What causes lower back pain during pregnancy?

Nov 28, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, I have been experiencing frequent lower back pain during pregnancy. Could you please explain why back pain occurs during pregnancy?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu

Low back pain during pregnancy is one of the common discomforts experienced by many pregnant women, mainly caused by the following factors:

1. Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, hormone levels in the woman's body undergo significant changes. These hormonal changes cause relaxation of the muscles and ligaments, preparing the body for fetal growth and childbirth. This relaxation may weaken the supporting capacity of the muscles and ligaments in the lower back, resulting in back pain.

2. Weight gain: As pregnancy progresses, the increasing weight of the fetus, amniotic fluid, and uterus places additional pressure on the lower back, causing pain.

3. Shift in center of gravity: As the fetus grows, the pregnant woman's abdomen enlarges, shifting the body's center of gravity. This may require the woman to adjust her posture to maintain balance. Prolonged maintenance of such postures can increase the strain on the lower back muscles, leading to pain.

4. Lack of exercise: Appropriate physical activity can strengthen the muscles of the lower back and abdomen and reduce the occurrence of back pain. However, reduced physical activity during pregnancy may lead to decreased muscle strength, increasing the risk of low back pain.