The changes that happen to your body during pregnancy can be amazing. Often though, they can be uncomfortable, even painful. One of the most common complaints is pregnancy back pain

 

There are several factors which contribute to back pain during pregnancy. As your body adjusts to having a baby on board the joints and ligaments soften to allow the uterus to expand. Sometimes this leads to a straining of the ligaments resulting in lower back pain or upper back pain.

 

As your new baby is growing and the uterus expands, the changes to your body can also cause your posture to shift. When this happens it can sometime cause discomfort, especially towards the later stages of pregnancy. Neck pain and migraines are often felt as well.

 

Sciatica is another symptom experienced by mothers to be. The sciatic nerve runs from the base of the spine into the legs. During pregnancy pressure can be placed on this nerve, which causes lower back pain as well as discomfort in the hips, buttocks, legs and feet.

 

During pregnancy your body is under a lot more pressure than usual. Problems that might have been slight, or even have gone unnoticed can be greatly exaggerated during pregnancy. For this reason the causes of pregnancy back pain are often the same as normal back pain causes.

 

There are many therapies that can help with pregnancy back pain including massage, physiotherapy and other therapies to help maintain good posture. Any therapies adopted should of course be discussed with your health care practitioner.