Back Pain After Pregnancy

Persistent or newly developed pain in the lower back after pregnancy, also known as postpartum back pain, usually lasts for 6 months but may continue up to a decade.1,2 Postpartum back pain mostly occurs while performing activities that involve body movements,3 such as walking, lifting, bending, and/or carrying the new baby, and may be relieved with rest, exercise, and home treatments. The type and severity of pain depend on the underlying cause. This page discusses the various causes and types of postpartum back pain and when medical attention may be warranted.

Causes of Postpartum Back Pain

The vast majority of women who experience postpartum back pain develop the symptoms due to pregnancy-related changes in the musculoskeletal system that persist after delivery. In some cases, women may undergo bodily trauma during childbirth that directly involves the lower back and pelvic bones, joints, and/or soft tissues, causing additional pain and discomfort. The type of delivery—vaginal, instrumental, or cesarean section (C-section) may also have a role to play in postpartum back pain.

Loss of muscle tone and joint instability

The effects of pregnancy on the muscles and joints in the lower body vary. A surge in the levels of relaxin, estrogen, and progesterone hormones causes considerable joint relaxation during pregnancy. After delivery, the levels of these hormones decline significantly, causing the joints to return to the pre-pregnant state. It takes an average of 6 to 8 weeks for the joints and surrounding tissues to stabilize and bear weight effectively

The sudden decrease in hormone levels may cause localized and/or overall effects, such as

• A general feeling of tiredness
• Activity intolerance
• Pain in the lower back and hip
• Back pain while walking or performing an exercise

If unsupported posture and body mechanics are used at this time, the risk of further trauma to the lower back and hip are higher

Back pain in pregnancy

It is very common to get backache or back pain during pregnancy, especially in the early stages.

During pregnancy, the ligaments in your body naturally become softer and stretch to prepare you for labour. This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis, which can cause back pain.

Avoiding and easing back pain in pregnancy

Try these tips:

• bend your knees and keep your back straight when you lift or pick something up from the floor
• avoid lifting heavy objects
• move your feet when you turn to avoid twisting your spine
• wear flat shoes to evenly distribute your weight
• try to balance the weight between 2 bags when carrying shopping
• keep your back straight and well supported when sitting – look for maternity support pillows
• get enough rest, particularly later in pregnancy
• have a massage or a warm bath
• use a mattress that supports you properly – you can put a piece of hardboard under a soft mattress to make it firmer, if necessary
• go to a group or individual back care class

You can take paracetamol to ease back pain while you are pregnant, unless your GP or midwife says not to. Always follow the instructions on the packet.