Back Pain During Pregnancy ​​​​​​
Your Pregnancy|December 2016/January 2017

Ask a pregnant mother what her worst pregnancy symptoms are, and back pain would probably feature high on the list. Here’s how to handle it.

Cath Jenkin
Back Pain During Pregnancy ​​​​​​

Aches and pains come packaged up with pregnancy, serving us reminders that we’re not only carrying another human around in utero, but that it’s hard work to do too!

HORMONAL CAUSES

Your back is one part of your body that battles the most. It’s not just carrying extra weight around that strains your back and spine, as there are other causes too. Back pain, specifically in your lower back, can be caused by the release of hormones, including relaxin and progesterone. The release of these hormones can cause ligaments and joints to loosen, as your pelvic area and lower back prepare your body for the process of giving birth.

WEIGHT GAIN

Of course, gaining weight comes standard as you progress through your pregnancy and this can also contribute towards back pain. Luckily, if you experienced little or no spinal issues prior to falling pregnant, your back pain should subside towards the end of your pregnancy. Typically though, all pregnant women experience some level of strain or stress, as their bodies must cater for carrying an expanded uterus and extra weight around.

MUSCLE SEPARATION, SCIATICA AND STRESS

As your uterus expands to accommodate a growing baby, the belts of muscles that run from the rib cage to your pubic bone stretch and could even separate at some point. This can cause a high level of back pain and, when you can’t take most painkillers, this can be quite distressing. Similarly, sciatica can be caused by pregnancy, as the discs in your back take strain, causing your sciatic nerve to send tingling or painful sensations down your back and legs. Also, emotional stress you may experience during pregnancy can cause muscle spasms, which may affect your back.

HERE’S THE GOOD NEWS

Denne historien er fra December 2016/January 2017-utgaven av Your Pregnancy.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra December 2016/January 2017-utgaven av Your Pregnancy.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA YOUR PREGNANCYSe alt
COVID & your child
Your Pregnancy

COVID & your child

Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Your Pregnancy

EYES WIDE OPEN!

Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
Your Pregnancy

RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!

It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
Prioritise REST!
Your Pregnancy

Prioritise REST!

The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
CRYING CLUES
Your Pregnancy

CRYING CLUES

Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
Your Pregnancy

Pushing isn't all you need to do!

There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Your Pregnancy

We're all NERVOUS about it!

Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your Pregnancy

FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS

Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
Your Pregnancy

Here's to HAPPIER beach days!

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Your Pregnancy

TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!

Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2021/January 2022