Pregnancy can surely have its effect on a woman’s body. Wyndham Physio has trained Physiotherapists who provide consultation and sessions if you are suffering from Pregnancy Back Pain.

1. By Wyndham Physio

2. q Pregnancy is meant to be the best time of life for a woman as it is the first
step towards motherhood.
q But, about 70% women suffer from back pain, especially in the lower back
during the course of their pregnancy making it not as enjoyable as it
should be.

3. There are various reasons that lead to Pregnancy Back Pain. Let us look at
the most common ones.
Weight Gain
q As your baby grows, you obviously gain weight. This weight gain can be
anywhere between 10-15 kgs or 25-35 pounds.
q This increase in weight leads to more stress to the spine as it has to
support it. Also, the increase in uterus weight leads to creating pressure on
the blood vessels and the nerves of the pelvic region and back.
q All these factors lead to back pain.

4. Postural Changes
q As a result of increase in weight during pregnancy, the center of gravity of
your body shifts.
q The center tilts slightly forward as majority of the weight gain happens
around your belly region.
q Unknowingly, to compensate for this change, your body tends to put stress
on the lower back leading to back pain.

5. Hormonal Changes
q Relaxin is a hormone that is produced by a woman’s body when she is
pregnant.
q This hormone helps the ligaments in the pelvic region to relax and also
loosens the joints to prepare for child birth.
q Hormonal ChangesAs a side effect, this hormone also loosens the
ligaments that support the spine. This in turn can lead to back pain as the
stress on the spine increases.

6. Muscle Separation
q Due to uterus expansion during pregnancy, the rectal abdominis muscles
may separate the length of the center seam. This can aggravate back pain.
Emotional Stress
q A woman may find herself stressed out emotionally at certain times during
pregnancy.
q This stress can lead to muscular tension in the back leading to back pain.

7. It is very important to manage Pregnancy Back Pain. There are various ways
to do this and it would depend on an individual’s condition and level of pain.
Exercise –
q Keeping your body active during pregnancy is absolutely essential. Consult
your Physiotherapist to setup an exercise routine that is right for you.
q If you have not been following an exercise regime prior to your pregnancy,
your Physiotherapist will advice you accordingly to ensure that all the
exercises you take up are safe for you.
q Walking, swimming and stationary cycling are the safest exercises for any
pregnant woman.

8. Postural Correction –
q It is imperative to work on your posture and ensure that you do not put
unnecessary stress on your spine and back.
q Sleep with a pillow between your legs and sleep on a side rather than flat,
sit with a towel rolled up behind your back when working on your desk,
keep your feet on a small stool with your back straight.

9. Heat & Cold Treatment –
q Using a heating pad or an ice pack over the painful area of your back can
surely help you to get relief from your pain.
q It is observed that you should alternate between hot & cold packs for
better results.
q Ensure to seek advice from your Physiotherapist as to what would be more
effective for you based on your exact condition and intensity of pain.

10. Counselling –
q If you are undergoing stress, please seek professional counselling or just
talk to a trusted friend or family member. It is very important that you are
as relaxed as possible.
Dry Needling or Acupuncture –
q Based on the advice of your Physiotherapist, Dry Needling or Acupuncture
can be very effective in reducing your pain.

11. Hope this article is useful to you and helps you to manage your Pregnancy
Back Pain better. If you have any further queries regarding back pain, prenatal
or postnatal exercise classes or general health and well being during
pregnancy, please feel free to get in touch with us.

12. Contact Us
Wyndham Physio
Hoppers Super Clinic
599 Sayers Road,
Hoppers Crossing,
Victoria, 3029
Ph- 03 97489652
03 83605100
Email: info@wyndhamphysio.com.au