I’ve heard that back pain injections during birth cause back pain later – is that true?

Epidural injections during birth – or for other back pain management – can cause pain and swelling at the site of the injections for a few days, but this is usually temporary. There are many reasons why women have post-birth back pain, such as their centre of gravity being out of alignment, pressure from pregnancy weight gain, changes in the pelvis, and after-effects of hormones that soften the ligaments during pregnancy.

There’s a rare risk of nerve damage being caused by an epidural injection or post-injection infection, but it’s rare. Whatever procedure your consultant may recommend for back pain during pregnancy and birth – or for back pain management where an injection might be part of a recommended solution – they’ll explain any risks to you based on your health history.