pregnant woman with a backacheAlmost every woman gets backaches at some time or another during their pregnancy. It’s more common to have a mild backache than severe problems, but some women get more severe backaches after too much exercise, bending, lifting, or standing. Some may need to be careful when getting out of bed or standing up after sitting.

When your uterus grows during pregnancy, it causes your center of gravity to move forward. This affects the joints around your pelvis and makes all of your joints looser. An increase in hormones may also cause your backaches.

So what can you do to reduce your pain? Here are some tips:

  • Be careful with your diet (so you don’t gain too much pregnancy weight)
  • Keep exercising, within your doctor’s guidelines
  • Lie on your side when you sleep
  • Get off your feet and lie down on your side for about 30 minutes at some point during the day
  • If you already have children, take a nap when they take theirs
  • Take acetaminophen (brand name is Tylenol)- it’s safe to take during pregnancy
  • Use a heat on the area that’s causing you pain

If your back pain is non-stop or becomes more severe, make sure to tell your healthcare provider.