PEAK WEEK
Week 38 • Third Trimester
Back Pain at Week 38
Lower back aching and discomfort
📆 Third Trimester Overview
Very common - 50-70% experience it, worsens with size
🔍 What Causes Back Pain at Week 38?
- •Growing uterus shifting center of gravity
- •Additional weight strain on spine
- •Hormone relaxin loosening ligaments
- •Postural changes
- •Weakened abdominal muscles
- •Stress and tension
✓ Normal Signs
- ✓Dull, aching pain
- ✓Worse after standing/sitting long
- ✓Improves with rest
- ✓Both sides affected
⚠ Concerning Signs
- ⚠Severe, constant pain
- ⚠Fever with back pain
- ⚠Vaginal bleeding
- ⚠Numbness in legs
- ⚠Pain with urination
💊 Relief Strategies
- ✓Practice good posture
- ✓Wear pregnancy support belt
- ✓Low-heeled, supportive shoes
- ✓Sleep with pillow between knees
- ✓Prenatal yoga and stretching
- ✓Swimming for low-impact exercise
- ✓Apply heat or cold packs
- ✓Prenatal massage
- ✓Avoid heavy lifting
🏥 When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Severe pain that doesn't improve
- ⚠Numbness or weakness in legs
- ⚠Back pain with vaginal bleeding
- ⚠Fever with back pain
- ⚠Rhythmic back pain (contractions)