Nearly Half of Women Experience Ongoing Back and Pelvic Pain After Childbirth: New Research Reveals Key Risk Factors

Written by Dr Julian Simpson — Chiropractor with 15+ years of experience, Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation, and author/reviewer of 800+ health articles.

Nearly Half of Women Experience Ongoing Back and Pelvic Pain After Childbirth: New Research Reveals Key Risk Factors

Postpartum Back Pain: Why Some Women Recover, and Others Continue to Struggle

For many women, pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain improves after giving birth. However, new research suggests that a significant number of mothers continue to experience pain months after delivery.

A 2026 prospective cohort study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that 48% of women who experienced low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy still had symptoms four months after giving birth.

At Healthwise Chiropractic, we regularly help women from Sunbury, Melton, Diggers Rest, Gisborne, and surrounding communities manage pregnancy-related and postpartum musculoskeletal pain. Understanding the factors that contribute to ongoing pain can help women make informed decisions about recovery and rehabilitation after childbirth.

What Did the Research Find?

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Key Statistics From The Study

The researchers found:

• 48% of women still experienced low back or pelvic pain four months after giving birth

• Women who delivered by caesarean section were more than three times more likely to experience persistent pain

• First-time mothers were 2.4 times more likely to have ongoing pain

• Women with no history of athletic activity before pregnancy were twice as likely to develop persistent postpartum pain

• Increasing maternal age was also associated with a higher risk of ongoing symptoms

These findings highlight that postpartum recovery is influenced by much more than muscle strength alone.

Caesarean Delivery Was The Strongest Risk Factor

One of the most significant findings was the relationship between caesarean birth and ongoing pain.

Women who delivered via caesarean section had a 3.39 times greater likelihood of experiencing persistent low back and pelvic pain compared with women who had vaginal births.

Researchers suggested several possible reasons:

• Surgical disruption of abdominal tissues

• Delayed recovery of core muscle function

• Reduced early mobility

• Altered movement patterns during healing

• Changes in trunk muscle recruitment

This doesn't mean women should avoid caesarean delivery when medically necessary. However, it does highlight the importance of appropriate postpartum rehabilitation and recovery strategies.

Why First-Time Mothers May Be More Vulnerable

The study also found that first-time mothers were significantly more likely to experience ongoing pain.

Researchers believe this may occur because:

• Pelvic support structures have not previously been adapted to pregnancy

• The body is experiencing childbirth-related biomechanical changes for the first time

• New childcare demands place unfamiliar physical stresses on the body

• Sleep deprivation and recovery challenges may impact healing

For many new mothers, feeding, carrying and settling a baby can place substantial strain on the neck, shoulders, lower back and pelvis.

Physical Activity Before Pregnancy Matters

Perhaps the most encouraging finding was that physical activity appears to be a modifiable risk factor.

Women who did not participate in athletic activity before pregnancy were approximately twice as likely to develop persistent postpartum pain.

The researchers suggested that regular exercise may help by improving:

• Core stability

• Muscle strength

• Balance

• Body awareness

• Movement control

• Pelvic stability

This reinforces what we know from previous research: maintaining physical activity before and during pregnancy can provide significant musculoskeletal benefits.

It's Not Just About Core Strength

Interestingly, the researchers found that trunk muscle mass itself was not associated with pain persistence.

This suggests that simply having larger muscles may not protect against postpartum back pain.

Instead, factors such as:

• Movement quality

• Motor control

• Stability

• Postural endurance

• Rehabilitation after delivery

may play a more important role in recovery.

In other words, how your muscles function may matter more than how much muscle you have.

Common Symptoms Of Postpartum Low Back And Pelvic Pain

Persistent postpartum pain can present in several ways:

• Lower back pain

• Pelvic girdle pain

• Pain around the sacroiliac joints

• Hip discomfort

• Pain when rolling in bed

• Difficulty standing from sitting

• Pain when walking

• Discomfort lifting or carrying your baby

Many women assume these symptoms are simply a normal part of motherhood. However, persistent pain is common, but it should not necessarily be accepted as normal.

How Chiropractic Care May Help Postpartum Recovery

At Healthwise Chiropractic, we take an evidence-informed approach to postpartum musculoskeletal health.

Management may include:

Movement Assessment

Identifying movement patterns that may be contributing to pain or dysfunction.

Gentle Chiropractic Care

Helping restore normal joint mobility throughout the spine and pelvis where appropriate.

Rehabilitation Exercises

Targeted exercises designed to improve:

• Core stability

• Pelvic control

• Hip strength

• Functional movement

Postural Advice

Practical strategies for:

• Breastfeeding positions

• Bottle feeding

• Carrying your baby

• Lifting and bending

• Returning to exercise

Individualised Care Plans

Every pregnancy, birth and recovery experience is different. Treatment plans should reflect each person's unique circumstances and goals.

When Should You Seek Help?

Consider seeking professional advice if:

• Your pain persists beyond the first few weeks after birth

• Pain is interfering with sleep

• Caring for your baby has become difficult

• Walking or exercising causes discomfort

• Symptoms are worsening rather than improving

• You feel limited in your daily activities

Early assessment may help identify contributing factors and support a smoother recovery.

Looking For Postpartum Back Pain Treatment In Sunbury Or Melton?

If you're experiencing persistent back pain, pelvic pain or discomfort after pregnancy, our team at Healthwise Chiropractic is here to help.

We regularly support women throughout:

• Sunbury

• Melton

• Diggers Rest

• Gisborne

• Bacchus Marsh

• Caroline Springs

• Taylors Lakes

• Surrounding north-west Melbourne communities

Our goal is to help you move more comfortably, recover with confidence and get back to enjoying life with your growing family.

Reference

Hayashi K, Koga M, Takazawa K, Yasuhi I. Risk Factors for Persistent Postpartum Low Back and Pelvic Pain: A Prospective Cohort Study Focusing on Trunk Muscle Mass, Delivery Mode, and Prepregnancy Physical Activity. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2026.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to posture-related care.

Treatment may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Postural assessment

• Soft tissue therapy

• Corrective exercises

• Ergonomic advice

• Laser therapy

• Shockwave therapy

• Spinal decompression therapy

We focus on addressing both the symptoms and the underlying biomechanical stress contributing to neck dysfunction.

About the Author

Dr Julian Simpson is an Australian chiropractor with over 15 years of experience in musculoskeletal healthcare and rehabilitation.

He is a Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation and has reviewed and written more than 800 evidence-based health articles focused on spinal health, rehabilitation, sports injuries and conservative care approaches.

His treatment focus includes:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Sports chiropractic

• Massage therapy

• Shockwave therapy

• Laser therapy

• Non-surgical spinal decompression

Dr Simpson provides patient care through Healthwise Chiropractic, serving communities including Sunbury, Melton, Diggers Rest and surrounding regions.

Reference

Hayashi K, Koga M, Takazawa K, Yasuhi I. Risk factors for persistent postpartum low back and pelvic pain: a prospective cohort study focusing on trunk muscle mass, delivery mode, and prepregnancy physical activity. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2026 Jun 1. doi: 10.1186/s12884-026-09372-y. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42226142.