Back pain and hip pain in pregnancy: what helps and when to call

Backache is very common in pregnancy, and for some people it turns into hip or pelvic pain that makes everyday movement hard. Here’s what causes it, what can help, and when to get it checked.

Why does my back hurt?

The NHS says backache is very common, especially early in pregnancy. Your ligaments soften and stretch to get your body ready for labour, which can put strain on your lower back and the joints in your pelvis.

What can help

The NHS suggests:

bending your knees and keeping your back straight when you lift something from the floor, and avoiding heavy lifting
moving your feet when you turn, rather than twisting your spine
wearing flat shoes and splitting shopping weight evenly between two bags
sitting with your back straight and well supported, and using a pillow to support your bump in bed
resting more, especially later in pregnancy
a warm bath or a massage
a supportive mattress. A piece of hardboard under a soft mattress can firm it up.
a back care class, or gentle exercise such as pregnancy yoga or aquanatal (water) classes

The NHS also says paracetamol can ease pain unless your GP or midwife has told you not to take it. Follow the instructions on the packet and ask a pharmacist if you’re unsure. See staying fit and healthy in pregnancy for gentle ways to stay active.

Hip and pelvic pain

Pelvic pain in pregnancy is also called pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). The NHS says it isn’t harmful to your baby, but it can be painful and make it hard to get around. You might feel it over the front of your pubic bone, across one or both sides of your lower back, between your legs, or spreading to your thighs. It is often worse when you walk, climb stairs, stand on one leg, turn over in bed or move your legs apart.

The NHS suggests staying active without doing things that make the pain worse, resting when you need to, wearing supportive shoes, sitting down to get dressed, putting a pillow between your legs in bed, and avoiding long spells of sitting or standing, lots of stairs and heavy lifting.

If it’s hard to move around, or it hurts to get out of a car, turn over in bed or climb stairs, tell your midwife or GP. You may be referred to a physiotherapy service that specialises in pelvic joint problems. Treatment can include exercises and equipment such as crutches or a pelvic support belt. The NHS says getting diagnosed early can help keep pain to a minimum. Many people with PGP can have a vaginal birth, and it’s worth putting it in your birth plan.

When to get help

Contact your GP or midwife urgently if you have back pain and:

a fever, vaginal bleeding or pain when you pee
pain under your ribs on one or both sides

In your second or third trimester, back pain can also be a sign of early labour, so contact them urgently if you’re worried it might be. See signs of labour and Braxton Hicks.

If the pain is severe, speak to your GP or midwife. They may refer you to a physiotherapist.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you lose feeling in one or both legs, your bottom or your genitals.

Questions people ask

Should I wear a pregnancy support belt?

The NHS says treatment for pelvic girdle pain can include equipment such as crutches or a pelvic support belt, from a physiotherapy service. Ask your midwife or GP for a referral rather than buying one without advice.

Will my back pain go away after birth?

The NHS says pelvic girdle problems tend not to get completely better until the baby is born, although treatment can improve symptoms in the meantime.

Can I take ibuprofen for back pain?

The NHS suggests paracetamol first, unless your GP or midwife has said not to. Ask a pharmacist, midwife or GP before taking any other painkiller.