Your body changes dramatically during pregnancy. Hormonal changes and a growing uterus can be catalysts for an aching back. Lumbar (low back) pain and pelvic pain are the most common patterns of pain during pregnancy.
As you become bigger, your abdominal muscles become weaker changing your posture and your centre of gravity, you might have pressing on a nerve and you could have increased strain and pressure on your joints from the increased weight. This can all lead to back pain.
Hormonal changes (hormone called Relaxin) cause the ligaments in the pelvis to relax allowing the joints to become looser. This can lead to instability and pain. Care needs to be taken when rolling over in bed, walking, sit and standing for long periods, bending and lifting.
To help stop the pain from increasing, it is important to have to problem assessed. Physiotherapists can provide advice and education regarding the best management and treatment of the back pain. This can include hands on treatment such as massage and mobilisations, stretches, strengthening exercises and what to avoid. Heat and/or cold packs may be of relief.
Improving your posture when working, sleeping and sitting may also help (Eg: sleeping with a pillow between your knees in side lying, sitting with a rolled up towel in your low back for support and switching on your abdominal muscles to act as a ‘corset’ to support the muscles in your low back).
Low back braces and pelvic supports can also be worn to help reduce symptoms.