During pregnancy, back pain is a common complaint, especially as the pregnancy progresses. This type of pain appears most frequently in the third trimester, when weight gain, hormonal changes, and body posture put greater pressure on the spine. Although it is a common complaint, it should not be overlooked, as it can affect the physical and emotional well-being of the expectant mother.
In this article, we will address what causes these discomforts, so that you can understand the origin, and we offer you the best tips to relieve back pain during pregnancy.
Back pain in pregnancy, second and third trimester
Back pain during the second and, especially, the third trimester of pregnancy is often related to the physical and hormonal changes that occur during this stage. As the abdomen grows, the body's center of gravity shifts, forcing the lumbar muscles to exert additional effort to maintain balance. This can cause tension, muscle strain, and discomfort in the lower back.
In many cases, these discomforts can be prevented or reduced by incorporating small changes into your daily routine, performing gentle exercises recommended for pregnant women, and consulting a spine specialist if the pain persists or interferes with rest.
Causes of back pain during pregnancy
If you are pregnant and have back pain, you should not worry: your back pain can be caused by many reasons. Below we detail some of the main reasons why pregnant women suffer from back pain during pregnancy.
Back pain in the first weeks of pregnancy
Back pain during the first weeks of pregnancy is a very common symptom, and for many women, it's one of the biggest challenges during this stage. Although there hasn't been significant weight gain yet, the uterus begins to grow and the ligaments begin to stretch, which can cause discomfort in the lower back. Furthermore, hormonal changes and increased body sensitivity contribute to many women experiencing back tension, even from the first few weeks.
Chest and uterus pain in the first weeks of pregnancy
Hormonal changes not only affect the back, but also manifest as discomfort in the chest and uterine area. Increased levels of progesterone and estrogen cause increased blood flow and breast growth, which can cause chest pain or a feeling of heaviness. At the same time, the uterus begins to expand, which can put additional pressure on the lower abdomen and back.
Abdominal pain during pregnancy
Generally, the pain begins to manifest from the second trimester of pregnancy, when the lumbar curve is accentuated due to the increase in the baby's weightThis additional strain forces the muscles to work harder to support the weight of the abdomen, causing discomfort in the lower back and a feeling of tightness in the abdominal area. Added to this is the natural increase in fluids, the accumulation of body fat, and the weight of the placenta, which increases the pressure on the spine.
Shift of the center of gravity during pregnancy
Growth of the uterus and increase in abdominal volume They cause the mother to change her center of gravity, having to readjust to a new balance, possibly leaning back a little to counteract the weight, which overloads the muscles of the lumbar region of the spine.
To achieve this new balance, it is normal for the curvatures of the spine to change, which will have to adapt to a new way of distributing the weight of the abdomen and breasts.
This biomechanical adaptation can cause tension and pain in the lumbar and dorsal regions. The paraspinal muscles are forced to work continuously, which can lead to fatigue, contractures, and persistent discomfort.
Hormones and stress, causes of back pain during pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman's body begins to produce a hormone called relaxin., which serves to prepare the pelvic area for childbirth. The main function of this hormone is to relax and increase elasticity in the ligaments and joints. Because of these changes, it is important to move with caution and avoid sudden movements to prevent injuries.
Sciatica pain in pregnancy
Sciatic pain affects the 50% of pregnant women and occurs when The change in posture, along with the increase in weight and size of the abdomen, puts pressure on the sciatic nerve that runs through the spine. This pressure generates a severe pain in the lower back, which can radiate throughout the leg to the foot, causing tingling, numbness and numbness in one of the lower extremities. Usually, this pain worsens as the baby grows inside the womb, but after delivery, the nerve is freed and the mother stops suffering from pain.
How to prevent back pain during pregnancy
Although physical changes during pregnancy are inevitable, there are several strategies to minimize their impact on the back. Adopting certain healthy habits from the first weeks of pregnancy can make a significant difference in preventing pain and improving the overall well-being of the expectant mother. Below are some practical recommendations for maintaining postural health and reducing discomfort in the lower back.
