Back pain during pregnancy - what to do. Back pain during pregnancy at different stages: causes, treatment, full description of the problem

Surely every woman who has been pregnant at least once has experienced back pain, especially in the last stages of pregnancy. In general, bearing a child is a very complex process: a woman’s body and all organs are rebuilt and bear a double load. The digestive, circulatory, respiratory and excretory systems - all of them must now work not only for the woman, but also for her child. This also affected the musculoskeletal functions of the spine.

Thus, back pain during pregnancy is not an extraordinary, but a completely natural phenomenon. Let's figure out why this happens and what to do if the pain is severe, and a pregnant woman cannot buy traditional painkillers.

Causes of back pain during pregnancy

• Thus, the hormone relaxin produced relaxes the ligaments of the sacral and even coccygeal joints. This ensures their mobility, which is so necessary during childbirth.

• But the stability of the sacral region decreases, and the woman has to strain her back and abdominal muscles to compensate.

• During pregnancy, a woman's estrogen is reduced almost throughout the entire period, and progesterone is increased - this provides optimal conditions for gestation. The opposite ratio (low progesterone and high estrogen) can cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage)

• Before childbirth, progesterone levels drop sharply and estrogen rises

• Changing the natural curves of the spine and shifting its center of gravity

• Increased elasticity of ligaments and mobility of sacral joints

• Reducing the amount of estrogen - the main hormone that is involved in building normal bone structure

• The first thing to do during pregnancy is to ensure normal daily calcium intake, preferably with vitamin D, as one of the most important in the body

• Also, at the same time, you must take folic acid, which is very important for the development of the fetus.

• Lack of folic acid may cause congenital spina bifida in your baby.

Gymnastics during pregnancy

• Your baby will only benefit from your active activities, as they will improve his blood circulation, nutrition and even mood

• Gymnastics will be beneficial for your back, as it will relieve spasm from the muscles that cause back pain, as well as strengthen the muscular-connective system

• The presence of dystrophic degenerative processes in the spine even before pregnancy

• Uncomfortable shoes, such as heels that are too high

• Other diseases or pathologies

• The uterus is toned

• Uterine prolapse<

Lumbosacral hernia

• Be sure to visit an orthopedist

• Do stretching exercises

• Wear a supportive corset

Difficulties of recent months

The weight of the fetus is already quite decent, and it is putting more and more pressure on her spine. Back pain can become radicular and radiate to the leg, especially when walking

• The uterus begins to descend and put pressure on other pelvic organs, causing the woman to experience symptoms of cystitis

• The load on the kidneys in the third trimester also increases due to the increased volume of fluid circulating through the blood purification system and the increase in waste products of the fetus.

Increased uterine tone

• Your baby just lightly kicked you, checking that you didn’t fall asleep, didn’t forget about him, and are ready for his quick birth.

• Stress and bad mood tone not only the “fibers of the soul”, but also the uterus

• Tension in the muscles of the back and abdomen is transmitted to the muscles of the uterus

• In the later stages, false contractions occur (Braxton Hicks syndrome)

What medications to use for back pain during pregnancy

What if a woman gets sick during pregnancy or the back pain is unbearable?

• For treatment, you can use herbal decoctions and bee products.

• Medicines no-spa are an antispasmodic that can also be used in pregnancy.

• You can use homeopathic medicines, which are also absolutely harmless

The drug Nux Vomica (nux v-mica)

The drug Nux Vomica (nux v-mica) is used:

• For severe back pain, exacerbations of osteochondrosis and hernia, injuries

• Neuralgic problems

• For bowel disorders, such as constipation

• The drug Sepia:

• For lumbago in the back

• For back pain that gets worse when bending over

• For aching, dull pain in the back and between the shoulder blades

• During depression and emotional distress

Back pain during pregnancy video

The lower back during pregnancy often serves as an indicator of health, responding to various physiological and pathological conditions. The main symptom is usually pain that appears in the lower back. But the causes, consequences and methods of treatment are always completely different, since there are extremely many mechanisms for the formation of this symptom. After conceiving a child, the process of growth of the uterus begins actively, proportional to the development of the fetus. In a woman’s body, in response to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure caused by the growth of the uterus, numerous adaptive changes occur.

Etiological aspects of low back pain

The reasons that lead to pain during pregnancy in the lumbar region can be very different. The main etiological factors influencing the occurrence of pain in the lower back in pregnant women are discussed below.

