Women's bodies change during pregnancy, which can affect spinal health.Women may have symptoms from an issue during pregnancy well after they've had their baby, including long-term impacts of childbirth on spinal health.Chronic back pain, pelvic instability and nerve symptoms can all develop after having a baby.Dr. David Falk, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, said some women don't realize this postpartum pain is connected to their spine health.Falk said pregnancy-related back pain issues are primarily due to changes in biomechanics rather than true damage. He said it's usually reversible, but there are symptoms women need to monitor."Any new weakness — if you reach down to pick up the stroller and then the next day, you can't lift your arm up at all; or you have a wrist strap, you can't extend your wrist — things where you have true weakness, and you're noticing that that weakness is affecting your function, you should certainly seek care in a very expeditious manner," Falk said. "Weakness is a red flag for also all sorts of spine pathology, whether pregnant or not, and certainly in the postpartum period."Falk also said to watch for severe pain, balance issues, issues going to the bathroom, or any numbness or tingling.Falk said movement is medicine, so being active before and during pregnancy can help to lessen the chance of developing an issue. He said even walking can help prevent muscle imbalances caused by pregnancy.