Along with nausea, fatigue, and swollen feet, most women experience back pain at some points during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related back pain typically affects the lower back. Show
According to one review that looked into the complaint, low-back pain affects more than two-thirds of women during pregnancy. Back pain can also arise near the center of the back when doctors call it lumbar pain, or the tailbone when they refer to it as posterior pelvic pain. Many factors, including hormonal and postural changes, contribute to back pain during pregnancy. The causes vary between women and may depend on the stage of pregnancy. This article discusses the reasons for pregnancy-related back pain, and ways to treat and prevent this discomfort. Factors that can lead to back pain during the first trimester include hormonal changes and stress, as we discuss below. Hormone changesShare on PinterestHigh levels of progesterone in the first trimester can affect the stability and alignment of the joints. During the first trimester, levels of progesterone in the body increase rapidly. High levels of this hormone help relax the muscles and ligaments near the pelvis, which can affect the stability and alignment of the joints. Another hormone that doctors call relaxin helps the egg to implant in the uterus wall, and also prevents contractions during the early stages of pregnancy. As labor nears, relaxin stimulates the cervix to soften and open in preparation for delivery. Furthermore, relaxin relaxes the ligaments and joints in the pelvic region so that the birth canal can expand during delivery. Finally, relaxin affects the ligaments that stabilize the spine, which can cause instability, postural shifting, and low-back pain. StressAlthough many consider pregnancy an exciting life event full of changes, it also introduces new sources of stress. Stress affects more than a person’s mood or psychological state of being. Stress can cause physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, stiffness, and muscle pain. During the second and third trimesters, the uterus continues expanding as the fetus grows rapidly. Postural changes, weight gain, and muscle separation all contribute to back pain in the later stages of pregnancies, as we discuss below: Leaning backwardsA woman’s center of gravity shifts to the front of the body as the baby grows in weight. Some women may lean back to regain balance. Leaning backward puts extra strain on the back muscles that can lead to low-back pain and muscle stiffness. Weight gainShare on PinterestWeight gain during pregnancy can contribute to low-back and joint pain.Weight a person gains during pregnancy can contribute to low-back and joint pain. The amount of weight a woman puts on during pregnancy can impact her and her baby’s overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that women carrying a single fetus gain the following amount of weight, according to their pre-pregnancy weight:
Muscle separationThe abdomen consists of two parallel bands of muscles that connect in the middle of the abdomen. These muscles help to stabilize the spine and support the back. During pregnancy, the growing fetus pushes against the abdominal muscles, causing them to stretch and, in some cases, separate. This pressure can result in a condition called diastasis recti. During the second and third trimesters, some women may develop a bulge or “pooch” in their stomach. This is a sign that their abdominal muscles are separating to allow room for the growing uterus. As the abdominal muscles stretch, they become weaker. This can increase a woman’s risk of injuring her back or developing low-back or pelvic pain. Share on PinterestStrengthening the back muscles with pregnancy-friendly exercises can help reduce back pain.At times, it may seem like back pain is inevitable during pregnancy. However, there are ways to relieve back pain both during and after pregnancy. Ways to relieve back pain during pregnancy include:
There are several effective ways to avoid back pain during pregnancy, including:
Women who experience back pain during pregnancy should contact their obstetrician or other healthcare providers if they experience the following symptoms:
Sciatica occurs as a result of an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve. Sciatica during pregnancy occurs when the growing fetus puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. One symptom of sciatica is low-back pain that radiates through the buttocks and down the leg. Women who suffer from severe back pain that persists longer than 2 weeks should discuss treatment options with their healthcare provider. Women who are pregnant should speak with their healthcare provider before starting any new medications, supplements, or naturopathic treatments. Back pain is a common part of pregnancy. Several factors can cause back pain during pregnancy, including:
Pregnancy-related back pain usually resolves on its own after giving birth. Severe back pain that lasts longer than 2 weeks may require medical treatment or physical therapy. Women should speak with their healthcare provider before starting any new medications or treatments while they are pregnant. Is it normal to have abdominal pain and back pain in early pregnancy?During early pregnancy, you may experience mild twinges or cramping in the uterus. You may also feel aching in your vagina, lower abdomen, pelvic region, or back. It may feel similar to menstrual period cramps.
Does lower back pain indicate early pregnancy?For some newly expectant mothers, back pain is an early sign of pregnancy. Early pregnancy back pain can be exacerbated by worries about the baby and the pregnancy and related stress which can increase muscle tension and cause discomfort.
How much cramping and back pain is normal in early pregnancy?As your pregnancy progresses, your uterus will continue to grow and expand. As it does this, you'll likely feel mild to moderate cramping in your lower abdomen or lower back. This may feel like pressure, stretching, or pulling. It may even be similar to your typical menstrual cramps.
What pains are normal in early pregnancy?Cramps, a bit like period pains, are very common in early pregnancy. These are usually caused by changes in your hormones and by your growing womb. Sometimes stomach pains in early pregnancy can be a sign of something more serious.
What part of your stomach hurts in early pregnancy?Abdominal or tummy pain is common during pregnancy. In the first trimester (weeks 0 to 12) it is common to feel mild pains in the lower tummy area. These are caused by hormonal changes and by your growing womb.
How long does abdominal pain last in early pregnancy?If you've been pregnant before, you're probably very familiar with this cramping pain. Cramping during early pregnancy feels a lot like normal period cramps. The pain is usually located in the lower abdomen and typically only lasts for a few minutes.
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