• Kidney pathology. This should include nephropathy, urolithiasis, pyelonephritis in pregnant women, as well as autoimmune processes in the renal parenchyma associated with complications of pregnancy.
• Pathology of the musculoskeletal system. Compression of the spinal column by the growing uterus leads to an exacerbation of degenerative-dystrophic processes. The most striking example is spinal osteochondrosis.
• Pathology of the uterus. Hypertonicity of the posterior wall, which often accompanies a pregnant woman, is manifested precisely by pain in the lumbar region.
• Myositis. Inflammation of the muscle tissue of the lumbar region. A common problem not only among pregnant women, but also among ordinary people of both sexes.
• Ovarian pathology. Inflammatory changes in the female reproductive system progress during pregnancy, as local immunological reactivity decreases. This is how adnexitis, oophoritis and often even banal cervicitis manifest themselves.

The list can be continued with rare causes, including vascular pathology in the Adamkiewicz artery basin, irradiation of pain from the gastrointestinal tract, systemic connective tissue diseases and many other pathological processes. It is extremely difficult to independently determine the etiological basis of lower back pain, so any manifestations should be considered potentially dangerous and immediately consult a doctor.

Clinical picture of various types of lumbar pain syndrome

Since the causes that cause pain in the lower back are different, the symptoms are always different. The common nuance that unites all etiological aspects is the very fact of the presence of pain. Due to the anatomical structure of the urinary system, kidney problems are more likely to occur in the cold season. Inflammatory diseases - pyelonephritis in pregnant women occur with the following characteristic symptoms:

• the pain is constant, aching, sometimes quite severe;
• there is no irradiation;
• no vaginal discharge;
• often accompanied by pain when urinating;
• temperature rises;
• clear connection with hypothermia.

If the inflammation in the kidneys is purulent in nature, then impurities in the form of flakes and turbidity are visible in the urine.

Pyelonephritis is a dangerous condition that threatens the development of intoxication and kidney failure.

Hypertonicity of the uterus, especially in the early stages, often manifests itself as nagging pain in the lower back. At the same time, the rectum may be irritated, which changes the nature of physiological functions. The pain is not constant and may increase or decrease depending on the influence of environmental factors. There is no such thing as a fever, and the appearance of discharge always indicates the seriousness of the problem. The very concept of “hypertonicity” implies increased muscle tension. This is clearly noticeable upon palpation of the abdomen - the uterus is hard to the touch, sometimes painful when touched with hands.

Characteristics of pain in the lumbar region in spinal pathology

The importance of osteochondrosis during pregnancy cannot be underestimated. Although the disease does not seriously threaten the woman’s life, the pain syndrome sharply limits movement and reduces mood. The main clinical manifestations of the disease are listed below:

• severe pain, sometimes unbearable, sharply intensifying with the slightest movement;
• often occurs when the uterus is large - in the second and third trimesters;
• radiates to the leg and buttock;
• never accompanied by fever;
• the woman’s general condition practically does not suffer;
• the lower back is painful on palpation, and the abdomen is completely intact.

The insidious problem with pathology of the musculoskeletal system is that back pain is extremely difficult to relieve. The usual group of drugs (NSAIDs) used for any person are not available as they are contraindicated during pregnancy. Therefore, the pain syndrome often drags on and goes away completely only after childbirth. Fortunately, spinal osteochondrosis usually does not affect the fetus.

If the stomach and lower back hurt at the same time, then this condition is categorically not typical for the pathology of the musculoskeletal system. Hypertonicity of the uterus, as well as acute gynecological pathology, should be excluded. Adnexitis and even ovarian apoplexy occur, although not often, but quite regularly in medical practice. But in each case, the situation really threatens the life of the woman and the unborn child, and therefore requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.

How to diagnose pain syndrome

If a woman has back pain during pregnancy, then it is imperative to establish the exact etiology of this problem. Not only therapeutic measures, but also the prognosis for the birth of a healthy baby depend on this. Since there are many causative factors, a whole range of diagnostic procedures is prescribed. These include:

• blood test;
• Analysis of urine;
• ultrasound scanning of the pelvis;
• vaginal examination with smear examination;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• MRI of the pelvis or spine in complex cases.

Of the generally accepted examination methods, only radiography is not used, since radiation can harm the fetus.

The clinical picture of the pain syndrome must be taken into account. If the lower abdomen aches and the pain radiates to the lower back, then the problem is probably related to hypertonicity of the uterus. The diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound examination. An ultrasound can be done at any stage of pregnancy. If acute pain appears in the lower back, worsening with physical activity, with no changes in the tests, spinal pathology should be assumed. Fever and leukocytosis in the urine, as well as dilation of the pyelocaliceal complex on ultrasound indicate the presence of pyelonephritis.

