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Lower backaches are a universal discomfort for
expectant mothers. In addition, the sacroiliac joints,
where the small of the back and the buttocks join, are
another area where pain is common. When you are
pregnant, physiological changes place stress on your
spine, ligaments attached to your spine and pelvis, and
surrounding muscle that give your spine support and
flexibility. Specifically, there are three factors that
contribute to ligament discomfort:
- The expansion of your pelvis and abdomen, and
increased weight.
- The stretching, thinning and weakening of abdominal
muscles.
- The baby’s growth pulling and straining
ligaments connecting the vertebrae.
 During pregnancy, your body releases the hormone
relaxin, which causes stretching of the ligaments
holding the pubic bone and sacroiliac joints together.
This, plus the expansion of your pelvis in preparation
for your baby’s birth, causes your normal gait to change
to a waddle. The side-to-side motion of this new gait
can contribute to pain in your hips and lower back.
Another less common source of low back pain may be
related to your vertebra discs (or pads). If one becomes
wedged between two vertebrae, it can result in the disc
or a spinal nerve being painfully pinched. If you suffer
from a sharp, stabbing backache and coinciding leg
pain, call your doctor.
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