Exercises to Relieve Back Pain during Pregnancy

Back pain during pregnancy is very common. Up to 50-80% of women experience back pain during pregnancy. Most of the time back pain is not debilitating, but it can be very frustrating. This is even more true if you have another little one to chase after! On top of that, we're typically limited in ways to relieve back pain during pregnancy. Certain medications aren't recommended during pregnancy, and there are certain positions that you may not be able to use. I'm a total stomach sleeper and love massages, it was so hard not to lay on my stomach and not be able to get a normal massage. Read on to learn 7 exercises to relieve back pain during pregnancy.

Causes and Risks Factors of Back Pain during Pregnancy

• Postural Changes. It's not surprise that our bodies change during pregnancy. The belly obviously gets larger, but other things change too. Our pelvis tilts forward more and our feet have to sit wider to improve our support base. Typically our shoulders and upper back round more due to things like growing breasts. This can take a toll on our muscles and lead to back pain.
• Hormonal Changes. While we don't know exactly how much hormones affect back pain, it is true that there are a lot of hormonal changes during pregnancy. Some of those hormonal changes lead to increased laxity or elasticity in the ligaments. This means our muscles have to work harder to maintain support of our spine and pelvis. Hormonal changes can increase constipation during pregnancy which can actually contribute to back pain.
• Position of Baby. This may actually affect pelvic pain more if baby's head or foot is sitting in an uncomfortable place. But it's possible it could increase back pain.

Risk Factors for Back Pain

• History of back pain
• Increased parity (having had more babies)
• Higher levels of stress
• Low Job satisfaction

Exercises to Relieve Back Pain during Pregnancy

The following exercises are some of the best that I've found as a physical therapist and personally. While the key to relieving back pain long term is improving movement and strength, these stretches can help you in a pinch and provide relief through your day.

Pelvic Tilt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cS8j8UNqIM

Cat/ Cow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTN0W7HIU3k

Child's Pose

Sidelying Upper Body Twist

L Stretch

Dangle Stretch

Deep Abdominal Strengthening

Other Things to Consider

Some other things you can try to help relieve back pain during pregnancy are the following

• Warm Bath
• Prenatal Massage
• Sleep with a pregnancy pillow
• TENS Units
• SI Belt

What NOT to do for Back Pain

• Avoid severe asymmetrical movements
  • Getting in and out of the car
  • Using poor mechanics when lifting
  • Holding your breath when lifting

If your back pain doesn't improve with conservative measures or it's severely interfering with your daily life, seek help from a physical therapist. We can help you find ways to move and exercise to help relieve back pain.

Learn about more that Simpli Whole can help with during pregnancy by reading more here

If you're in the State of Ohio, schedule a telehealth or in-person physical therapy visit with Simpli Whole!