Back pain is very common in pregnant women.  The exact reason why this happens is not known and this is why it is quite difficult to treat.  Pain that begins during a pregnancy or a few weeks after the birth is called prepartum pelvic pain.  The medical experts do know the exact positions of the pain.  It is felt in the upper legs and pelvic area, pubic symphysis anteriorly, coccyx, groin region and posterior iliac spine.  This is very uncomfortable for many women and the good news is that it does disappear.  This pain is not long term.  The third trimester is when half of all pregnant women are plagued with back pain. 

If the pain falls under disc herniation it can be acute.  But fortunately, this is rare during pregnancy.  Some research has been done to see if smoking affects the rate of back pain in pregnant women.  There has been no noticeable increase in smokers.  Something that has been evident is that older women experience less back pain than younger women.  Ten percent of pregnant women are extremely disabled by back pain.  A third of all pregnant women are limited by the pain they feel. 

There is some belief that the insertion areas of ligaments to bone can be altered by pregnancy hormones.  An expectant mother is carrying a lot more hormones and is more at risk to pain of the ligaments while pregnant.  Women who experience higher levels of pain during menstruation are believed to have higher levels of serum relaxing. If you need to take something to relieve the pain then ask your doctor about Acetaminophen (Tylenol) because it can be taken during pregnancy.  Other pain killers cannot be used.  Even if you are thinking of using Acetaminophen you must check with a health professional.  The reason is because your requirements are unique.  

During pregnancy it is important to exercise common sense.  To ease or avoid back pain make an effort to sleep on your side.  Place a pillow between your bent knees.  It will also help to have a pillow underneath your abdomen.  There is a full length body pillow on the market that has proved a help to many women.  Sleeping on your back is not recommended during a pregnancy. 

When you walk, sit and stand, do so with some care.  Do not cross your legs and use a chair with a sturdy back support.  Do not stand for a long time and when sitting change your position as much as you can.  Back pain can be caused because your centre of gravity changes.  It does shift forward as the baby grows.  Because you do not want to fall forward you use your lower back muscles to keep upright.  This is often the cause of back pain. 

The kind of shoes you wear is important.  Do not wear high heels.  You need a shoe with low heels and good support.  If you wear a special maternity pants that has a support belt, this will help to keep back pain away.  Pelvic exercises are not difficult or excessive and are really exercising the muscles.  These will help to strengthen your pelvic area and you will have less chance of being plagued by back pain.