Pregnancy Back Pain Causes

Pregnancy is, for most women, a joyful experience. The joy is tempered, however, with various complaints. Some are mild, while others are more pressing.

Pregnancy back pain is one of the more persistent complaints. Pregnancy back pain in some form is experienced by nearly every expectant mother. For those who have worked consistently to strengthen core muscles, pregnancy back pain may be only mildly irritating. Others may find pregnancy back pain so limiting that they are unable to walk more than a few steps at a time.

Known Causes of Pregnancy Back Pain

Although some pregnancy back pain seems to defy diagnosis of causes, there are a number of known causes for the complaint.

* Weight gain: The mother’s frame and muscles are strained by the excess weight and pregnancy back pain occurs.

* Gravitational Center: As the baby grows, the mother’s center of gravity shifts. She is carrying more weight in front. Pregnancy back pain results as she is no longer to maintain her normal posture.

* Baby’s Position: The unborn baby shifts often as it grows. These changes in position within the womb can put strain on different back muscles, causing the mother pregnancy back pain.

* Hormones: Certain hormones released by the mother’s pregnancy body can cause weakness in joints.

* Exercise: Pregnancy back pain can occur when the mother, with weight shifted to the front, tries to exercise in the usual manner. Muscles that are accustomed to exercise can be strained with the change in body mass and shape.

* Weight Shifting: Any movement that causes the new weight to shift unevenly can cause pregnancy back pain. This might be as simple a movement as turning over in bed or bending to pick up something.

Types of Pregnancy Back Pain

There are many descriptions of pregnancy back pain, but most fall into one of two main categories: lumbar pain and posterior pelvic pain.

Lumbar pain – lower back pain – results from maintaining the same position for too long or from repetitive motions such as lifting.

Posterior pelvic pain – back of the pelvis – can occur from simply getting in or out of bed, rolling over in bed, and climbing stairs.

If you think you are suffering pregnancy back pain, talk to your physician about it. Ask him or her if your exercise regimen may increase your risk of pregnancy back pain. Follow your doctor’s advice.

NOTE: This information is provided for educational purposes only. The author is not a trained healthcare provider, and takes no responsibility for your use of this information.