Stretching during pregnancy
Performing gentle, controlled stretches is an effective way to relieve back tension, improve circulation, and keep muscles flexible. Exercises such as the cat and cow stretches, commonly used in yoga, help mobilize the spine, relax the lower back, and release muscle tension. Side and pelvic stretches tailored to each stage of pregnancy can also be incorporated, always under professional supervision if possible.
Best sleeping position during pregnancy
Sleeping on your side and incorporating a pillow between your legs can help you have a better rest and avoid pain caused by poor sleeping posture. Nowadays, there are special pillows, usually in the shape of a half-moon, that adapt perfectly to the pregnant woman's body, providing additional support and improving the quality of sleep.
What footwear is the most appropriate during pregnancy?
The type of footwear worn during pregnancy has a direct impact on posture and back health. It's recommended to avoid both high heels and completely flat shoes. Ideally, choose shoes with a small heel and good cushioning that provide stability and support. Furthermore, since feet tend to swell, it's important to choose a suitable size that won't compress or cause discomfort.
Importance of postural hygiene in pregnant women
It is important to know how to position your body correctly to protect your spine and practice healthy daily habits to maintain your postural hygieneThis helps prevent back pain and other discomforts associated with pregnancy. To achieve this, it's advisable to avoid staying in the same position for long periods of time and take breaks to move or stretch your body. Sitting with your back straight and supported, with your feet on the floor, and using lumbar support cushions if necessary are habits that help protect your spine throughout pregnancy.
Benefits of practicing physical activity during pregnancy
Regular physical activity during pregnancy provides multiple benefits for both the mother and the developing baby. Strengthening and strengthening muscles helps women adapt better to the physical changes of pregnancy, improves posture, and contributes to relieving common discomforts such as back pain, heavy legs, and general fatigue.
Furthermore, exercise improves blood circulation, improves mood, and can prepare the body for labor, facilitating faster postpartum recovery. Activities such as walking, swimming, or therapeutic Pilates are generally well tolerated by most pregnant women and provide overall benefits without posing risks, as long as they are tailored to each woman's physical condition.
Consult your doctor about what types of exercises you can do based on your condition. Swimming, walking and therapeutic Pilates are very beneficial exercises for almost any pregnant woman. However, it is important that any activity you decide to do is approved by your healthcare provider, as not all sports are recommended in all cases.
How do you know if back pain is serious during pregnancy?
Back pain is a common ailment during pregnancy, but it is important to identify when it occurs. Pain may be a sign of something more serious. Some of the warning signs that may indicate the need to seek professional care include:
- Intense and persistent pain: if the pain is very strong, constant and does not improve with rest or changes in position.
- Fever: The presence of fever along with back pain could indicate an infection.
- Radiating pain: if the pain spreads to one or both legs, causing weakness, tingling or numbness.
- Mobility impairment: If the pain is so severe that it affects your ability to walk or perform daily activities, it may indicate that you need to seek professional care.
How to relieve back pain during pregnancy.
To relieve these pains, it is advisable to go to a specialized physiotherapist who can perform relaxing massages and advise you on exercises. Improve and strengthen your spine and pelvic floorThere are highly experienced physical therapy and rehabilitation centers to help you. Each physical therapy treatment will be tailored to the needs of each pregnant woman. Physiotherapy includes Pilates exercises to relieve and improve back pain:
In cases where the pain is severe, persistent, or interferes with daily activities, it is essential to consult a specialist. There are pregnancy-friendly pharmacological treatments that healthcare professionals can prescribe to help you manage the pain without compromising your well-being or that of your baby.
Tips to relieve lower back pain during pregnancy
In addition to professional support, there are some habits that can help reduce lower back pain:
- Avoid standing or sitting in the same position for long periods of time.
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs.
- Wear comfortable shoes with good support.
- Practice gentle exercises, such as walking, swimming, or performing specific stretches.
- Apply local heat to the lumbar area.
These are some tips you can incorporate to improve your well-being and make your pregnancy more comfortable. Remember that every body is different, so it's essential to pay attention to any persistent pain and seek professional help when needed.
Pregnancy is a very special stage, but it can also bring with it certain discomforts. Therefore, taking care of yourself is essential to guarantee a healthy and happy pregnancy. If you suffer from any spinal pathology, do not hesitate to make an appointment with the ICAC team, experts in spinal traumatologyl.
