Why do women often have back pain during pregnancy?

The article is professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Tran Thi Mai Huong - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

Back pain during pregnancy is a very common condition, occurring in about 50-80% of pregnant women, affecting daily activities during pregnancy. For some pregnant women, back pain is only transient, not significant. However, many pregnant women experience persistent and uncomfortable back pain.

Back pain during pregnancy has long been seen as "part of pregnancy". Although there are not many formal studies on the prevalence of back pain during pregnancy, in general, more than 50% of pregnant women have symptoms of back pain during pregnancy.
Back pain during pregnancy most commonly occurs after the second trimester and can last up to the 6th month postpartum. Certain physiological changes during pregnancy are the main cause of back pain. The most common types of back pain during pregnancy are:
Low back pain (back level) Joint pain between the sacrum and pelvis Nocturnal back pain. Back pain during pregnancy can also be caused by disc related causes or other factors. Therefore, during the clinical examination, the doctor may order the pregnant mother to perform a physical exam to evaluate the back pain.

Changes in pregnancy can cause back pain, the most common are: Back muscles stretch, abdominal muscles weaken and pregnancy hormones appear.

Back strain is the main cause of back pain during pregnancy. As your baby grows, your uterus becomes heavier. Because this extra weight is concentrated in the front of the abdomen, most pregnant women will naturally tend to bend forward.
To keep your balance, you are forced to change positions by leaning backwards. This makes the back muscles work harder, leading to back strain. Consequences cause aches, cramps, back pain during pregnancy in the last months of pregnancy, when the fetus has begun to become very large.

Your abs support your spine and play an important role in the health of your back. During pregnancy, the muscles in the abdomen become stretched and weakened. This increases the risk of pregnant women having back pain, especially when moving and exercising.

Parallel to the development of the fetus, the fetus also becomes larger. To best prepare for the birth of the baby through the birth canal, it is possible that the pregnant mother releases a hormone that helps loosen the ligaments in the pelvic joints. Thanks to this special hormone, the pelvic joints become more flexible and ready to expand to the maximum extent so that the baby can pass through when the mother gives birth. However, this can also cause back pain during pregnancy if the joints are too loose.
See more: Pregnancy with pelvic pain: Should I give birth naturally or by cesarean?

To prevent and limit back pain during pregnancy, pregnant women need to pay attention to standing, sitting posture and how to move. Here are some tips that can help you avoid this situation somewhat:
Wear shoes with suitable soles for pregnant women: Flat shoes often do not provide the best support for standing posture pregnant woman, unless it is fitted with a pad of suitable thickness. High heels can make you lose your balance and easily fall forward, very dangerous for both mother and fetus. Consider choosing a firm mattress: If the mattress at home has become old and degraded, you should consider replacing it and choosing a mattress suitable for pregnant women. A comfortable and good-quality mattress can help pregnant women limit back pain during pregnancy. Don't bend over your waist: To pick up an item that's dropped on the ground, you should squat down, bending your knees but keeping your spine straight. Choosing the right chair: Regularly sitting on a regular straight-back wooden chair can cause back pain during pregnancy. To overcome, pregnant women should choose a chair with a curved backrest to provide good support for the back, or can use a small pillow placed behind the waist. In addition, there are some special devices, which help support the waist for pregnant women, are being sold at medical supply stores. Pay attention to sleeping position: When sleeping, try to lie on your side. Use 1 to 2 pillows to clamp between the legs or put under the abdomen to best support the sleeping position, avoiding affecting the back spine.

When pregnant women, especially until the last 3 months of pregnancy, have back pain and fatigue, it is possible to apply pain relief with regular exercise. Prioritize exercises that strengthen the back and stretch the muscles to support the health of the back and legs, so that pregnant women can improve their best posture.
Exercise not only helps relieve back pain during pregnancy, but it also helps you strengthen your health to get ready for labor and delivery. Besides, you can also use heat or cold to apply to the painful area, which is also a way to help pregnant women relieve back pain.
For more knowledge about measures to help pregnant women reduce back pain symptoms during pregnancy, pregnant mothers can refer to more articles such as:
7 tips to reduce back pain during pregnancy Pregnant with back pain - How to stop the pain?

Back pain is most likely a symptom of premature birth or a urinary tract infection. You should seek medical attention immediately if you notice that in addition to back pain during pregnancy, there are other signs such as fever, burning when urinating or vaginal bleeding.
If you have severe back pain, or when the pain persists for more than 2 weeks, you should visit your obstetrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

To protect the health of pregnant women and their babies during pregnancy, Vinmec International General Hospital provides a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team. doctor during pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of highly qualified doctors Regular check-ups, early detection of abnormalities The package pregnancy helps to facilitate Convenience for the delivery process Newborns receive comprehensive care Advice on methods of feeding the baby, ways to take care of the mother's health in the postpartum period before discharge from the hospital Postpartum check-ups with both mother and baby with doctors Leading Obstetrics and Pediatrics.

Accompanying pregnant mothers during pregnancy, so that mothers can be "pregnant without worries", Vinmec launches the first and only online course "Healthy pregnancy with Vinmec experts" in Vietnam today. Now according to medical standards:
100% video lessons with experts Vinmec 100% information on maternity, genetics, psychology, exercise and nutrition according to medical standards 10 times of interaction and exchange with doctors The doctor is equivalent to 10 antenatal visits The course is on its own platform, designed at the right time to study anytime, anywhere Useful learning content for pregnant mothers and the whole family Learn more about the course at: https:/ /songkhoe.vinmec.com

References: Acog.org