Back Pain in Pregnancy - Causes and Tips for Relief

Throughout pregnancy you may experience discomfort, uncomfortable sensations and all kinds of aches and pains, the latter being a reflection of both physical and hormonal changes. One common pain you may experience is back and spine pain, here's what factors lead to back pain and how you can relieve it!

Common Causes of Pregnancy Back Pain

While going through pregnancy, pain in the back area is quite normal due to many factors such as weight gain, change in the center of gravity, hormones that relax the ligaments, and pressure exerted on the spine by the growing uterus. Increased lumbar lordosis, incorrect posture, lack of exercise, emotional stress and poor ergonomics can aggravate these pains and, in turn, the developing baby can put pressure on nerve and muscle structures in the back.

Low Back Pain in Pregnancy: First Weeks

What happens during the first weeks of pregnancy is that the body adapts and prepares for the processes of gestation, increasing hormone levels, which generates this loosening of tissues and ligaments in the lumbar area. You should consider that weight gain and inadequate postures generate this same sensation. Daily activities can aggravate this pain; lifting heavy objects or standing for a long time are actions that produce very similar discomfort.

Is Back Pain in Pregnancy Normal? We clarify your doubts

Perhaps you are asking yourself, is it really so common to feel back pain during pregnancy? The answer is yes, this is due to hormonal changes within the body. However, although it is normal and sometimes even frequent, not all pregnancies experience back pain to the same extent.

Relieving Back Pain During Pregnancy

If during your pregnancy you begin to experience discomfort or pain in the back or spine area, here are some recommendations for relief!

Positions to Relieve Back Pain During Pregnancy

1. Resting or lying on your side with a pillow between your legs helps keep your spine aligned.
2. Sitting in a chair with optimal lumbar support and with the feet elevated can reduce pressure on the lower back.
3. Kneeling on your hands with your back straight also helps relieve pain.
4. Practice pelvic tilt, where you gently push your pelvis forward while standing or sitting, releasing tension.

Tips for Relieving Back Pain in the Third Trimester

1. Wear comfortable shoes.
2. Begin physical therapy sessions.
3. Apply hot or cold compresses to the painful area.
4. Use support pillows or maternity belts.
5. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.

Medical Consultation: Back Pain and Pregnancy

As you may already know, back pain in pregnancy is usually common, however, when it has specific characteristics or a degree of intensity and permanence, it is time to seek professional help.

When Should Back Pain in Pregnancy Be Evaluated by a Professional?

Back pain in the middle of pregnancy should be analyzed by a physician if it is accompanied by worrisome symptoms such as fever, weakness or numbness in the legs, intense and incessant pain, loss of bladder or bowel control.

You should also keep in mind that if back pain begins suddenly, especially during the second or third trimester, or if it is associated with other signs of preterm labor, it is essential to see a specialist immediately to rule out further complications.

Leg and Lower Back Pain in Pregnancy: Causes and Solutions

The causes of leg and back pain in pregnancy range from hormonal changes and weight gain to changes in posture due to the growing uterus. There are also compressions on the nerves due to the weight of the baby and the pressure the baby puts on the spine. In addition, poor posture, stress and lack of physical activity influence this discomfort.

If you are looking to mitigate this pain, it is recommended to always maintain proper posture, perform gentle and specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back and legs, such as walking, swimming or practicing prenatal yoga.

Preventing Back Pain in Pregnancy: Practical Advice

1. Maintain good body positions when lifting objects.
2. Avoid being in the same position for long periods of time.
3. Distribute weight evenly when carrying bags or objects.
4. Avoid sudden movements and heavy lifting.

If you think that the pain in your nipples may be a sign of pregnancy or if you are pregnant and suffer from persistent and intense pain in this area you can schedule a consultation with our specialists.