Back Pain During Pregnancy

Having low back pain during pregnancy is very common- and it’s no wonder why- the body has so many changes that happen quite quickly. During pregnancy, a woman’s uterus expands for the growing baby causing an increase in weight and a change in their center of gravity. When more weight is located near the abdomen, this leads to posture changes. Due to the change in center of gravity, many pregnant women compensate by arching their back more, causing increased pressure and strain on the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the low back.

Not only does the outside of their body change, but so does the inside. A pregnant female’s body secretes a hormone called relaxin which causes the ligaments and joints in the body to loosen to allow for the pelvis to expand and make more room for the growth of a baby. This loosening of the ligaments can cause the pelvis and low back to become more unstable and misaligned. With these changes, increases in low back and pelvic pain can be seen.

So, what can be done about this low back pain when these body changes are inevitable?

• Support your low back while seated- roll up a towel or use a small pillow and place it at the level of your lumbar curve.
• Wear supportive shoes- no more high heels! It is recommended that pregnant patients wear a low- heeled shoe.
• Reduce bending over from the waist- try squatting when you have to reach something at a lower level.
• Sleep on your side- many women place a pillow in between their knees or use a body-length pillow.
• Use exercises to help support your low back – see a physical therapist who is able to offer you safe and beneficial exercises.
• Get adjusted- with the stress on your joints and the ligament laxity, many pregnant patients can have areas that move out of alignment.

Being pregnant does not mean you have to be in constant pain. Come into Arvada Sport and Spine and see how our practitioners can help get your back to feeling better!