During pregnancy back pain is normal

Back pain in pregnancy - NHS

It is very common to get backache or back pain during pregnancy, especially in the early stages.

During pregnancy, the ligaments in your body naturally become softer and stretch to prepare you for labour. This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis, which can cause back pain.

Avoiding and easing back pain in pregnancy

Try these tips:

bend your knees and keep your back straight when you lift or pick something up from the floor
avoid lifting heavy objects
move your feet when you turn to avoid twisting your spine
wear flat shoes to evenly distribute your weight
try to balance the weight between 2 bags when carrying shopping
keep your back straight and well supported when sitting – look for maternity support pillows
get enough rest, particularly later in pregnancy
have a massage or a warm bath
use a mattress that supports you properly – you can put a piece of hardboard under a soft mattress to make it firmer, if necessary
go to a group or individual back care class

You can take paracetamol to ease back pain while you are pregnant, unless your GP or midwife says not to. Always follow the instructions on the packet.

When to get help for back pain in pregnancy

If your backache is very painful, talk to your GP or midwife. They may be able to refer you to an obstetric physiotherapist at your hospital, who can give you advice and may suggest some helpful exercises.

Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP or midwife urgently if:

You have back pain and you:

are in your second or third trimester – this could be a sign of early labour
also have a fever, bleeding from your vagina or pain when you pee
have pain in one or more of your sides (under your ribs)

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

You have back pain and:

you lose feeling in one or both of your legs, your bum, or your genitals

Exercises to ease back pain in pregnancy

This gentle exercise helps to strengthen stomach (abdominal) muscles, which can ease back pain in pregnancy:

Credit:

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1) Start on all fours with knees under hips, hands under shoulders, fingers facing forwards and stomach muscles lifted to keep your back straight.

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2) Pull in your stomach muscles and raise your back up towards the ceiling, letting your head and bum relax downwards gently – do not let your elbows lock and only move your back as far as you comfortably can.

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3) Hold for a few seconds then slowly return to the box position – take care not to hollow your back, it should always return to a straight, neutral position.

4) Do this slowly and rhythmically 10 times, making your muscles work hard and moving your back carefully.

Doing prenatal yoga or aquanatal classes (gentle exercise classes in water) with a qualified instructor can also help build your muscles to better support your back. Ask at your local leisure centre.

Page last reviewed: 15 March 2021
Next review due: 15 March 2024

Back Pain During Pregnancy | Cedars-Sinai

Overview

Back pain in pregnancy is very common, affecting an estimated 50 percent to 80 percent of pregnant women.

It can range from mild pain associated with specific activities to acute pain that becomes chronic.

About 10 percent of the time the pain becomes so severe that it can interfere with the ability to work or carry out normal activities during pregnancy.

Studies show that lower back pain usually occurs between the fifth and seventh months of being pregnant, although in some cases it begins as early as eight to 12 weeks.

Women with pre-existing lower back problems are at higher risk for back pain, and their back pain can occur earlier in their pregnancy.

Symptoms

Lumbar pain during pregnancy is generally located at and above the waist in the center of the back, and it may be concurrent with pain that radiates into the woman's leg or foot.

Posterior pelvic pain (in the back of the pelvis) is four times more prevalent than lumbar pain in pregnancy. It is a deep pain felt below the waistline, on one or both sides or across the tailbone.

Causes and Risk Factors

Increase of hormones — Hormones released during pregnancy allow pelvic-area ligaments to soften and joints to loosen in preparation for the birthing process. This change may affect the support your back normally experiences.

Center of gravity — Your center of gravity will gradually move forward as your uterus and baby grow, which causes your posture to change.

Additional weight — Your developing pregnancy and baby create additional weight that your back must support.

Posture or position — Poor posture, excessive standing and bending over can trigger or escalate back pain.

