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Top parenting stories this week
Lower Back Pain after Baby
Here's why your back may hurt after delivery and how to get some relief
by: Nancy Ripton
In This Article
Lower Back Pain
- Increased relaxin is the number one cause of lower back pain after giving birth.
- Epidural and spinal anesthesia have no effect on post-partum lower back pain.
- How you sit is one of the most important factors in eliminating the pain.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatories that can help ease your discomfort.
f you suffer from lower back pain after giving birth, you’re not alone. Almost 50 percent of women will suffer from lower back pain in the first few months after having a baby. Here’s why:
Increased hormones can lead to lower back pain
During pregnancy, the body releases relaxin, a hormone that relaxes the joints and ligaments in your pelvis to make it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal. Unfortunately, this instability also increases the risk of inflammation and joint misalignment, which can lead to lower back pain.
Relaxin levels remain elevated for three to four months after you deliver. Once they return to normal, most pregnancy-related lower back problems should subside.
