Management

Relieving Back Pain During Pregnancy: Wall Stretch, Body Bend

Choose a preferred language

Before trying these exercises, talk to your healthcare provider to make sure they are safe for you. Ask your healthcare provider how many times to do each exercise.


Wall stretch

This makes the muscles in your upper back stronger and looser:

  1. Lean against a wall with a firm pillow or rolled towel under your shoulder blades. Your feet should be about 12 inches from the wall and shoulder-width apart. Point your chin down.

  2. Breathe in. Push your shoulders, neck, and head against the wall. You will feel a stretch in your shoulders.

  3. Hold for 5 counts. Then breathe out, and relax your shoulders and neck.

    Pregnant woman standing with back to wall doing wall stretch exercise.


Body bend

This makes your back and buttocks muscles stronger:

  1. Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart. Put your hands on your upper thighs and bend your knees slightly.

  2. Slowly bend forward at the hips. Push your hips back and keep your shoulders up. Make sure your back is straight. You’ll feel a stretch in your upper thighs. You’ll also feel your back muscles holding you in position.

  3. Hold for 5 counts, then straighten.

    Pregnant woman standing doing body bend exercise.

Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP

Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Tennille Dozier RN BSN RDMS

Date Last Reviewed: 08/01/2024

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Suitcase Icon

Learn More About Health Services at PIH Health

Expert care for every stage of life. Explore the comprehensive services offered at PIH Health.

Explore Services
Newspaper Icon

Get Health Tips & Updates

Sign up for helpful health information, wellness tips and news from PIH Health, delivered straight to your inbox.

Subscribe
Related Articles
Read article
OB/GYN
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises

The pelvic floor muscles may weaken due to aging, pregnancy and vaginal childbirth, injury, surgery, chronic cough, or lack of exercise. If the pelvic floor is weak, your bladder and other pelvic organs may sag out of place. The urethra may also open too easily and allow urine to leak out. Kegel exercises can help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles so they can better support the pelvic organs and control urine flow.

Read article
OB/GYN
Labor and Childbirth: Your Body Prepares

Learn about the physical changes that often signal that your baby will soon be born.

Read article
OB/GYN
Pregnancy: Your Weight

The weight you gain now is not just extra fat. It is also the weight of your baby. And it is the increased blood and fluids to support the baby.

Read article
OB/GYN
Nutrition During Pregnancy

Not only is eating nutritious food good for you and your baby, it also can ease some of the discomforts of pregnancy. A balanced diet can help minimize symptoms, such as nausea and constipation.

Stethoscope Icon

Personalized Care Starts with the Right Provider

Search by specialty, location, and more.

Find A Doctor
Appointments Icon

Make an Appointment

Your health can't always wait. Schedule an appointment with a PIH Health provider.

Schedule an Appointment
Cross Icon

Find a PIH Health Urgent Care Location

Need care today?. Find the nearest PIH Health Urgent Care location.

Find Urgent Care