How to relieve pain in a pregnant woman

In all situations when a pregnant woman’s back hurts, medical attention is required. Drug therapy is not always necessary, but it is important not to miss the moment associated with a threat to the life and health of a woman. With the initial degree of hypertonicity, psychological peace, friendly supportive relationships in the family and limitation of physical activity are needed. This is usually enough for the pain to be completely relieved.

If the lower abdomen is tight and the pain spreads to the lumbar region, then there is cause for concern and the prescription of drug therapy. Since there are many causes for this unpleasant condition, therapeutic actions are carried out based on the diagnostic results. For pain syndrome, complex treatment includes the administration of the following groups of drugs:

• simple analgesics - paracetamol, metamizole;
• antispasmodics - drotaverine;
• hormones - synthetic progesterone;
• vitamins;
• antibiotics in the presence of active bacterial inflammation in the kidneys or female reproductive system;
• Tocolytics, if necessary, further relax the walls of the uterus.

The list of approved drugs can be continued, since the choice of medication is made by an experienced doctor.

Even rubbing should not be used on its own, as they may contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy. It is equally unacceptable to use commonly used antibiotics internally.

Even one tablet of fluoroquinolones can cause irreparable harm to an unborn child, although these drugs are always successfully used to treat pyelonephritis in men and women. You can only take paracetamol on your own if you have a reliably known diagnosis of osteochondrosis.

What affects the prognosis for pain syndrome

The question of why the lower back hurts during pregnancy should be on the agenda of a woman and her relatives from the first moment of the development of an unpleasant symptom. The future fate of the unborn child depends on how early the problem is identified. If the painful condition is caused by pathology of the musculoskeletal system, then it will be extremely difficult to relieve negative sensations. However, the situation has virtually no effect on the process of pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child.

At the same time, even mild tugging sensations in the lower abdomen, accompanied by vaginal discharge and lower back pain, require prompt consultation with a doctor. This situation directly threatens the further progression of pregnancy. The presence of fever can also negatively affect kidney function, so pyelonephritis necessarily requires complex treatment. You should not be afraid of using medications during pregnancy - in most situations it is justified and does not pose a serious risk to the fetus. After all, in the end, it is important that the anticipation of the baby is happy, and this state is easier to achieve without pain in the lumbar region.

Pregnancy is a trembling and exciting period in the life of every woman. However, in every barrel of honey there is always a fly in the ointment. Sometimes pregnancy occurs with various complications. Back pain during pregnancy is far from the worst of them. But the phenomenon in itself is unpleasant and occurs in almost all women during this period. Why does this happen and what measures should be taken to relieve pain syndromes and, if possible, prevent discomfort?

From the moment of conception, colossal changes begin in a woman’s body, in response to which her back can hurt at any stage. There could be a lot of reasons, here are just a few:

1. Hormonal changes. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin begins to be produced. It forms the birth canal to prepare the expectant mother for childbirth, relaxes the ligaments of the pelvic bones closer to childbirth, reduces the tone of the uterus and opens its cervix during childbirth. Under its influence, the pelvic joints and intervertebral ligaments, previously immobile, can move and expand, thereby causing back pain.
2. Weakening of the abdominal muscles. Pain in the lumbar back can be caused by the fact that the abs work less and less as the abdomen grows. As a result, the lower back bears a double load, because it is the one that takes on its function.
3. A shift in the center of gravity as the abdomen grows. Again, the load on the back muscles increases; the larger the belly, the stronger.
4. Curvature of posture due to a large belly. As a result, in order to compensate for the shifted center of gravity, the woman is forced to bend backward, arching her back. This position is incorrect and can also cause back pain.
5. Growth of the uterus. During pregnancy, the uterus increases more than 500 times! In later stages, it becomes so large that it begins to put pressure on the nerve endings located close to the spine. The result is pain in this area.
6. Weight gain. On average, a woman should gain about 10 kg throughout her pregnancy. This is a very big load on the legs and back. And there are many women who do not control this parameter and allow themselves to gain up to 30 kg! Back pain is the lesser of the evils that can arise as a consequence.
7. Staying in one position for a long time. If you have a sedentary job, you are 100% likely to experience back pain because none of us are able to sit properly during an average eight-hour workday. What can we say about pregnant women! So it’s not in vain that maternity leave is given. We must try to get up, go out, and breathe fresh air more often. And you can put a pillow under your lower back, which will reduce the load and relieve some pain.
8. Exacerbation of old ailments. During pregnancy, all hidden diseases worsen, weak points become even more vulnerable. If you have been diagnosed in the past with sciatica, hernia, curvature of the spine, and so on, the doctor will put you in a risk group and provide constant monitoring.
9. Hypothermia, muscle inflammation.
10. Kidney diseases (pyelonephritis).
11. Uncomfortable high-heeled shoes. It’s no wonder that everyone without exception advises to give preference to flat-soled shoes during pregnancy! Otherwise, the load on the legs and lower back will be high, which will immediately affect acute pain in these areas.

