Back Pain and Sciatica in Pregnancy

Most people have some back pain during pregnancy. It often starts in the second half of pregnancy. The pain may come and go. It might last a few days or a week, then get better.

Back pain that starts during pregnancy is usually mild, but for some people, it can hurt a lot.

What You May Notice

During pregnancy you may feel:

• Back pain
• Rib pain
• Groin pain, cramps, or pressure
• Sciatica, which is common. You may feel a pain that starts in the buttocks and runs down your leg.

What Causes Back Pain?

Pregnancy hormones make your joints and hips looser. As your belly grows, your posture changes. This puts more curve in your spine. Your muscles stretch to adjust, which can cause back pain.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is pain that travels from your lower back or hip down one leg. It happens when a nerve in your lower back gets pressed or irritated. The pain may feel sharp, burning, tingling, or like an electric shock. You can have numbness or weakness down one leg.

During pregnancy, sciatica can happen because your growing belly and loose joints put pressure on the nerve.

What You Can Do for Back Pain and Sciatica

• Sleep with pillows for support. Try one under your belly, under your head, between your knees, and behind your back.
• Use a belly band (pregnancy support belt).
• Try stretching:
  • The Miles Circuit stretches (PDF)
  • Pelvic and back stretches (video)
  • BMC physical therapy videos
• Protect your back when you bend, sit, and lie down.
• Get a massage from a professional or a support person.
• Get in a warm bath or shower.
• Take Tylenol if needed for pain.
• Ask about physical therapy and acupuncture.

Learn More about Physical Exercise during Pregnancy

Learn How to Strengthen Your Lower Back and Pelvic Floor

What to Avoid

• Do not stand or sit in one position for a long time. Change positions often.
• If you sit at work, put your feet on a small stool or box. This helps tilt your hips and take pressure off your lower back.
• Avoid bending to the side or twisting your body.
• When lifting something heavy, keep your back straight. Use your legs to lift, not your back.
• Try to gain a healthy amount of weight during your pregnancy.

When to Get Help

Back pain can sometimes mean labor is starting—or a serious problem, like a kidney stone or infection. Call your health care provider if:

• You are less than 37 weeks pregnant and have back pain with belly tightening or cramps every 10 minutes or less for one hour, even after rest and water.
• You are 37 weeks pregnant or more, and have back pain with belly tightening or cramps every 3–5 minutes for one hour.
• Your back pain is severe and does not improve with heat, Tylenol, rest, or movement.
• You have sudden, very strong pain.
• You have back pain with a fever, nausea, or blood in your urine.