Back pain in pregnancy

By: Stephen P. Montgomery, MD - Linda Sawyer, PT
January 10, 2000

Introduction to back pain during pregnancy

For pregnant women, back pain during pregnancy is not a trivial matter. If not addressed, it can have a negative impact on your daily lifestyle, cause missed time from work, and make your delivery more difficult. Back pain in the course of your pregnancy can also create problems that will continue for an extended period after delivery.

Addressing back pain during pregnancy

While it is fairly common, back pain during pregnancy should definitely not be accepted as just part of the process. To help make your pregnancy as pleasant as possible and facilitate an easier delivery, back pain should be always be addressed as quickly as possible and managed throughout your pregnancy.

Low back pain of long duration (several weeks or months) during pregnancy is a predictor for post partum back pain (pain after birth). For this reason, pregnant women are encouraged to seek appropriate treatment for back pain during pregnancy.

Likewise, any post partum pain that lasts longer than six to eight weeks should be treated in order to avoid chronic or recurring back problems

More information about back pain during pregnancy

To help you manage potential back pain that is often associated with pregnancy, this article includes an overview of the following topics:

• Types of back pain in pregnancy

• Common causes of back pain in pregnancy

• Management of back pain in pregnancy