Back pain during pregnancy

So, there can be many reasons for pain. It can occur at any stage of pregnancy. At its very beginning, it can even be a sign of pregnancy. It appears due to the growth of the uterus and pressure on the nerve endings. In later stages, pain can serve as a harbinger of the onset of labor. If you are expecting childbirth any day now, your stomach and back hurt (as if they were tightened in a ring), and the pain itself is periodic, then it’s time to go to the maternity hospital.

Based on practice, it is rare that back pain may require medical intervention. Usually, preventive measures, special gymnastics and a course of massage are enough to combat it. In addition, doctors recommend wearing a special prenatal bandage in late pregnancy. He will take the weight of the tummy upon himself, thereby reducing the load on the lower back. However, you should not abuse it. If you wear it constantly and then accidentally forget to put it on, there is a high risk of stretch marks from such an unexpected load on the skin. In addition, the abs are already losing their shape, but without a bandage they at least somehow participate in the work of supporting the abdomen. With a bandage it relaxes, loses its shape and after childbirth it is more difficult to make it work. Therefore, the bandage should be worn, but only periodically, for example, during long walks. The pool will also help relieve unpleasant syndromes. When immersed in water, all objects become lighter. The same goes for a big, heavy belly. Water will relieve all pain syndromes and help you feel in an already forgotten light state.

Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of pain. For example, pyelonephritis or kidney disease. No massage will help here, only taking special medications that are compatible with pregnancy. Usually, in addition to pain, in this case, women experience increased sensitivity when urinating, the smell of urine changes, and its color becomes cloudy. The pain can be localized on the right or left, depending on which kidney is affected.

If you have chronic diseases that are somehow related to your back, the use of most common ointments is strictly prohibited! They may contain substances hazardous to children. Therefore, before use, you should carefully read the instructions, and even better, go to the doctor.

The cause of back pain may be simple hypothermia. From childhood on, it is very important for women to take care of their back, especially the area of ​​the shoulders, neck and lower back. Do not open them in the wind, wrap them with a warm scarf and avoid gatherings in the cold. Moreover, during pregnancy you should be very, very careful. In addition to serious consequences, back pain is an unpleasant thing in itself that does not go away in one day, even with timely intervention.

Prevention is always better than cure! The best time to start is, of course, during the pregnancy planning stage. Almost all pregnant women have back pain, and therefore it is better to protect yourself as much as possible from unpleasant sensations.

Everyone always needs sports. Even if there are contraindications, you can always find exactly the sport or exercise that suits you. The main thing is to look for them together with a doctor and an experienced instructor. With their help, you can strengthen the muscle corset, focusing on the muscles of the abs, back and legs. If you don’t give up gymnastics during pregnancy and switch to special exercises, then your chances of feeling a sore back will be significantly reduced.

It is also recommended to undergo a full course of massage to strengthen your back before pregnancy. Combined with the right exercises, this will help your back become stronger, more resilient and ready for serious stress in the near future.

Gymnastics during pregnancy, like the pool, are designed to strengthen the muscle corset, relieve pain syndromes and prepare muscles for the process of labor.

We remind you that before starting any exercise, you must consult a doctor.

The most correct approach is to purchase a membership to a proven gym, where there are special classes for pregnant women. They are usually carried out both on land and in water. It is important to attend such classes regularly, and ideally it is good to add personal training with an instructor to them. This is necessary to ensure that you do only those exercises that are allowed for you for your specific period. A personal lesson with a trainer means that 100% of his attention will be focused only on you and the technique of the exercise you are performing. Which is also important, because for pregnant women it is better not to do the exercise at all than to do it incorrectly. Such sports activities are harmful!

The model described above is ideal, but not everyone has the time and financial resources for gym memberships. In this case, it’s still worth signing up for the pool (it’s much cheaper and less time-consuming). You need to devote enough time to walking, while not forgetting to wear a bandage. And you can do simple exercises at home yourself.

If possible, you should acquire sports equipment that is used in fitness centers. This is a sports mat, fitball, light dumbbells. If you can’t buy everything, at least buy just a fitball! This is a wonderful thing for gymnastics during pregnancy, for rocking a newborn baby, and for exercising mother and baby after birth. And instead of a sports mat, you can buy a children's puzzle mat. Double benefit - before giving birth you will exercise yourself, and after that you will play on it with your baby, and practice again during breaks.

