Why does the spine curve during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman's spine curves to accommodate the growing fetus. This curve is called lordosis, and it begins to develop in the second trimester. There are a few reasons why the spine curves during pregnancy:

* The weight of the fetus. As the fetus grows, it puts more and more weight on the woman's abdomen. This weight can cause the spine to curve forward in order to distribute the weight more evenly.

* Changes in hormones. The hormones that are released during pregnancy cause the ligaments in the spine to relax. This relaxation allows the spine to move more easily and to curve forward.

* Posture changes. As the woman's abdomen grows, she may change her posture in order to accommodate the extra weight. This can also contribute to the development of lordosis.

Lordosis is a normal part of pregnancy and it usually does not cause any problems. However, some women may experience back pain or stiffness as a result of the curve. If you are experiencing back pain during pregnancy, talk to your doctor.