Back pain during pregnancy

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Causes of back pain during pregnancy

On average, women are more prone to back pain than men.³ Pregnancy-related complaints affecting the back are particularly common. In most cases, it concerns so-called low back pain, i.e. pain in the lower region of the back between the pelvis and the base of the ribs.⁴ This is particularly noticeable when sitting, lying down, standing up, bending over, dressing or undressing, for example, as muscle tension or restricted movement. But why do some women experience back pain at all during pregnancy?

The causes of back pain during pregnancy are:

• Hormonal changes: In preparation for birth, hormones cause the ligaments in the pelvic area to loosen, including those in the sacroiliac joints and the pubic symphysis. This reduces pelvic and lower back stability. These complaints are intensified by additional physical strain.
• Weight gain: A growing baby tummy means that some women become more inactive. Sport and exercise may no longer be possible to the usual extent. Muscle strength suffers as a result, which, in turn, can lead to pain when under strain.
• Shift in centre of gravity: The more the child grows, the more the body’s centre of gravity shifts forward, often resulting in a hollow back. This posture places a strain on the muscles and ligaments of the spine, which can lead to back pain⁵ – especially during the later stages of pregnancy.
• During pregnancy, pain from the extra strain can weaken the foot, affect posture and lead to back pain, for example.
• Pelvic instability: It mainly leads to frontal pain in the pelvic girdle at the symphysis (cartilaginous connection of the left and right pubic bone). In such cases, doctors speak of so-called symphyseal pain. This also occurs at the back of the two joints between the sacrum and ilium (sacroiliac joints). In some cases, pain in the sacroiliac joints can radiate to the lumbar spine. Women often perceive this as back pain in the iliac crest.

More about symphyseal pain

What helps with back pain during pregnancy?

Self-help

What women can do for back pain during pregnancy:

• Avoid sitting for prolonged periods: During long car journeys, expectant mothers should take regular breaks. When in the office, a pregnant woman should change her seated position at regular intervals. A gymnastics ball has proven to be a back-friendly way of sitting, in order to relieve the spine.
• Pregnancy gymnastics and yoga:  Pregnant women often find gymnastics (for example: in water) or yoga exercises to be beneficial. The back and pelvis can be strengthened in this way.
• Upright posture:  In order to avoid incorrect posture in day-to-day life, pregnant women should consciously pay attention to maintaining an upright posture. A special pillow between the knees can bring relief for side sleepers at night.
• Warmth: A hot water foot orthoticsbottle or cherry stone cushion and a red light lamp can relieve pain. However, too much heat may trigger premature contractions. It is, therefore, advisable to consult a gynaecologist.
• Relaxation exercises: It helps some pregnant women to do loosening-up exercises to improve spinal mobility.
• Supportive foot orthotics can reduce the strain on your feet and have a positive effect on your back.  

Depending on how fit the expectant mother feels, sport can be a good way to reduce back pain.
 

Pregnancy orthoses

Orthopaedic foot orthotics

During pregnancy, it is common to experience pain in the foot due to the extra strain. The longitudinal arch can flatten, which in turn can lead to malposition.  

Find out how orthopaedic foot orthotics relieve and support your feet during and after pregnancy. 

Back pain following pregnancy

Many women continue to experience back pain after giving birth. Possible causes:

• After-effects of pregnancy: The ligaments loosen during pregnancy. Muscles and tendons, especially in the abdomen and pelvic floor region, have become severely overstretched. This is why low back pain can continue beyond birth.
• Lifting and carrying the baby: Carrying your baby feels unfamiliar at first. Adopting the same, one-sided carrying position can put a strain on the back.
• Psychological strain: Despite all the joy that comes with a new baby, a young mother also bears a new, great responsibility: Under certain circumstances, a lack of sleep can increase the level of mental stress. This, in turn, can also manifest itself in the form of back pain.

Women should always take back pain after giving birth seriously. Various options are available to alleviate the symptoms: These range from wearing a support or orthosis to taking medication and doing therapy-accompanying exercises. We have summarised all medi products for pregnancy on our overview page:

medi products for pregnancy

Back pain during pregnancy: Always seek out a medical check-up!

Pregnant women experiencing low back pain should consult their doctor, especially if the pain is sudden or persistent.⁸ During a consultation and examination, a doctor is then able to rule out that complications during pregnancy are the cause of the back pain.