Here are some examples of exercises with a fitball.

EXERCISE 1. To strengthen the muscles of the lower back, you need to sit on a fitball and swing your pelvis in a circle, then in one direction, then in the other direction, you can alternately make rotational movements. At the same time, if possible, you should try to do this without support and with a straight back (not arched, but straight, even). The exercise promotes faster opening of the uterus and facilitates the process of contractions itself, so it will definitely come in handy in the maternity hospital. Moreover, today there are fitballs in almost all maternity hospitals.

EXERCISE 2. While sitting on a fitball, you need to spread your legs wide. With a straight back, we stretch our left hand alternately to the right toe and vice versa. This exercise helps stretch the muscles of the hips and back.

EXERCISE 3. Position - sitting on a fitball with legs slightly apart. The back is straight, we make turns left/right. Turns should not be sharp, but the position should be stable!

If for some reason you have not purchased a fitball, try this exercise.

EXERCISE 4. You need to get on all fours, level up - your head should be at the same level as your spine. You need to inhale, while pulling your stomach into yourself (as much as possible, you should not overexert yourself), while the spine arches upward. You need to stay in this position for a few seconds, then return to the starting position.

At the end of the article you will find a video with back exercises during pregnancy.

If you decide to do gymnastics on your own, try to have someone close to you at home at this time. The body of a pregnant woman is extremely unpredictable. And if you perform physical activity uncontrollably, perhaps incorrectly, who knows what the consequences may be. You should also not walk long distances alone. This is an important period in your life, take it seriously and responsibly!

Back massage during pregnancy

Back massage is an excellent solution for relieving pain in this area. It can only be done by a specialist and only as prescribed by your gynecologist. After all, only he knows whether you have any contraindications, whether massage can harm your unborn baby.

The massage therapist you choose should ideally work in a clinic and have all the relevant results. He must be warned that you are in a position. After all, massage for a pregnant woman is significantly different from massage for all other people. For example, the usual oils may not be suitable due to their composition or even because of their specific smell. After all, it’s no secret that during pregnancy the sense of smell can play a cruel joke on the expectant mother!

In the first trimester, massage is never prescribed, since this is the most dangerous period in the life of the unborn baby. Any careless external influence can lead to miscarriage. That is why in the first three months of pregnancy it is not recommended to massage, go to the sauna, or take a hot bath.

In the second trimester, as a rule, the threat to the baby’s life is already over, and the doctor gives permission for such procedures - of course, with a reasonable approach.

Back pain, which massage can relieve, is usually associated with abdominal growth, a shift in the center of gravity, and increased stress on the back muscles. This can start around 15 weeks. As a rule, at this time it is no longer possible to lie on your stomach, and therefore a back massage is done while lying on your side or sitting with support. If the doctor has approved massage in the early stages, when lying on your stomach is still possible, then the massage is done in this position.

If the doctor gives the go-ahead, then massage of a sore back is an excellent solution to relieve pain, eliminate its source and completely cure it.

Sleeping on your back during pregnancy

The fact that pregnant women should not sleep on their stomachs is, in principle, clear as day. This body position is physically dangerous for the baby’s health, and after a certain period of time it is already uncomfortable for the expectant mother. But is it possible to sleep on your back during pregnancy?

Doctors answer unequivocally - not only sleeping, lying on your back during pregnancy is prohibited from the third month! Since at this stage the uterus begins to grow rapidly and increase in weight, in the lying position it begins to put pressure on the internal organs. If a pregnant woman lies on her back, the pressure falls on the spine and large blood vessels. The longer the period, the larger the uterus. The larger the uterus, the greater the pressure. As mentioned above, this can cause severe back pain. But that’s not even why you shouldn’t sleep on your back during pregnancy. In this position, from the middle of the second trimester, the heart may suffer from a lack of blood supply (the vena cava is compressed). There is shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of oxygen, and even fainting is possible! If a woman just lies down, then it’s not so scary, because at any moment you can roll over on your side, and the unpleasant syndromes will disappear. But at night in a dream everything is much more dangerous, because there is no guarantee that she will immediately wake up from bad sensations. But blocking the blood flow to the heart will cause poor health not only for the expectant mother, but also for her baby. He will also lack oxygen and nutrients. This is called fetal hypoxia, which can delay its development.

Don't be afraid to accidentally lie on your back in your sleep. Nature has provided for everything - this position is uncomfortable for late-term pregnant women! The safest sleeping position is on your left side. For comfort, you can place a blanket or pillow between your legs. By the way, there are special pillows for pregnant women designed just for such cases.

