2. Get the right gear

Wear low-heeled — not flat — shoes that support the arches of your feet. Good choices include walking or athletic shoes. Don't wear high heels. They can further shift your balance forward and cause you to fall. High heels can strain the muscles in your lower back too.

You also can get back support by wearing an abdominal support garment, also known as an abdominal or pregnancy binder. It's a clothing item that can take some of the weight of your stomach off of your back muscles. Some pants made for pregnant people help support stomach weight as well. They include an elastic band that goes under the curve of the belly.

You also might think about wearing a pelvic support belt. Research on how well these belts work is mixed. But some pregnant people find the extra support helpful. If you choose to try a support belt, bring it to one of your medical appointments. Your healthcare professional can help show you the best way to wear and position the belt.