Pregnancy related back pain is a naturally occurring phenomenon. You will often see pregnant women holding their back as though in pain. One cause of back pain during pregnancy is the increase in the hormone “Relaxin”. This hormone allows easier delivery. Additional weight of the pregnancy and also change in posture, both put a strain on the back and cause back pain. Though back pain can occur any time during pregnancy, it is more common in the later stages due to the increasing weight of the feutus. Stress is also a factor that causes lower back pain during pregnancy. Stress related back pain during pregnancy will be experienced during stressful periods related to the pregnancy or if the mother-to-be is distressed due to other factors like marital issues, economic and financial problems, not enough rest and such other conditions of daily living.

Though back pain during pregnancy is expected, it needs to be attended to make the pregnancy a more pleasant experience and also to ensure that back pain does not become a chronic post pregnancy health issue.

Low back pain during pregnancy that lasts for several weeks or months may indicate that the pain is likely to continue after the pregnancy is over. Therefore if the pregnant woman experiences low back pain during pregnancy she must consult her doctor in order to seek medical attention. Also, if post partum low back pain persists beyond a few weeks, help must be sought to prevent the condition from developing into a chronic ailment.

Women with a pre-pregnancy condition of back pain may experience back pain in the lower back starting during early pregnancy stages.

Back pain during pregnancy can be classified according to location. The first is Lumbar or lower back pain. This condition is similar to low back pain in non-pregnant women. It is generally at the waist level in the center of the back. Lower back pain related to pregnancy may also radiate into pain in the leg or foot but not always. It may be worse with prolonged sitting, standing and other repetitive movements. Muscle tenderness along the back is a common co-occurrence of this type of lumbar or lower back pregnancy pain.

More common is Posterior pelvic pain during pregnancy. The pain may occur on the right, the left or on both sides simultaneously. Posterior pelvic pregnancy pain is a deep pain felt to the side below the waistline. Though the pain can be felt in the thighs and upper leg region, it is extremely rare for it to extend below the knees. Morning stiffness is a side effect of this pain and the pain generally does not ease with rest. Posterior pelvic pregnancy pain can be caused by climbing stairs, lifting heavy objects, rolling in bed, lifting, twisting, bending walking or running. Pre-pregnancy level of fitness does not necessarily mean that the pregnant woman will not experience this pain.

Back pain due to labor pain is a common condition. It is much like menstrual cramps that cause a dull pin and cramping in the lower back.

Back pain along with pregnancy symptoms may also indicate an ectopic pregnancy. The signs of ectopic pregnancy may be as those of a normal pregnancy but after the first missed menstrual cycle other signs indicate all is not right with the pregnancy. These signs include pain in the lower abdominal region usually on one side and also vaginal bleeding that is brownish in color. Sometimes this bleeding is taken as a normal menstrual discharge. However, ectopic pregnancies can be life threatening. An untreated ectopic pregnancy could result in rupturing the fallopian tubes causing infertility. Untreated, the conditions resulting from an ectopic pregnancy will worse. They may include severe pelvic pain, shoulder pain, lower back pain along with faintness dizziness, severe bleeding, nausea and vomiting. Ectopic pregnancies could be life-threatening and need to be attended to at the earliest.

Yet another reason for back pain during pregnancy could be due to a miscarriage. However, miscarriages will be accompanied by one or more other symptoms, like heavy bleeding, nausea and vomiting, cramping in the stomach and mild to severe back pain.