Pregnancy and Back Pain

Many women who experience postpartum back pain develop the symptoms due to pregnancy-related changes in the musculoskeletal system that persist after delivery.

If not addressed, back pain during pregnancy can impact your daily lifestyle, cause missed time from work, and make delivery more difficult. Such pregnancy pain is serious and shouldn't be avoided.

Back pain and sciatica are very common during pregnancy, with a number of reasons women are susceptible during this time.

Multifactorial causes, including anatomical, postural, vascular, and hormonal changes that take place naturally during pregnancy may result in back pain.

Although pregnant women may be tempted to rest rather than exercise if they are experiencing pain, gentle exercise can decrease muscle spasms, boost energy levels and help with an easier labor, delivery and recovery.

Treatment options for pregnancy-related back pain depend on the cause and typically include physical therapy, medical management, and/or surgical intervention.

Strengthening the abdominal muscles, back muscles, pelvic floor, buttock, and thigh muscles can effectively help prevent and decrease back pain.

Stretching is at least as important as cardiovascular and strength training for back pain prevention and treatment during pregnancy.

Anatomic and postural changes during pregnancy may cause pain in the lower back, hip, pelvis, thigh, and/or abdomen.