55 thoughts on “¿Es normal el dolor de espalda durante el embarazo?”
I'm 14 weeks pregnant, but I have pain in the center of my back every day and it hits me right in the center of my chest. I can't sleep because it causes insomnia. All the tests have gone well, what should I do for this discomfort that I cannot sleep, is this discomfort normal or what can I take to counteract all this for
Please what should I do
Hello Blanca,
During pregnancy, multiple alterations of the body occur that can result in pain, fatigue, pinching, etc.
It would be best to have a specialist evaluate where this pain is coming from. Performing moderate physical activity usually helps a lot (as long as your obstetrician approves) to strengthen and stretch the muscles.
Greetings
Hello, next week I'm already 11 weeks pregnant and now I have a lot of pain on one side from the top of my back to my right arm... it's just one side... is it normal? Besides, I don't feel like doing anything... and the nausea is gone, but I also have a lot of sneezing and a lot of snot in my nose, it's like I have a cold without getting a cold... is all this normal? And then apart from that, my vaginal discharge smells a lot when I urinate and that... and when I urinate and wipe with paper, the paper comes out yellow like urine with a very bad smell, but that also happened to me in the first weeks of pregnancy... Apart from that, last week I had a vaginal infection... with a lot of itching and stinging, and white things came out, and they told me that it was a fungal infection... and well, it seems like I'm better at times...
Hello Natalia,
Our specialty is spine, so we recommend that you consult with your gynecologist as soon as possible about your situation.
Greetings
Hello, I am 35 weeks pregnant and my waist hurts.
Hello Mayra,
The weight you carry in the 35th week of pregnancy can cause aches and pains. Practicing swimming, Pilates or yoga can help with pain.
Slaudos
Natalia I hope you are better. Since you were a wreck. Greetings
I have unbearable pain in sciatica that prevents me from walking for a certain amount of time. What can I do?
Hi Norma,
Sciatica is a problem that occurs especially during pregnancy with physical changes.
We recommend stretching to improve. When it is caused by a pathology, the origin is treated, but in the case of pregnancy it generally ends at the end of pregnancy.
Greetings.
Hello, my name is Roxana, I am 22 weeks old and I have a lot of pain in my back and waist, I can hardly get out of bed, it hurts too much to even walk, what can I do?
Hello Roxana,
Back pain is very common during pregnancy. Walking, stretching and swimming or Pilates help to cope with the pain.
Greetings
Hello, I am 9 weeks pregnant, everything is fine. My biggest difficulty has been back pain, I usually get it when I sit a lot or after walking a lot. It is a pain that moves, sometimes in the center of the spine at the level of the lumbar area and sometimes in the dorsal part, is it normal?
Hello Karla,
Back pain is common during pregnancy. However, your specialist should carry out the appropriate checks to ensure that everything is going well.
Greetings
I am 20 weeks pregnant and today I woke up with severe pain in my spine and middle back and I feel that the pain is spreading to my ribs and stomach.
Good morning,
While back pain is common, you should consult with a doctor to make sure everything is okay.
Greetings
I am 26 weeks pregnant, the back pain doesn't let me sleep, I can't find a single position to sleep to reduce the pain, I have had scoliosis since I was little, from the beginning of my back.
Hello Jaritza,
Back pain during pregnancy can be very annoying. We recommend that you go to a physiotherapist to help you cope in the best way and do exercises that can help strengthen your back.
Greetings
Hello, I am 12 weeks pregnant and I felt an exaggerated heaviness in my vagina, then it went away and now the right side of my back hurts, I am very afraid.
Hello Jenny,
You would have to go to your specialist to check that everything is going well.
Greetings
Hello, I am 13 weeks pregnant but I have a lot of pain in my waist, and suddenly brown or a little red waste comes out, apart from pain in my lower abdomen as if it were air, but they always tell me that everything is fine
Hello Nallely,
You should consult your symptoms with your specialist. If you do not feel safe or calm, it is always advisable to ask for a second opinion.
Greetings
I am 13 weeks and I have pain on the right side of my spine up to the area of my buttocks, and sometimes I can't even get up.
