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ACOG publications are protected by copyright and all rights are reserved. ACOG publications may not be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from the copyright owner. This includes the posting of electronic files on the Internet, transferring electronic files to other persons, distributing printed output, and photocopying. Requests for authorization to make photocopies should be directed to: Copyright Clearing Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923 (978) 750-8400
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Back pain is one of the most common discomforts during pregnancy. As
your baby grows during pregnancy, your uterus expands to as much as 1,000 times
its original size. This amount of
growth—centered in one area—affects the balance of your
body and may cause discomfort. This pamphlet explains the causes of backache during
pregnancy and offers tips for what you can do to ease the pain.
What Causes Back Pain
Back pain in pregnancy has many possible causes. It usually is caused by strain on
the back muscles. In midpregnancy, when your uterus becomes heavier, it changes your
center of gravity. You then slowly begin to change your posture and the ways that you
move. Most women begin to lean backward in the later months of pregnancy—making their
back muscles work harder.
Weakness of the abdominal muscles can also cause back pain. The abdominal
muscles normally support the spine and play an important role in the health of the back. The
hormones of pregnancy cause the muscles to relax and become loose. This may cause
some back pain. It can also make you more prone to injury when you exercise.
What You Can Do
To help prevent or ease back pain, try to be aware of how you stand, sit, and move.
Here are some tips that may help:
- Wear low-heeled (but not flat) shoes with good
arch support.
- Ask for help when lifting heavy objects.
- When standing for long periods, place one
foot on a stool or box.
- If your bed is too soft, have someone help
you place a board between the mattress and box spring.
- Don't bend over from the waist to pick things
up—squat down, bend your knees, and keep your
back straight.
- Sit in chairs with good back support, or use a
small pillow behind the low part of your back.
- Try to sleep on your side with one or two
pillows between your legs for support.
- Apply heat or cold to the painful area or
massage it.
Doing special exercises for the back can also
help lessen backache. They can help strengthen and stretch muscles that support the back and legs
and promote good posture—keeping the muscles of
the back, the abdomen, the hips, and the upper
body strong. These exercises not only will help ease
back pain but also will help prepare you for labor
and delivery.
If back pain continues to be a problem, your
doctor may suggest that you wear a maternity
girdle, special elastic sling, or back brace. These devices
help support the weight of your abdomen and ease
the tension on your back. On rare occasions, mild
pain medications, bed rest, or physical therapy may
be suggested by your doctor.
Don't try to treat yourself. Back pain can also
be caused by other problems. Back pain is one of
the main symptoms of preterm labor. If it continues
or gets worse, call your doctor. You should also call
your doctor if you are having fever, burning during
urination, or vaginal bleeding.
Finally...
During pregnancy your body will go through many changes. Some of these changes may cause
discomfort. This is normal. Backache is one of the
most common complaints during pregnancy. However,
if you follow the tips given here and do exercises
to strengthen your muscles, you can ease some of
the pain.
This Patient Education Pamphlet was developed under the
direction of the Committee on Patient Education of the American
College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Designed as an aid to
patients, it sets forth current information and opinions on
subjects related to women's health. The information in this pamphlet
does not dictate an exclusive course of treatment or procedure to
be followed and should not be construed as excluding other
acceptable methods of practice. Variations taking into account the
needs of the individual patient, resources, and limitations unique to
the institution or type of practice may be appropriate.
Photographs © PhotoDisc, Inc.
Copyright © October 1997
ISSN 1074-8601
Requests for authorization to make photocopies should be
directed to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers,
MA 01923.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
409 12th Street, SW
PO Box 96920
Washington, DC 20090-6920
12345/10987
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