Third Trimester Back Pain: What's Normal and When to Get Help

By the third trimester, it feels like your body is doing something new every week, and back pain is one of the most common complaints expectant moms bring up in these final weeks. Between the extra weight, the shift in your center of gravity, and ligaments loosening to prepare for delivery, some discomfort is expected. That doesn’t mean you have to just push through it.

Why the Third Trimester Is Especially Hard on Your Back

As your baby grows, your spine curves further to balance the added weight in front, increasing strain on the lower back and pelvis. The hormone relaxin continues loosening the ligaments around your joints, making the pelvis less stable right when it’s carrying the most weight. Add in disrupted sleep and changing posture, and it’s no surprise this stage often brings the most noticeable discomfort.

Signs Your Pain Is Worth Getting Checked

Occasional aches after a long day are common, but pain that affects your ability to walk, sleep, or get through daily tasks deserves attention. Pain radiating into your hip or leg, sharp pain with certain movements, or discomfort that keeps getting worse are all reasons to have things evaluated rather than waiting it out.

“By the third trimester, moms are often just trying to get through the day comfortably. Gentle, pregnancy-safe adjustments can make a real difference in these final weeks, and my goal is simply to help you feel more like yourself again before your baby arrives,” says Creve Coeur chiropractor Dr. David Wipperman.

What Helps in These Final Weeks

Gentle chiropractic adjustments designed for pregnancy can ease strain on the spine and pelvis as your due date approaches. Many patients also find relief with supportive pillows for sleeping, shorter periods of standing, and simple posture adjustments throughout the day.