Back pain in pregnant women is a very common complaint. In fact, as many as 80% of pregnant women will have back pain at some time during their pregnancy. There are several types of back pain that occur among expectant mothers, but low back pain is the most common. But why does your low back hurt during pregnancy?

Backache can occur for a number of reasons, which can be reduced to two main issues: hormones and postural changes.

During pregnancy, your body produces a veritable cocktail of hormones. Among these is a hormone called relaxin. The primary role of relaxin is to loosen the joints and ligaments in your body in order to help them stretch and widen. This allows your body to more easily make room for your baby inside of your pelvis. And, when the time comes for your baby to be born, the hormone relaxin will have helped the joints of your pelvis relax and stretch enough for your baby's shoulders to pass through your pelvic bones.

But what does all that have to do with lower back pain? Well, unfortunately, your body is unable to isolate which ligaments and joints will stretch and loosen, and this happens on a broad scale throughout your body. As the ligaments and muscles which normally support your spine become lax, it can result in some instability in the spine, which can result in aching and discomfort.

As your uterus expands and your baby grows, it also causes immense changes in your posture, which can result in aching. As your abdomen and uterus stretch, it puts a greater strain on your back muscles.

Your center of gravity is changing. Your abdomen is shifting out and down, and your spine curves backward to try to compensate for this shift. As a result, your spinal muscles become sore and tired, and more prone to injury and strain.

This article will explore the causes of back pain during pregnancy, discuss the different types of back pain that occur, and provide information about what can be done to prevent and relieve prenatal back pain.

There are two common types of low back pain in pregnancy, lumbar pain and posterior pelvic pain.

Lumbar pain is characterized by discomfort in the lower back, at about waist level. If you ever had back pain before becoming pregnant, it likely feels much the same. This type of backache may also cause pain that radiates into your legs.

Triggers for pain in the lumbar spine include sitting or standing for long periods of time, as well as heavy lifting.

Posterior pelvic pain occurs behind the pelvis, below the lumbar spine. You may feel pain in your sacrum, tailbone, deep in the gluteal muscles, and you may even have pain in the back of your thighs.

Posterior pelvic pain is aggravated by movements in which the hips are bent, like sitting, climbing stairs, leaning forward, twisting, lifting, and walking.

In order to maintain a healthy back during pregnancy, it is essential to engage in a regular exercise regimen. Exercise is essential for controlling and avoiding back pain. When your muscles are weak and inflexible, you are more likely to hurt. Regular exercise will stretch and strengthen your muscles and ligaments to better support your spine and prevent pregnancy back ache from occurring.

Specific exercises to alleviate low back pain during pregnancy include pelvic tilt exercises, Kegel exercises, back stretches, hamstring stretches, chest stretches, and wall squats.

Some expectant mothers find that a warm (not hot) bath helps to alleviate pain. Try adding Epsom salts to your bathwater. The magnesium in the Epsom salt is especially helpful at soothing tired and aching muscles.

Take extra time to rest and take care of yourself. While exercise is important, so is rest. Make sure you get adequate rest and sleep, and don't over-tax your aching back. This can help keep back pain in pregnant women in check.

Massage therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture may help comfort you when you need immediate relief from your discomfort.

Some women find that the use of a pregnancy support belt helps take pressure off of their back. Always talk to your doctor first.

If you are pregnant with back pain that is very intense, or your pain is rhythmic and feels like menstrual cramps, you should contact your health care provider for advice. Also, if you are having numbness you should always contact your health care provider.

A dull backache could be a sign of preterm labor. If you are concerned about your pain, you should contact your health care provider for further evaluation.