WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Backache

Backache
This is a pain or discomfort in the lower back, which can lead to tightness, hips, and buttocks.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
Most women experience back pain at some point during pregnancy.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, due to progesterone levels increasing, progesterone helps relax the muscles and ligaments near the pelvis, which can then cause a backache.

In the second and third trimesters, back pains are due to:
  • the uterus expands and places more pressure on the lower back
  • the baby's weight and position in relation to your organs
All in all, backaches are one of those symptoms that most likely will be an ongoing one as the pregnancy progresses.

Despite the discomfort, it's important to remember that this is a normal part of pregnancy and nothing to worry about.
Prevent and care
Backaches are a common symptom during pregnancy, caused by weight gain and changes in posture. Proper management of backaches is essential to avoid discomfort and potential complications.
  • Maintain good posture, especially when sitting or standing for long periods.
  • Engage in regular, low-impact exercises like walking or prenatal yoga to strengthen back muscles. 
  • Use proper techniques when lifting objects – bend at the knees and keep the back straight.
I often remind my patients that gentle stretching and prenatal yoga can work wonders for back pain. It's also crucial to be mindful of posture and avoid wearing high heels, as they can exacerbate back strain during pregnancy.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
You should consult a doctor if you are experiencing other strenuous symptoms coupled with back pain to manage and prevent any other discomforts.
Top Asked Questions
What causes backache during pregnancy?

Common causes include posture changes, weight gain, and hormonal shifts that loosen joints.

Are there any specific exercises to relieve back pain in pregnancy?

Prenatal yoga and pelvic tilts can be effective. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise.

Is it normal to have lower back pain in early pregnancy?

Yes, it's common due to hormonal changes and later due to the growing uterus.

View Sources
All I Need to Know
L
Lyssa Rose
2 Jan 2024

Hey mamas! I have been having pelvic pressure since 32 weeks I can barely move without it hurting. I lost my mucus plug at 23 weeks and again at 34 weeks. Now I have mucus discharge, Constant backache and Braxton hicks contractions that are getting worse everyday. Anyone know what I can do to soften my cervix to get him out?

6 comments
R
Rachel
Raspberry leaf tea and dates
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
R
Rachel
Or try eating pineapple
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Ashley
8 Oct 2023

How did y’all know you were going into labor? I’ve been having mild cramping in my stomach and a backache. I don’t know if this is me in labor or just in pain. Any advice ladies?

9 comments
M
Meeka
I'd take some Tylenol pm and if you don't feel better then I'd go to the er just to be sure but I heard that you'll definitely know when you're in labor I had got induced and that pain was a mf an ended up having a C-section
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
T
Taylor Colon
True labor is painful if it doesn’t take your breath away or no knock you too your knees and or makes you unable to talk than it ain’t labor. Your going to have painful Braxton hicks contractions as you get closer to your real labor.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


M
Maria
31 Mar 2023

I always sleep on my side or my stomach but ever since I’m pregnant I always wake up on my back with a backache any one else I hate sleeping on my back lol #16weeks #backproblems

2 comments
F
Fi
I’m going through the same thing lol. I wake up scared because I know we’re not meant to be sleeping on our backs because of potential blood flow issues 😅
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

K
Kmarie
1 Mar 2023

Today I had a lot more energy and was able to be productive 😃. But my productivity ended up with a really bad backache - like painful to get up and walk 😩. Each step also put a sore/aching pressure in the pelvic area. Lord help me 🙏🏼

2 comments
D
Destiny
I feel this!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

J
Julissa
7 Dec 2022

Im 36 weeks , having diarrhea 🫣 Cramping and backache.... Im starting to drink this tea , is this the right one ?

7 comments
🌜
🌜✨Yaya✨🎄
Yes that's the one
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Marisela
That's the one I drink
27 Mar 2024

Answer


s
semajae
26 Oct 2022

OK so my doctor's wants me to come in today at 4 due to my backache and the vagina pain. Wish me luckk

4 comments
M
Marisela
Best of luck❤️
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Marisela
Any update hun? How are you feeling now?
27 Mar 2024

Answer


s
semajae
26 Oct 2022

I think I'll be going into labor soon😩, having bad backache and he pressing his head on my bowel! Feels like he's about to fall thru my coochie man... and this shit hurts so bad man

5 comments
B
Blocked user
Lots of pressure in the last trimester! Hope you get some relief soon
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Marisela
Completely normal but absolutely stinks
27 Mar 2024

Answer


K
Krystal
12 Oct 2022

Hey ladies, So I been feeling a lil but weird lately, I been having crazy cramps on the left side of my belly, backache, headaches, sore nipples, and I be cold must of the time and hot flashes I took a test and it’s one came like that and the other ones still flashing what does this mean?? #ttc

4 comments
K
Kelly
Did it ever say yes or no? Maybe there was an error.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
9
9etherBeing❤️
It’s thinking about lol
27 Mar 2024

Answer


B
Britney
27 Jul 2022

I had light pink on my painty liner than 14-15 a little brownish coffee look than I also had cramping backache I'm currently 11dpo cycle supposed to start on 28 but Im having backaches also headaches stomach cramps a little

4 comments
B
Britney
Yes I'm also hungry all the time
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

T
Tyeshia
27 Jun 2022

I keep having headaches and backache back to back and my foots are swollen and sore

2 comments
I
India
Is you ever late ?
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
T
Tyeshia
I been late before like 10 days but the Premom app said I’m like 14 days late
27 Mar 2024

Answer


Related articles

Hot topics

More questions from Moms