Low back pain in pregnancy is aching or stiffness in the lower back that starts or gets worse while you are pregnant. It is one of the most common complaints of pregnancy and tends to increase in the later months. Staying active, simple changes to daily habits and, for some women, hands-on care and guided exercise can help.
Also known as pregnancy back pain, backache in pregnancy, lumbar pain in pregnancy
Symptoms
- Aching or stiffness across the lower back
- Pain that builds through the day or after standing for long periods
- Discomfort when bending, lifting or getting up from a chair
- Pain that can spread into the buttocks
- Difficulty getting comfortable in bed
Causes and risk factors
- Softening ligaments that place extra strain on the back and pelvic joints
- The growing bump changing how you carry and move your body
- A history of back pain before or in an earlier pregnancy
- Higher body weight
- Lifting, long periods of standing or physically demanding work
What the evidence says helps
- A Cochrane review found that exercise alongside usual antenatal care may reduce back pain and help with daily function in pregnancy, although the evidence is low quality.2
- A review of 32 studies found that exercising during pregnancy did not stop back pain from starting, but women who exercised tended to report less severe pain.3
- A systematic review suggests osteopathic treatment may reduce pain and improve function for low back pain in pregnancy, but larger, high-quality trials are still needed.4
- NHS advice includes gentle exercise such as pregnancy yoga or aquanatal classes, a warm bath or massage, good support when sitting, and paracetamol unless your midwife or GP advises otherwise.5
- If pain is severe, NHS advice is to ask your midwife or GP about referral to an obstetric physiotherapist.5
Things you can try at home
- Bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting, and avoid heavy loads
- Move your feet to turn rather than twisting your spine
- Wear flat, supportive shoes and spread shopping evenly between both hands
- Sit with your back supported and take regular movement breaks
- Try gentle exercise such as walking, swimming or a pregnancy exercise class
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Back pain in the second or third trimester that comes and goes or feels like tightenings may be early labour: contact your midwife or maternity unit
- Back pain with fever, vaginal bleeding or pain when you pee: contact your GP or midwife urgently
- Pain under the ribs on one or both sides, especially with severe headache or vision changes: call your maternity unit straight away (or NHS 111)
- Your baby moving less than usual: call your midwife or maternity unit immediately
- Loss of feeling in one or both legs, your bottom or genitals: call 999 or go to A&E
How Apollo can help
We start with a thorough assessment to check what is driving your pain and to make sure nothing needs your midwife or GP's attention. Our osteopaths may use gentle hands-on techniques suited to pregnancy, alongside advice on posture, sleep and daily tasks, and a simple exercise plan. Pregnancy massage with Hannah and clinically informed Reformer Pilates with Beverley can be part of staying active through pregnancy.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Is back pain in pregnancy normal?
Back pain is very common in pregnancy, especially in the later months, and is usually linked to normal body changes. Common does not mean you have to put up with it, so ask for help if it is affecting your daily life.
When should I worry about back pain in pregnancy?
Contact your midwife or maternity unit if back pain comes with tightenings, bleeding, fever, pain when peeing or pain under the ribs. Call 999 if you lose feeling in your legs, bottom or genitals.
Which painkillers can I take for back pain in pregnancy?
NHS advice is that paracetamol can usually be taken in pregnancy, following the packet instructions, unless your GP or midwife advises otherwise. Always check with your pharmacist, midwife or GP before taking any other painkiller.
References
- Salari N, et al. (2023). The global prevalence of low back pain in pregnancy: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. View source
- Liddle SD, Pennick V (2015). Interventions for preventing and treating low-back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. View source
- Davenport MH, et al. (2018). Exercise for the prevention and treatment of low back, pelvic girdle and lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. View source
- Franke H, et al. (2017). Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back and pelvic girdle pain during and after pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. View source
- NHS (n.d.). Back pain in pregnancy. NHS website. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
