Many pregnant women notice lower back pain starting in the second trimester, and it's very common — in most cases it isn't a sign of anything serious. Your body is carrying extra weight that grows week by week, and your center of gravity keeps shifting, forcing your back muscles to work harder just to keep you balanced.
Why does it happen?
The hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments and joints around your pelvis and spine to prepare for birth, and this natural loosening can create some instability in the lower spine's joints. Add the extra weight and a changed walking pattern, and you have a near-guaranteed recipe for some strain and ache.
- Sit upright, and tuck a small pillow behind your lower back when sitting for long stretches.
- Avoid standing in one spot for too long — take a seated break every half hour if you can.
- Wear comfortable, low or flat shoes — high heels put extra strain on your lower back.
- Bend your knees when picking things up off the floor instead of bending from the waist.
- Try a warm compress on the sore spot, or gentle massage from your partner or a qualified therapist.
Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees eases a lot of the nighttime pressure on your back. But if the pain is sudden and severe, or comes with burning when you urinate or tingling in your legs, those are signs worth a quick call to your doctor.
