Lower back pain during pregnancy is very common, affecting more than one-half of pregnant women. The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent or relieve pregnancy related low back pain.
Having recently helped my partner work through low back pain during two pregnancies, this is a familiar topic and one I care about deeply.
Causes of low back pain during pregnancy
Pain in the lower back usually occurs between the 5th and 7th months of pregnancy, although in some cases it begins as early as 8 to 12 weeks. The pain is usually located in the lumbar area in the center of the back between the ribs and the waist. Pain is also common in the back of the pelvis between the waist and the tailbone.
Although back pain is common during pregnancy, there are simple things you can do to ease or avoid it.
There are several causes of lower back pain in pregnant women and here are some of the more common ones:
Hormone changes
Your body makes a hormone called relaxin that allows ligaments in the pelvic area to loosen in preparation for childbirth. The same hormone causes ligaments that support the spine to loosen, leading to instability and pain in the back.
Weight gain
You typically gain between 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy. Your back must support this additional weight all day long, which may cause strain.
Posture change
Your center of gravity gradually shifts forward as your baby grows. This results in a shift in your posture and the way you move that may result in back pain.
Stress
There can be a lot of stress during pregnancy, which may cause your muscles to tense. You may experience this tension in your back during periods of increased stress.
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