Let's sum it up

If you strain your back during pregnancy, then most likely there is nothing terrible about it. At the same time, situations are different, so first of all, consulting a doctor will not hurt. Especially if the pain is localized on the right or left, is periodic, is accompanied by bloody discharge, and so on.

Gymnastics, massage, visiting the pool, periodically wearing a prenatal bandage will significantly relieve pain syndromes, provided they are used regularly and if the pain is not caused by illness or hypothermia.

Back pain is an extremely unpleasant phenomenon, which greatly irritates and darkens the joy of one’s interesting position. And if it is an infection or disease, then the unborn baby in the tummy may even suffer. Therefore, there is no point in starting the situation. It is better to consult a doctor immediately and get a detailed treatment plan.

Be healthy!

Video " Back exercises during pregnancy«

Pregnancy, no matter how desirable it may be, serves as a strong stress factor for the body and puts a huge burden on it. A delicate balance is maintained between this load and the body’s ability to withstand it. Its violation leads to the development of various pathological conditions, for example, the appearance of back pain during pregnancy.

Complaints of back discomfort are one of the most common problems with which expectant mothers consult a doctor. Especially in late pregnancy.

As a rule, there is no one answer to the question of why your back hurts during pregnancy.

Discomfort is caused not by one, but by a whole complex of factors:

• the pressing effect of the gradually enlarging pregnant uterus;
• shift of the center of gravity;
• weight gain in a pregnant woman.

The uterus itself is a small cavity structure surrounded by other organs. Therefore, any increase in its size will lead to mechanical pressure on neighboring organs, including the musculoskeletal system.

Certain parts of the skeleton are immovable formations (for example, the pelvic bones), which are compressed by the pregnant uterus, which causes pain in the back and lower back.

In a pregnant woman, again due to the growing uterus, there is a change in the usual center of gravity. As a result, significant stress is placed on the lower back and spine. Hypertonicity of the back muscles occurs, nerve processes can be pinched, which leads to pain.

In addition to the uterus, the increased body weight of a pregnant woman, which occurs with increased nutrition and various hormonal changes, can also put stress on the spine. The mechanism of pain for this reason is absolutely the same.

Also, back pain in a pregnant woman can be caused not only by her physiological changes, but also by a number of pathological conditions, which we will talk about later.

It is also interesting that the timing of gestation is absolutely not important for the occurrence of pain. Often back and lower back pain develops in later stages. But even in the early stages of pregnancy, back pain is not uncommon.

Features of pain

The range of back pain during pregnancy is wide. This can be either aching pain in the lower back, tailbone, or a kind of “muscle” pain in the back. Also, different stages of pregnancy are characterized by their own type of back pain.

In the early stages, most women will feel pain localized in the lower back, possibly of an aching nature. They are similar in nature to the pain that occurs during menstruation.

The cause of the pain syndrome lies, again, in the increasing volume of the uterus, which puts pressure on the bladder and intestines. As a result, characteristic complaints appear.

In the later stages, women describe constant pain localized in the lower back and back muscles, like the back pain of a pregnant woman at 25 weeks. The reason is precisely the change in the center of gravity and overload of the lumbar muscles. In addition, pain may disappear when the pregnant woman takes a horizontal position or otherwise reduces the load on the spine.

When is pain normal?

Can my back hurt on its own during pregnancy? No, the presence of any pain syndrome is not normal. Its appearance in a pregnant woman requires close attention and a search for the cause. Prolonged back pain in a pregnant woman can lead to sleep disturbances and insomnia, which can then affect pregnancy and even delivery.

In addition, back pain leads to limited mobility of a pregnant woman and disruption of her lifestyle. This can provoke the development of stress, disruption of the psycho-emotional state and the formation.

There are also a number of pathological conditions during pregnancy, in which the presence of pain in the back and lower back can serve as a kind of “alarming sign”.

When should you sound the alarm?

Such “formidable” conditions are: or the miscarriage itself. Back pain in this case is of a specific nature: nagging and aching pain localized in the lower back. Some women describe the sensations: “like pain during menstruation” or “pain like during contractions.”

This type of pain indicates a possible activation of uterine contractility. Premature activity in the early stages can lead to miscarriage, and in the later stages to premature birth.

If your back hurts this much starting from the 36th week, and especially at 39-40 weeks of pregnancy, you should definitely tell your gynecologist.

In addition, there are a number of conditions that are not associated with pregnancy, but are accompanied by various pain symptoms in the back. The combination of any of these conditions and pregnancy, especially in its later stages, can cause various complications during the birth process, threatening the life and health of the fetus and the mother herself.

