discomfort when urinating or other symptoms that are out of the ordinary, it is always advisable to consult a specialist.

FAQs from users

Is back pain normal in the first weeks of pregnancy?

Back pain, especially in the lower back, usually appears in the third trimester of pregnancy, when the weight and volume of the abdomen is more noticeable.

However, in the first weeks of pregnancy, it is possible that hormonal variations, stress, lack of rest and poor posture may lead to back discomfort.

In any case, if the pain is intense and the woman thinks it is out of the ordinary, it is advisable to consult a specialist.

Is back pain in pregnancy too severe?

It is difficult to say whether back pain in pregnancy is very severe, since each case is different and each person has a different level of tolerance to pain, but it is true that it is a fairly common complaint among pregnant women.

However, if the back pain is severe, it is advisable to consult a specialist and not to self-medicate.

Suggested for you

During pregnancy, it may also be common to notice hot flashes. If you want to know how to relieve this discomfort, we recommend you read the following article: What are hot flashes in pregnancy and how to relieve them?

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