Hello Yohali,
Back pain is very common during pregnancy.
To cope with them, we recommend that you go to a physiotherapy center and do moderate physical activity under the direction of your specialist.
Greetings
Bonjour,
You will have 6 gross weeks, then there will be unsupportable pain on two levels, and when you will be assisted with a compression sort on the belly. Dois je m'inquiéter pour ça? Si déjà en début de grossesse les douleurs de dos sont présentes, est-ce possibilité qu'elles durent tout le long de la grossesse?
Bonjour Marie,
See our contacts at cliquant ici pour demander un rendez-vous et traiter votre cas en privé.
Greetings
I am 19 weeks and I have pain in my back and on the sides of my belly. What can I do in this case? Whether this discomfort is normal or not normal.
Hi Mariana,
Whenever you have any discomfort you have to consult with your specialist so that, based on your medical history and after a review, he or she can determine where the pain is coming from.
Greetings
Bonjour,
Je suis enceinte de 37 SA et j'ai des douleurs insupportables depuis quelques jours au level des lombaires. Afterwards, you have completed the blockage without having to wait until the moindre move… J'ai déjà ce genre de problème avant mais pas aussi intense. Que puis-je faire pour soulager ce mal de dos c'est très invalidant car je ne peux plus du tout bouger et cela me fait très mal.
Mercy!
Bonjour,
Tout d'abord, vous devriez consulter votre spécialiste. Faire de la physiothérapie, du Pilates ou de la natation peut aider. Well, our recommendations are to consult your medicine before making a decision.
Greetings
I am 29 years old, it is my 3rd baby, I am in week 19 and I have had severe pain on the right side of my back between the ribs. In none of my other pregnancies have I felt this discomfort. What can I do because the pain is unbearable and doesn't even allow me to sleep?
Hello Selena,
Back pain can be very intense and annoying during pregnancy.
To cope with them, we recommend that you go to a physiotherapy center and do moderate physical activity under the direction of your specialist. A specialist can also teach you stretching techniques, give you instructions to relax such as heat pillows, etc.
Greetings
Hello, I'm 9 weeks old and I get severe muscle pain in my lower back, especially when I walk or sit for a long time... and then when I lie down, the great pain starts. It must be. I have doubts if it will be normal.
Hi Fatima,
Every pregnancy and body is different, so it can be normal. Although we recommend that you check it with your gynecologist to make sure everything is going well.
Greetings
Hello, good afternoon, I would like you to help me with a question. I have a lot of pain in the right side of my back and now that I have left for an emergency, I find that my uterus is large and that I have a gestation sac. I would like you to give me some answer. In 2 weeks they will send me for another echo
Hello Laddy,
Our specialty is traumatology, we recommend that you see your gynecologist.
Greetings
Hello! Good night. Is it considered safe to perform physical therapy during pregnancy? I had low back pain months ago and I improved with physical therapy (massages, ultrasound and laser), but now at 6 weeks pregnant I am feeling the pain again and the limitation to get up and/or bend down. It also hurts when I walk although I still persist in walking at least an hour a day. The fact is that the physio tells me that he cannot treat me because I am pregnant. I also can't take anti-inflammatories. What alternatives do I have? I'm afraid that as the pregnancy progresses it will get worse and limit me more 🙁 thanks in advance!
Hello Miri,
Physiotherapy can be done at any time during pregnancy (as long as it is with a trained professional)
Greetings.
Bonjour,
Je suis à 19 SA. Est ce normal de ressentir une forte douleur au bas du two surtout lorsque je m'assois. Or my work needs to last 8 hours.
Est ce qu'il ya des moyens de limiter la douleur?
Merci.
Bonjour Gabriella,
Without verification, we do not need to know what is normal. Consult your specialist in case of doute.
Cordially, I would like to thank you, Madame, the expression of the most distinguished sentiments.
Hello, I am 22 weeks pregnant and I have pain in the middle of the right side of my back and it feels like a reflex in the pit of my stomach and it feels like my ribs… I went to a physiotherapist today but it still hasn't gone away… is this normal? Everything hurts!
Hi Emma,
Consult your specialist for an informed answer.
