Although many will state that pregnancy is one of the more beautiful events in life, it isn't without its challenges. For a number of reasons, many women will experience pregnancy back pain. As an area of women's health that's difficult to manage, it can occur at any stage of your pregnancy. Understanding more about the causes and how to tackle it should make your life easier. 

Sacroiliac joint pain

From week 10 of pregnancy, your body begins releasing hormones that prepare you for birth. Unfortunately, those same hormones cause your connective tissues to loosen. In some women, this will result in pain as the surrounding muscles struggle to support the weight of the pelvis and baby. Although you may feel sacroiliac joint aches at the extreme end of your lower abdomen, it can occur in the back as well. For many women, physiotherapy and a supportive belt are sufficient and the pain will resolve after birth. For some, it continues, resulting in ongoing treatments.

Poor posturing

Few people can successfully claim that they adopt a good posture throughout the way. While your pregnant, your growing bump will lead to your centre of gravity shifting. If you're prone to poor posture, this results in pregnancy back pain. Alongside bad posture, spending excessive amounts of time sitting or standing will strain the muscles that support your back and abdomen. To overcome this, try using lumbar support devices while you're sitting. Additionally, check to make sure you're not slouching while standing. If the pain continues, you should consult a women's health professional for guidance.

Stress and anxiety

Both pregnant and non-pregnant individuals develop back pain during periods of stress and anxiety. During pregnancy, changes in your hormones and worries about your impending arrival can heighten your stress levels. In addition to heightening your awareness of pain, you may tense your muscles while you feel unable to relax. Try offsetting your stress with pregnancy-friendly yoga, counselling or talking to a medical professional. At a physical level, you can try using a sleep pillow to support your muscles in bed. Doing so means they benefit from some respite, which should lessen your aches during the day.

If you find that your pregnancy back pain won't shift or it's increasing, talk to a women's health professional. Always exercise caution when using painkillers, especially if your obstetrician or midwife hasn't confirmed that they're safe to use. Overall, a combination of self-help and expert guidance will go a long way towards alleviating your pains.