Stress — Stress usually accumulates in weak areas of the body. Because of the changes in your pelvic area, you may experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of back pain during pregnancy is based on a review of the patient’s medical history, a physical examination and possibly an MRI, to rule out a herniated disk. No X-ray or CT scan will be performed because these procedures use radiation.

Treatment

Watch your posture when you are sitting. Lounging in a chair all day puts more strain on your spine than anything else. At home and at work, make sure the chairs you use most provide good support, preferably with a straight back, arms and a firm cushion. Use a footrest to elevate your feet slightly, and don't cross your legs. That can cause your pelvis to tilt forward, exacerbating those strained back muscles.

Take breaks. Walk or stand and stretch at least once an hour. Sitting too long can make your back hurt even more. Try not to stand too long either. If you work on your feet, try to place one foot on a low stool to take some pressure off your lower back.

Avoid lifting heavy loads. If you must, do it slowly. Stabilize yourself by assuming a wide stance; bend at the knees, not at the waist; and lift with your arms and legs, not your back.

Watch your weight.

Wear the right shoes. Extremely high heels are out, as are completely flat ones. Experts recommend a 2-inch heel to keep your body in proper alignment.

No reaching. Use a low, stable step stool to get items from high places and you’ll avoid additional strain.

Think happy thoughts. A calm mind leads to a looser back. You can also try some prenatal yoga, which will relax both your mind and your back.

Physiotherapy, yoga, exercise (walking, biking and swimming) are all considered safe for most pregnant women and can be performed for 20 to 45 minutes, three to five days a week. Pregnant women should take care to exercise at a mild to moderate level, but not to the point of exhaustion.

Strengthen your stomach. Do pelvic tilts to strengthen your abs, which in turn support your back. Or sit on an exercise ball and rock back and forth.

Go hot and cold. Soothe sore muscles by applying cold compresses, then warm compresses in 15-minute intervals.

Take a warm bath. Or turn the showerhead to pulsating to massage your back.

Get a massage. Wait until after the first trimester to get one. Go to a masseuse who knows you’re pregnant and is trained in the art of prenatal massage.

Always Talk to Your OB

Sometimes back pain is a red flag that something serious is going on. Among the most worrisome causes of pregnancy back pain is preterm labor. Women should watch for pain that is new and cyclical — which could be a sign of uterine contractions — along with vaginal bleeding or any change in vaginal discharge that could indicate a placental issue or an early rupture of your waters.

If you experience numbness, tingling or a sharp, shooting pain in your buttocks, legs or feet, call your doctor to make sure there are no serious conditions. Even though the cause of numbness is usually not a more worrisome condition, such as preterm labor, it could signify compression of the sciatic nerve or other nerves that connect your spine to the lower body and pelvic area.

Pregnant women should always consult with their healthcare professional before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine. Women taking pain medicines who are considering becoming pregnant should also consult with their healthcare professionals to discuss the risks and benefits of pain medicine. Healthcare professionals should continue to follow the recommendations on the drug labels when prescribing pain medicines to pregnant patients.

Symptoms and treatment of back pain in early pregnancy in St. Petersburg

Make an appointment

In the early stages of pregnancy, women usually suffer from very painful sensations in the lumbar region. Practice shows that this pain may disappear after the twentieth week of the term. This is due to the fact that back pain in early pregnancy is associated with softening of the supporting ligaments and discs and due to an increase in progesterone, a hormone. If during pregnancy a young mother falls ill with any infectious disease of the bladder, then this can also cause pain in the back and lower back. Constant discomfort and back pain in pregnant women most often occurs due to a shift in the center of gravity of the abdomen, where the baby develops and grows.

The best way to relieve yourself of back pain during pregnancy is to do special physical exercises. The earlier you start classes and training, the faster you will achieve a positive result and eliminate pain. Moreover, thanks to physical education, you will keep your body in constant tone, which will ensure that it is ready for attempts during childbirth and facilitate them. Be sure to pay attention to your posture. If the doctor has determined that your posture has become the source of lower back pain, then carefully monitor it. How do you sit and walk during pregnancy. Thanks to the advice of a specialist and your observations, it will be much easier for you to cope with pain and minimize discomfort from it. Do not neglect such seemingly insignificant moments. It is posture that plays a huge role in early pregnancy.

