While your body is designed to accommodate pregnancy, it must go through many changes to support the healthy development of a baby. These changes can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms—including back pain. Fortunately, if you’re experiencing this discomfort, there are a few ways you can gain relief. To help you enjoy a more comfortable child-bearing experience, learn more about what causes lower back pain during pregnancy, and what you can do to minimize your symptoms.

What Causes Back Pain During Pregnancy?

1. Added Weight

Your spine will have to support the extra weight you gain as your child develops, putting pressure on the spine and the muscles surrounding it. While it’s normal to gain weight during pregnancy, it’s important to work with your healthcare providers to make sure you’re not gaining too much. Smart nutritional choices and regular exercises can help you gain the recommended amount of pregnancy weight for your body type.  

2. Hormonal Changes

Throughout pregnancy, your body will increase its production of progesterone and relaxin—hormones that help your joints and tissues prepare for childbirth. While these hormones are beneficial, the resulting physical changes can contribute to back pain. For relief, consult a chiropractor to learn how you can reduce strain on your lower back.

3. Reduced Activity

Due to the physical discomfort of pregnancy, many women decrease their activity levels. However, this reduced activity will only worsen back pain. To maintain strong muscles and flexible joints, engage in exercise that’s approved by your doctor, such as water aerobics, yoga, and walking.

4. Posture Problems

It can be difficult to maintain proper posture that supports the natural curvature of your spine when experiencing the physical changes of pregnancy. Unfortunately, poor physical positioning can put stress on joints and muscles in the lower back. There are many support devices to help with these problems, such as pillows you place between your legs when you sleep on your side.

5. Muscle Stretching  

Normally, your abdominal muscles help support your spine. However, as your stomach grows, your abdominal muscles may stretch and separate, reducing this support. While you can’t prevent this change, you can practice doctor-approved exercises to help strengthen other spine-supporting muscles.

Offering personalized care for all patients, Stoiber Chiropractic is a leading resource for pregnant women seeking back pain relief. Through in-depth examination, this Wisconsin Rapids, WI, chiropractor will accurately pinpoint the source of your discomfort. Using a variety of gentle therapies—including spinal adjustments and massage treatments—this provider will help relieve pressure on your lower back and prevent future flare-ups. Visit this clinic online to learn more about their services, or call (715) 424-8000 to schedule an appointment.