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.
user headset icon

Need Help? We're Here for You

Our Member Services team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.

1-800-510-9132
quit smoking icon

Call NC Quitline

Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:

1-800-784-8669
car and bus icon

Schedule Transportation

Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.

1-800-510-9132
Stethoscope icon

Provider Directory

Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist? 

Provider Directory
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
COVID-19: Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Postpartum

Researchers are still learning more about how COVID-19 affects pregnant women and their babies. Here is information to help you work with your health care team.