5 Stretches For Back Pain During Pregnancy

Lower back pain? hip pain? sciatic pain? if you have been experiencing one or all of these during your pregnancy. Then you know how comfortable and painful it can be. These 5 stretches for back pain during pregnancy can really help since it is not fun having your lower back constantly aching with no relief.

There are some things you can get like the belly support bands that help your back to handle the extra load. However, there is more you always want to do to ease the back pain. These exercises or stretches are wonderful when needing some extra relief! 

Post updated April 1, 2020

In This Article

5 Exercises For Back Pain During Pregnancy

Cat-Cow

Cat cow is fantastic when it comes to lower back pain. It is a great stretch for the spinal cord and muscles. This was a go-to exercise I did during my pregnancy. It is such a simple move but gives the best and deepest stretch.

How to:

Get on all fours on the floor. Make sure your head is in line with your back. Starting in a tabletop position, round your back slightly while pulling in your stomach. Hold for a few seconds or longer. Then slowly relax your stomach muscles and lift your head and tailbone can create a small dip in your back. Hold for a few seconds and then go back to the tabletop position. Repeat these exercises 3-5 times daily to get the best results.

Child’s Pose

A child’s pose elongates the spine which helps to relieve any pressure that is pressing on surrounding nerves. The bigger your tummy gets the more weight and stress is being placed on your body, so it’s nice to take a few minutes a day to stretch it out!

How to: 

Start by getting on all fours and opening your knees wide apart. Sit your butt back and down as low as you can go until you can relax your weight down, allowing your back to round. Stretch your arms all the way out in front of you on the floor. If this feels uncomfortable with your baby belly in the way, you can rest on bent elbows. You should really feel this stretch through your spine and lower back.

Seated Tick Tocks 

Stretching and strengthening both play important roles when it comes to relieving back pain. This exercise is also great for having a baby since it helps your body get back into the routine of getting exercise even when you’re a busy mom. This exercise does both! If it is your lower back or the sides of your back that are causing discomfort this move should provide some immediate relief.

How to: 

Sit in a comfortable seated position with legs crossed. Lean over to one side with your arms extended overhead, you will feel stretching on one side of your back while contracting the other side. Hold that stretch for just a moment while inhaling a deep breath, then exhale the air out as you contract the elongated side, return through the center, and stretch to the other side. Repeat this 3-5 times.

Standing Pelvic Tilt

This exercise might feel awkward at first but it feels great when you’re dealing with lower back pain.

How to:

Stand up straight with your back against a wall, with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Push the small of your back against the wall. Hold for several seconds, and then return to the starting position. Repeat 5-10 times.

Torso rotation

This is an exercise you might have done in gym class in high school. This exercise lengthens and stretches out the spine and any nerves that are causing your back to hurt.

How to:

Sit on the floor with your legs crossed. Hold your right foot with your left hand. Then move your left hand behind you, slowly open your upper body to the right.

Hold for several seconds, then go back to the center and stretch over the same leg, then return to the starting position. Switch hands and repeat on the other side. Repeat 5-8 times. If sitting on the floor is not comfortable, try sitting on a mat or towel.

6 Tips For Getting Rid Of Back Pain During Pregnancy

1. Activate your deep core muscles by gently doing Kegels.
2. Stand and sit tall. Slouching can make back pain worse
3. Try your best to avoid locking your knees. Locking your knees instantly puts added pressure on your lower back
4. Get moving! going on a walk or doing 5-10 minutes of prenatal yoga can help relieve stress and pressure on the areas of your body that are aching.
5. Strengthen your glutes and hamstrings! A lot of back pain is caused by tight or weak muscles in your glutes or hamstrings. Don’t forget to stretch and exercise those muscles!
6. Get a lot of sleep! When you are pregnant getting a good and full night’s sleep is challenging. Because you may not be getting a full night’s rest. Make sure you take some naps during the day. Exhaustion can increase body aches and pains!

Final Thoughts

In the end. Back pain during pregnancy can be very difficult to deal with. I recommend that if you are suffering from extreme back pain even after trying these exercises. I would think about scheduling an appointment with a chiropractor or a massage therapist!

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