Answer:
One of the reasons why pregnant women often suffer from back strain late in their pregnancy is due to the increasing weight of the baby and the shifting center of gravity. As the baby grows, the uterus expands and puts pressure on the spine and surrounding muscles. This additional weight and pressure can cause the back muscles to become strained and the spine to become misaligned.
In addition, the hormone relaxin, which is released during pregnancy to help loosen the ligaments in the pelvis to prepare for childbirth, can also affect other joints and ligaments in the body, including those in the back. This can cause the back to become more flexible, but also less stable, which can lead to back strain.
Moreover, as the pregnancy progresses, the abdominal muscles stretch and weaken, which can cause the lower back muscles to compensate and become overworked, leading to back strain and pain.
Therefore, pregnant women should take care to maintain proper posture, engage in regular exercise approved by their healthcare provider, use supportive shoes and pillows, and consider seeking physical therapy or massage therapy to alleviate back strain and pain.