Best Exercises for Pregnancy Back Pain

Can you prevent pregnancy back pain is a question I hear all the time. The answer is yes! I know how debilitating, frustrating and life-changing back pain can be when pregnant. And I want to show you the best exercises for pregnancy back pain.

You have enough on your mind with work, planning for baby's arrival, dealing with other body changes, nausea, attending appointments and so much more. Back pain is one ailment you will want to avoid.

Or if you do suffer from it, rehab it properly so you can get back to functioning how you want to in your everyday activities.

Pregnancy Back Pain

1. Backward stretch Using a Chair for Pregnancy Back Pain

1. To stretch your back, pelvis and thighs, try the backward stretch.
2. Start on your hands and knees, keeping your arms straight and your hands directly beneath your shoulders.
3. Curl backward toward your heels as far as is comfortable for your knees.
4. Tuck your head toward your knees and keep your arms extended.
5. Hold for several seconds, and then return to the starting position.
6. Gradually work up to 10 repetitions

2. Lower Back Twist for Pregnancy

1. In a seated position, twist to one side until you feel a gentle stretch.
2. Then repeat by turning to the other side.

3. Seated Leg Cross-Over Stretch

1. While sitting on your backside, place you right foot on top of your left knee.
2. Repeat on the other side.
3. You should feel a gentle stretch in your glutes which play an big role in back pain if they are tight.

4. Seated Side Stretch for Lower Back Pain

Sitting down with legs crossed; raise your arm and stretch across as shown in the photo below.

Can I Reduce Back Pain when Pregnant?

You can definitely reduce back pain or sustaining a back injury. Participating in an appropriate pregnancy workout and using the correct lifting technique will help. As your body changes each week of your pregnancy, so must your workouts adapt to your growing belly.

It is common to experience some back pain as your belly grows. In fact, most pregnant women experience back pain, usually starting in the second half of pregnancy.

Your body changes all the time with each trimester.

But there are some steps you can take to stop it from becoming a debilitating injury.

Pilates Exercises for Back Pain when Pregnant

Causes of Back Pain when Pregnant

1. Sitting for long periods.

2. Standing for long periods.

3. Poor posture.

4. Poor technique when lifting.

5. Lack of exercise.

6. Being overweight or obese.

7. Being stressed or anxious.

8. Bad work practices.

9. Carrying, pushing or pulling loads that are too heavy.

10. Your gym workout is not designed for a pregnant woman.

Causes of Pregnancy Back Pain

Here are some of the more likely causes:

1. Muscle separation

As the uterus expands, the rectal abdominis muscles, may separate along the center seam. This separation may worsen back pain.

2. Increased Weight gain

During a healthy pregnancy, most women will generally gain between 25 and 35 pounds. As you gain weight, your spine has to support that weight. That can cause lower back pain.

The weight of the growing baby and uterus also puts pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back.

3. Posture changes

Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity. As a result, you may gradually start to adjust your posture and the way you move.

4. Hormone changes

When pregnant, your body makes a hormone called relaxin. Relaxin allows ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process.

The same hormone can cause ligaments that support the spine to loosen, leading to instability and pain.

5. Stress

Emotional stress can cause muscle tension in the back, which may be felt as back pain or back spasms. This is why you may find that you experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy.

6. Sciatica

Common Back Injuries

1. Disc problems

2. Structural problems

3. Soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains

4. Fracture

5. Postural stress

6. Sciatica (nerve irritation)

7. Disease

Pregnancy can be hard enough on your body.

The last thing you want is back pain. My guided weekly exercise workouts, including Pilates and yoga classes, will help strengthen your back and core to prevent back pain - Start with a FREE Trial

When You Have Back Pain During Pregnancy You Cannot:

1. Exercise properly.

2. Lift your child (if you already have a child).

3. Carry heavy bags.

4. Perform required household chores.

5. Function at work.

6. Sit for long periods of time.

7. Sleep properly (when you do get the opportunity to sleep!).

Treatments for Pregnancy Back Pain

There are a number of treatments for back pain. Some you can do yourself. In the more serious cases, you will need to seek professional medical help.

1. Appropriate Prenatal Exercises for the Back

Whether you're pregnant or not, regular exercise strengthens muscles and boosts flexibility. That can ease the stress on your spine.

I have listed the safe pregnancy exercises you can do. But for now, these four basic activities will help get you started. They are yoga, walking, swimming, and stationary cycling. Check out YouTube Pregnancy Yoga Workouts

2. Heat and Cold

Some women find that applying heat and cold to their back may help. If your doctor approves, start by putting cold compresses on the painful area for up to 20 minutes several times a day.

After several days, switch to heat by placing a heating pad on the painful area. Make sure you do not apply heat to your abdomen during pregnancy.

3. Improve your posture

I have an entire dedicated section in my online program to showing you how to, and how not to, pick up items. You see, slouching and using poor lifting technique strains your spine. So using proper posture when working, sitting, or sleeping is a good move.

4. Acupuncture for Pregnancy Back Pain

Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in relieving low back pain during pregnancy. Check with your health care provider if you're interested and only see a practitioner who is qualified for pregnant women.

5. See Your Doctor

If your back pain continues, book in an appointment to see your doctor. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking pain medications. You should call your doctor right away if you experience severe pain, increasingly severe pain, pain that begins abruptly or rhythmic cramping pains.

How to Prevent Lower Back Pain while Pregnant

1. Avoid standing on concrete or hard surfaces for long periods of time.

2. Sit in a supportive chair, do not slouch.

3. Stand with correct posture.

4. Sit with correct posture to prevent back pain during pregnancy.

5. Avoid bending or reaching and twisting at the same time.

6. Avoid reaching when lifting an object and keep load close to your body.

7. Position your computer screen at eye level.

8. Avoid using a laptop while sitting on the couch.

9. Use a wide stance when lifting.

10. Distribute the load to avoid carrying one big load.

Start here and Gain Trust in Your Body!

PregActive for Pregnancy is my medically endorsed online prenatal exercise program. I will help will help you strengthen your pelvic floor, core, and prepare for birth. I want you to enjoy control and confidence in how your body looks, works, and feels throughout your pregnancy.

You deserve better and you can have it with The PregActive Method - the medically endorsed week by week online pregnancy exercise and health program for mamas just like you.

Pregnancy can be hard enough on your body. The last thing you want is back pain. My guided weekly exercise workouts, including Pilates and yoga classes, will help strengthen your back and core to prevent back pain - Start with a FREE Trial