Answer to Question #126543 in Biology for John Baptist

Question

Mary is in her last month of pregnancy and suffering from lower back pains. since she is carrying her excess load in front of her, she wonders why her back hurts. what would you tell her?

Answer 1

One of the major causes of back pain in pregnant women is the increased production of the hormone relaxin. The hormone stimulates the relaxation of ligaments in the pelvic area preparing the joints for the birth. However, at the same time, relaxin makes other ligaments (i.e., in the spine) looser causing to their instability associated with pain. On the other hand, the expanding uterus shifts the center of gravity and weakens abdominal and back muscles. Overall, changes in posture, weight gain, hormonal changes, and stress are the major factors causing back pain during pregnancy. a