Many women consider motherhood to be one of the greatest joys in life.

The same can’t be said for the pregnancy itself or the toll it can take on a woman’s body. While pregnancy can be described as a gift, women’s bodies can experience a lot of stress and physical changes during the nine months of childbearing. The spine is among the most affected areas of a woman’s body during pregnancy. This is attributed to the weight of your growing baby and changes to your centre of gravity. These changes can place strain on your back and make pregnant women more susceptible to aches and injuries.

Pregnancy is a life-altering experience. Not only do you need to prepare mentally for all the changes, but your body also naturally changes to accommodate the growing baby inside you and to help prepare you for the labour itself. This includes the ligaments becoming softer and more stretched, which can also place strain and pressure on your joints, lower back and pelvis.

Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women typically experience pain in the lower spine, the low back, sacrum and pelvic regions. This is due to the added weight being carried in front of the expected mother. The growing belly and added weight shifts the expected mother’s centre of gravity, which may put excess strain on the lower back and can lead to a more pronounced lordotic curve, or the inward curve of the spine. The more weight being carried in the front of the body, the further spine extends backwards to help you maintain your balance.

The prolonged hyperextension of any part of your body, including the spine, may contribute to back pain and problems.

During pregnancy, women may also experience pain or discomfort in the:

  • Sacroiliac Joint
  • Coccyx
  • Groin
  • Pubic symphysis anteriorly

Other Changes Women Experience During Pregnancy

During the nine months of pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes various changes and transformations. Some of these may be well known and common such as morning sickness and backaches, there are also the changes you can see such as a growing belly. There are also the changes you don’t can’t see like the softening of ligaments or changes to body temperature.

Common changes to women during pregnancy include:

  • Morning sickness
  • Skin changes
  • Hair and nails
  • Fuller breasts
  • Belly button
  • Body temperature
  • Swelling in the feet and ankles
  • Bleeding gums

Addressing Back Pain During Pregnancy

If you are pregnant and currently experiencing pubic bone pain, back pain or tension in the front of your lower belly, you may wish to consider chiropractic care. A chiropractor may be able to assist you with your pregnancy concerns or discomfort, as well as assist pregnant women with stretches and exercises.

Other treatments for pregnancy-related back pain can involve lifestyle modifications such as:

  • Back and core strengthening exercises
  • Sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs and under your pelvis
  • Avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects
  • Reduce your stride length
  • Maintain a healthy diet to keep a healthy weight
  • Avoid lying on your back for long periods

Chiropractic care may also help improve a pregnant woman’s balance, improve their alignment, reduce pain or discomfort and address motion issues. So look out for trusted pregnancy chiropractor fitchburg wi help to get started.