When you're pregnant, your body goes through a lot of changes. The feeling of a new life growing inside your body can be beautiful and soulful, but the process can also bring along a lot of aches and pains. If you're having lower back pain in particular, here are some tips and strategies to help you feel a bit better.

Schedule a Prenatal Massage

To prepare for birth, your ligaments actually become a bit more flexible when you are pregnant. Additionally, your muscles may feel extra strains as they struggle to support your growing baby. Massage can help with both these issues, but you need to ensure that you work with a massage therapist who has experience working with pregnant women. Your body has a lot of pressure points, and some can stimulate early labour if you work with someone who is inexperienced.

See a Chiropractor

You may also want to see a chiropractor. Many chiropractors even have massage therapists on staff so that you can have both a massage and a spinal adjustment. Adjustments help to put your spine into alignment. Once your spine is aligned, the baby is no longer cramped due to the odd placement of your spinal bones. Then, the baby can move a bit more freely. Some people even turn to chiropractors for help with fertility issues as well as for back pain during and after pregnancy.

Keep Moving

Your body needs to move, and staying in the same position for too long can increase your back pain. If you have to stand for work, try to request a stool and rotate standing with sitting or even just walk around at regular intervals. In contrast, if you sit for work, walk around a bit every once in a while, or try to arrange a standing desk.

Wear the Right Shoes

While moving, make sure that you're comfortable. In particular, wear the right shoes. Heels can lead to lower back pain. Ideally, you want a shoe that allows your feet to spread out comfortably in a way that supports the rest of your body.

Learn About Optimal Birthing Positions

Consider talking with your chiropractor or someone else who's knowledgeable about the intersection between backs and births, and learn more about birthing positions that are optimal for reducing back pain. If you're having lower back pain during labour, for example, you may want to get on your hands in knees. That allows the baby to move more toward the front of your body (think about your belly as a sling or a hammock) and away from pressing on your lower spine.