Back pain most commonly occurs in the latter half of your pregnancy. It can disrupt your daily life and even interfere with a good night of sleep. Back pain during pregnancy occurs due to hormones in your body that relax ligaments and muscles. This causes changes in how you walk, especially as more weight is gained. Treatment options are available to help decrease back pain in a pregnant woman.
Additional Weight
By the second trimester, you should be gaining approximately 1 lb. each week. Your body requires more blood and fat to support the growth of your new baby. During the third trimester, your baby is also putting on significant weight. According to Mayo Clinic, this weight gain places additional stress on your back resulting in pain and discomfort.
Center of Gravity
Additional weight gain in your uterus as the baby grows will affect your center of gravity. According to American Pregnancy Association, the additional growth of the baby will expand the uterus and push your center of gravity further forward. This change affects your ability to balance and will cause your posture to change. The change in posture puts stress on muscles and ligaments that do not usually support this additional weight and will cause pain.
Hormones
According to the American College of Nurse Midwives, pregnancy hormones are a significant factor in the development of back pain during pregnancy. These hormones loosen the joints and ligaments in preparation for delivery. As you grow through your pregnancy, your posture will change with enlargement of your abdomen and uterus. The normal curvature in your back will increase. This also changes the way in which you walk. Each of these factors are controlled by hormonal release during pregnancy and will result in lower back pain.
Posture and Position
The American Pregnancy Association advises women that lower back pain is common and is usually experienced in the latter half of your pregnancy. Your posture will change with your growing uterus and lax ligaments that contributes to back pain. You will also increase the stress and strain placed on your lower back by bending over, sleeping without pillow support or excessive standing.