We cannot give you an answer without evaluating you personally.
Greetings
Bonjour j'ai une douleur au level du bas de mon dos. When I lifted myself from the chaise and the morning was bad and the douleur had a blow until I was alive again. C'est dû a quoi s'il vous plait. Je suis 18 weeks.
Hello Tele,
La meilleure chose à faire en cas de douleurs de ce type est d'aller voir votre gynecologist pour verifier que tout va bien.
N'attendez pas pour aller chez le médecin.
Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.
Hello, my name is Adela, I am 13 weeks pregnant and I have severe migraines with aura and they won't go away. Apart from a few days ago, my lower back hurts a lot and I don't know if that's normal.
Hello Adela,
The best thing to do in these cases is to consult with the person who is carrying your pregnancy so that they can analyze the symptoms and check that everything is going well.
Don't wait to consult.
Greetings
Hello, good morning, my name is Abigail, I am 23 weeks pregnant but I suffer from intense pain in my waist with burning, but I have been like this for 10 days and I have been exercising but nothing calms it down and when I get up from sleep is when it becomes more intense and sometimes I can't even walk anymore.
Hello Abigail,
It is important that you see the doctor who is following your pregnancy to make sure everything is okay.
Don't wait to ask for help.
Greetings
Hello greetings, I am more than 2 months pregnant and I have a lot of pain in my lower body and it is swollen. I work standing for more than 8 hours a day and I don't want to say anything at work. I am afraid that they will fire me. Am I afraid that the pain is something wrong with my baby? Thank you.
Hello Ana,
Don't wait to consult a specialist to make sure everything is okay.
There are laws that protect pregnant women in their workplaces. Find out more to ensure that your rights are respected.
Greetings
Bonsoir, je suis enceinte de 13 semaines et j'ai de grosses douleurs dans le bas du two jusqu'en dessous de la fesse qui me privent de beaucoup de choses, en marchant ça fait mal, en restant couché pareil, en étant assise pareil, auriez vous des conseils?
Thank you for your progress
Hello Lindsay,
Nous sommes désolés que vous traversiez cette douleur. Pendant la grossesse, il est frequent de ressentir des gênes dans la région lombaire et au level du fessier en raison des changes de postura et de la pressure exercée sur le nerf sciatique. Pour soulager ces douleurs, il peut être utile de pratiquer des exercices d'étirement doux, de maintaining a good posture in position assisted and sleeping with a coussin entre les jambes to réduire la tension. We recommend that you consult a specialist to evaluate your case and find the most adapted treatment.
If you are satisfied, you can obtain rendezvous with our equipment for a further detailed evaluation.
Greetings.
Hello.
I am 6 weeks pregnant and I have crampy pains in my lower abdomen (menstrual-like pains) that usually last 2 or 3 minutes and then go away and come back about 5 times a day; and the pain goes to my lower back. Is this normal at this gestational age?
Hi Angie,
Crampy pains in the lower abdomen and lower back pain can be common in the early stages of pregnancy as your body adjusts to accommodate your developing baby. However, it's always important to talk to your pregnancy doctor to make sure everything is okay.
If you experience persistent discomfort or if the pain becomes more intense, we recommend that you consult your gynecologist for a personalized evaluation.
We wish you the best in this very special stage!
Hello, I have very intense pain in the center of my back. When I take a breath, it stabbing pains me. I have a 3-year-old daughter who won't sleep alone and only wants to sleep with me, and I feel like my back is cracking. Added to all this is the terrible sciatica pain that makes it hard to move in bed. When I'm sitting or standing and want to start getting up or walking, I get sciatica whiplash. I'm 18 weeks pregnant. I work as a waitress, standing for many hours. What can I do to relieve this pain? Thank you in advance!
Hello Melania,
We're so sorry you're going through so much pain. It's important to talk to your doctor managing your pregnancy so they can assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Sciatica pain and back discomfort can be common during pregnancy, but each case is unique. As for activity, some people find relief from practices like yoga or gentle stretching exercises, as long as they're recommended by a specialist. You might also consider changing positions at night to relieve pressure on your back. Since you work long hours on your feet, taking breaks to stretch and rest may be helpful.
Greetings.