Back pain in pregnant women is a frequent problem. As many as three quarters of expectant mothers experience back pain during some phase of their pregnancy. So, why does your low back hurt during pregnancy?

Having a backache while pregnant is the most common problem that pregnant women have, especially in the later months, and there are many causes, however there are things that you can do to lessen the pain so that you will be more comfortable.

here are two common types of low back pain in pregnancy, lumbar pain and posterior pelvic pain.

Lumbar pain is similar to the kind of back pain you may have experienced before you became pregnant. Lumbar discomfort is felt in the lower spine, at the level of, or slightly higher than, your waist. It can also result in pain that radiates to your legs.

Lumbar discomfort can be triggered by sitting or standing for extended periods of time or by repetitive lifting.

Posterior pelvic pain is low back ache that is experienced behind the pelvis, below the waist, and/or across the tailbone or sacrum. It can also be felt in the buttocks, on one or both sides, or in the back of the thighs. You may also have pubic pain. Posterior pelvic pain occurs four times more frequently than lumbar pain during pregnancy.

Sleep on a firm mattress. If your bed is too soft, have someone put a board between the mattress and box springs to make it firm.Sleep on your side rather than your back. Tuck a pillow between your legs.Buy an abdominal support garment. It looks like a girdle and helps take the weight of your belly off your back muscles.Avoid lifting heavy objects. Heavy lifting puts even more strain on your back.Don't bend at the waist to pick something up, instead, squat down, bend your knees, and keep your back straight.Try to stay off your feet as much as possible. If you have to stand for a long time, rest one foot on a stool or a box to take the strain off your back.Sit in chairs with good back support, or tuck a small pillow behind your lower back.

Your risk of low back pain during pregnancy increases if you have had back aches before becoming pregnant or during a previous pregnancy. You also have an increased risk of prenatal back pain if you are carrying twins or are overweight.

In order to maintain a healthy back during pregnancy, it is essential to engage in a regular exercise regimen. Exercise is essential for controlling and avoiding back pain. When your muscles are weak and inflexible, you are more likely to hurt. Regular exercise will stretch and strengthen your muscles and ligaments to better support your spine and prevent pregnancy back ache from occurring.

Wear low-heeled shoes with good arch support. High heels tilt your body forward and strain your lower back muscles.Keep things in reaching distance. Put things that you use a lot in close reach. This way you don't have to bend or stretch.Apply a heating pad, and use the lowest setting, warm water bottle, or cold compress to ease the pain. Make sure and wrap it up in a towel to avoid burning yourself.By following these simple suggestions, you will find that your backache while pregnant will be less painful, and you will be able to rest and get through your day more comfortably.