These conditions include:

• Kidney diseases. Among them, pyelo- and glomerulonephritis are especially dangerous for a pregnant woman. The combination of these diseases with pregnancy can lead to the development of pre- and eclampsia.
• Pancreatitis.
• Osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia, radiculitis.

How to get rid of back pain

Treatment of back pain during pregnancy consists of various techniques. Medication, which is usually widely used, during pregnancy requires maximum medical supervision and should be significantly limited. This is explained by the fact that some pain medications can have a negative effect on the fetus.

Therefore, if a woman has severe back pain during pregnancy and she does not know what to do, first of all she needs to “unload” the spine and reduce the level of load.

As a rule, this method is to wear special ones that support the abdomen. There is also a special back massage designed for pregnant women. Its use relaxes the back muscles and can reduce pain levels.

However, if back pain is not associated with pregnancy, but with pathology of other organs, then further treatment requires a more serious approach and medical supervision and, as a rule, the conditions of a pregnancy pathology department.

Prevention

Prevention of back pain in pregnant women involves prescribing physical therapy, gymnastics or yoga for expectant mothers. This increases the body's ability to resist the physical stress of pregnancy.

Yoga also helps a woman develop the correct type of breathing, which she can then use during the birth process.

In addition to dosed therapeutic physical activity, a pregnant woman should also follow a number of recommendations:

• refusal to wear high-heeled shoes during pregnancy;
• avoiding heavy lifting and excessive physical activity;
• the use of a special orthopedic mattress, which reduces the load on the musculoskeletal system of a pregnant woman;
• periodic change of body position;
• body weight control, excess weight loss.

The syndrome of back pain during pregnancy can be caused by both an enlarged uterus and stress on the woman’s spine, and a number of more serious conditions.

Therefore, if during pregnancy your lower back suddenly becomes ill, pulling and cramping pains appear, or acute “colicky” pain in the lower back, an urgent consultation with a doctor is necessary to exclude the threat of miscarriage or concomitant pathology of the pregnant woman.

Useful video: Exercises to relieve back pain during pregnancy

Replies

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Back pain begins to occur during pregnancy at different stages of gestation. It is believed that in the first half of pregnancy the body is not subject to increased stress. This is not true. About 30% of women come with complaints that... However, most women experience lower back pain during pregnancy closer to the twentieth week. It is often not easy to answer why your back hurts during pregnancy. Lower back pain in pregnant women is sometimes a consequence of obstetric causes, or can be an independent pathology. Obstetric causes - back pain that occurs due to the normal or pathological course of pregnancy.

Obstetrics

Can lower back pain occur during normal pregnancy? Yes, and this is the most common reason for back pain in pregnant women. In many cases, the onset of pregnancy leads to the fact that the expectant mother has lower back pain. The cause of pain is the rapid enlargement of the uterus and the tension of its ligaments. These sensations are so common that they are considered another sign that a woman is pregnant.

• Hormones and metabolic processes

While expecting a child, a woman has to face a sharp change in hormonal levels. There is an increased production of estrogen, progesterone and other hormones responsible for the proper course of pregnancy. A common cause of severe lower back pain is relaxin. This hormone helps ligaments and tendons become more elastic and softens them. Relaxin is necessary to subsequently facilitate the birth of the baby.

The elements necessary for the formation of the fetus are taken from the mother's body. Therefore, with insufficient replenishment of “reserves”, a woman’s bones may not receive much needed vitamins and microelements, in particular calcium and phosphorus. As a result, the pelvic bones and spine weaken, which can cause back pain in pregnant women.

• Increased pressure on the pelvis and spine

The most “safe” reason why pregnant women have back pain is the growth of the fetus. As the child grows, pressure on the mother’s sacrum increases, which leads to pain in the lumbar region. Also, a completely physiological reason why your back may hurt is increasing weight, leading to increased pressure on the lower back. The center of gravity changes, causing a deflection of the spine in the lumbar region. The muscles receive excessive stress, leading to pain.

Prolonged standing can sometimes lead to lower back pain in pregnant women. The uterus puts pressure on the nerves and vessels that surround the spine. Because of this, starting from the third trimester. The pain radiates to the legs and intensifies with exertion.

In late pregnancy, lower back pain may occur as a result of pressure from the fetal head on the hip bones. This is accompanied by the occurrence of uterine hypertonicity. Then pain appears around 38 weeks. If your lower back hurts during pregnancy for this reason, do not worry. Such feelings are a completely natural phenomenon.

