An image shared on social media has shown a bulge in a woman's back where he bones have moved to make way for her baby during child birth.
The photo, which was originally shared on North Dallas Doulas Instagram, shows a woman leaning over on her front with her back to the camera. In it, you can see the bulge protruding from the bottom of her back against her skin.
Tangi Birth Services, a pregnancy care centre, then shared the image on Facebook where it racked up likes, with many commenting to say they didn't realise why their back hurt so much during childbirth.
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In the image, it shows a woman with her back facing the camera as she prepares to give birth. Her lower back shows a large bulge pushing against her skin.
They shared it with the caption: "Can you see that bulge on her lower back? That is the rhombus of Michaelis. During the second stage of labour, a combination of bones including your sacrum actually move backwards and in doing so, increases the diameter of your pelvis. This is what is known as opening of the back.
"This is completely normal and is in fact an integral part of a physiological birth as it allows your baby the maximum amount of space to turn as they navigate their way out into the world.In order to facilitate the opening of your back, you should use active birth positions where you are upright and leaning forwards. So cool right!
"And while your pelvis is expanding, your baby's head is moulding - changing shape to fit through those pelvic bones! Your body was made to do this! And your body and your baby work together! is not something to be feared... it is something to be understood!"
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One woman wrote: "My husband told me about this! I give birth on my knees and he said the base of my back pushed out. Fascinating to see a photo of it thank you.
"And ouch! No wonder I found labour worse on my back! I soon flipped over."
Another wrote: "When my bones shifted for birth I felt a pop like when you crack your knuckles and it felt SOOOOO GOOD!!! I had been having terrible back labour and then POP and just this extremely wonderful release and the pain was gone. So amazing."
Featured Image Credit: PA