Back problems in pregnancy

Back problems are a common problem that is faced by many pregnant women. The reason for this is quite simple. Since you are carrying an abnormal amount of weight during the latter stages of pregnancy you are likely to develop back problems. Usually a back rub or a massage and some rest will cure the ailment. Back aches can also be caused due to muscle pulls and sudden movements. Since your body is not used to the heavy burden you are likely to pull a muscle. Gas pockets in the back can also cause some discomfort during the pregnancy period.

1. Weight gain is one possible cuplrit of back pain given that the mother's center of gravity shifts during her pregnancy. When she leans back slightly to compensate for all of the extra weight in front, it puts more strain on her lower back muscles. This causes her back muscles to have to work harder as she leans back to compensate for the extra weight.
2. The two joints between her pelvis and sacrum, (known as the sacroiliac joints), also stretch as the mother's pelvis expands for the growing baby. The stretch and pulling of these joints is a common cause of back pain during pregnancy.
3. Some babies may favor a posterior (or face up) position in the pelvis, which puts more weight and pressure on her back, causing back pain. If the baby's head hits the sciatic nerve, she can also have shooting pain across her back and down her legs.
4. A posterior baby is likely to cause back pain during labor, which is known as "back labor". Some women who have back labor can experience back pain in between contractions as well as during contractions.