• Contractions

A few weeks before giving birth, the expectant mother may experience Braxton Hicks contractions. False contractions prepare the body for subsequent births. In this case, in addition to pain radiating to the lumbar region, there is a feeling of a “stony” uterus, it is difficult to breathe, and nagging pain occurs in the lower abdomen. Then these symptoms disappear. And after a short time, the stomach and back begin to ache again. Such sensations are considered normal, but still require close attention. Sometimes they are difficult to distinguish from labor that has actually begun. If contractions become more frequent, repeat at regular intervals, and are accompanied by discharge from the genital tract, you should not delay your trip to the hospital.

For pathologies

If during pregnancy back pain is accompanied by the appearance of discharge and cramping pain in the uterus, then this condition is considered by doctors as a threat of spontaneous abortion or premature birth.

You need to see a gynecologist immediately. In some cases, due to exacerbation of existing diseases or the appearance of a new pathology. Pregnancy is accompanied by natural suppression of the immune system. Such a mechanism is necessary to prevent the fetus from being rejected by the mother’s body as a foreign component. The consequence is the woman's vulnerability at this time. It happens that a woman does not even suspect existing pathologies until she becomes pregnant. During pregnancy, pain in the lower back can indicate quite serious pathologies. And if the gynecologist has ruled out obstetric causes of the malaise, you should visit other doctors, namely: a neurologist, urologist or nephrologist and surgeon.

• Kidney diseases

Kidneys and their diseases are the reason why lower back pain occurs during pregnancy. Under the influence of hormones, the tone of the ureters changes, stagnation of urine occurs, leading to the development of infectious processes. A common complication of pregnancy is pyelonephritis. There is aching pain on one side of the back, frequent urge to urinate, pain, and the temperature rises to high levels. The urine usually becomes cloudy.

If the pain in the lower back during pregnancy is pronounced, it is difficult to find a position in which the pain weakens, the outflow of urine becomes difficult, an admixture of blood appears, perhaps this is renal colic. Such symptoms are an indication for urgent hospitalization.

The diagnosis is made by a doctor based on ultrasound data and laboratory tests of urine and blood. Treatment is carried out with the prescription of antibiotics, antispasmodics and painkillers, and is mandatory. The disease can lead to serious consequences, including kidney failure.

In rare cases, a pregnant woman may experience inflammation of the pancreas. This happens when the diet is not followed during pregnancy, food with a lot of fat, alcohol is consumed, it is a hereditary factor or a consequence of stress. If lower back pain during pregnancy is girdling in nature, occurs after or during meals, is accompanied by fever, nausea or vomiting, and abnormal bowel movements, the doctor diagnoses “pancreatitis.”

The disease is diagnosed using ultrasound, MRI, and treated in an inpatient setting. Drug therapy for lower back pain during pregnancy is carried out using a number of anti-inflammatory and painkillers. Occasionally, in case of failure of conservative treatment, the need for surgical intervention arises.

• Neurology

Back pain often occurs during pregnancy due to exacerbation of existing problems with the musculoskeletal system. If a woman suffered from osteochondrosis or radiculitis before pregnancy, then the changed loads will lead to an exacerbation. The source of problems is an underdeveloped muscular system of the back or curvature of the spine. A similar diagnosis is indicated by the occurrence of severe back pain during pregnancy in the second trimester or later.

With neurological problems, the pain is shooting in nature, decreases in the “lying down” position and increases with exercise, and a feeling of numbness may occur.

It is very dangerous to self-medicate. After all, most drugs used in such cases are contraindicated during pregnancy. In exceptional cases, the doctor may prescribe a painkiller. If your lower back hurts during pregnancy due to neurological problems, the simplest solution is to wear a brace. A special corset will provide support to the musculoskeletal system without having a negative impact on the baby’s development.

• Myositis

Being in a draft or hypothermia can lead to an inflammatory process in the muscles of the lower back. Then the pain is characterized by an acute nature and limited movement. In addition to the back, the neck and shoulder girdle may also hurt. Treatment should be carried out by a doctor who can prescribe medications that are safe for the child.

• Symphysopathy

If the pain is low localized in the back and abdomen, symphysitis can be suspected. The disease will be indicated by a changed gait, which takes on a “duck-like” character. Occurs due to divergence of the pubic bones and is inherited. If the cause of back pain during pregnancy is symphysiopathy, the doctor will recommend bed rest and will monitor it throughout the entire pregnancy.

If there is a history of spinal injuries or congenital features of the development of vertebral arches, increased loads can lead to pain in the lower back during pregnancy. The vertebrae can move relative to each other, which will lead to severe lower back pain.