Whenever you stand or sit down, pay attention to the position of your back. In relation to your shoulders, it should be absolutely straight and not slouched. In the last weeks of pregnancy, women feel sharp or aching back pain due to the fact that the stomach becomes truly large. The child develops much more intensively and you have to unconsciously slouch in order to somehow cope with the growing tension and additional weight. This again leads to excessive tension and becomes a source of pain.

If you want to minimize pain, make sure you get enough rest and sleep. You must avoid any stress, nervous tension and experiences that can significantly worsen not only your back pain, but also have an extremely negative impact on the baby.

Another way to make the fight against pain more effective is to include exercises from yoga or exercise therapy in your regular activities. Only your doctor and exercise therapy specialist can choose the right set of exercises and choose the right load. In this matter, any initiative is severely suppressed. Do not risk your child's health and well-being.

If the pain has become chronic and does not stop, consult your doctor and ask him to prescribe you a special physiotherapy treatment that will help relieve tension and soothe the pain.

Treatments for illness

Laser removal of neoplasms
Dermatologist's appointment
Physician's consultation
Biopuncture
Visceral manual therapy
Individual exercise therapy
Laser therapy
Therapeutic massage
Manual therapy
Medical tests
Pain blocks
Osteopathy
Palpation diagnostics
Reflexology
Physiotherapy
Electrophoresis
Drug therapy
Hirudotherapy
Clinical and neuropsychological testing
Duplex Scan
Pediatric neurologist
Prevention of post-COVID complications.
Ultrasound examination (ultrasound)
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Holter (24h) monitoring
Autoplasma therapy
Immunologist. Immunologist appointment.
Lymphatic drainage massage

Neurological consultation
Endocrinologist's consultation
Allergist's consultation
Gastroenterologist consultation

Back pain
Neck pain
Pain in legs
Sciatica
Diseases of the joints
Pinched nerve
Herniated disc
Intercostal neuralgia
Numbness of skin areas
Muscle inflammation (myositis)
Curvature of posture
Kyphosis
Scoliosis
Osteochondrosis
Spondylosis
Vegetative-vascular dystonia
Sleep disorders
Headache
Salt deposits
Flat feet
Heel spur, osteophytes
Sports injury
Ballet injury
Endocrine disorders
Allergy
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT)
Reasons for visiting a neurologist

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why it hurts and what to do in the early and late periods, in the first, second and third trimester

Pregnancy is an exciting and full of happy expectations period in a woman's life, so any ailments often cause great concern. The body is being rebuilt and preparing for the emergence of a new person, which affects the well-being of the expectant mother. What to do if your back hurts?

- Given the many reasons that can cause such complaints, if you experience any back pain, you should consult a doctor. The reason for immediate treatment is brown or bloody discharge, persistent or worsening pain in the lower back that does not go away after rest, fever, spreading pain in the groin and legs, - says Viktor Tyutyunnik, chief physician of the maternity hospital of the European Medical Center (EMC), d .med., professor .

Why does the lower back hurt in the early stages

It seems to many that in the first 10-12 weeks of pregnancy, external changes are so minimal that nothing should bother. The stomach is just starting to grow, which means that the load on the back is not yet increasing. But such conclusions are far from the truth, since the internal restructuring of the body is in full swing from the first weeks.

First trimester

Common causes of back pain in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy include the following.

Kidney disease . Especially often pregnant women are worried about cystitis and pyelonephritis. A signal for an urgent appeal to a urologist or nephrologist will be lower back pain, painful and frequent urination, fever, chills and weakness.
Increased uterine tone . It is evidenced by a pulling pain encircling the lower back, a feeling of fullness and bloating. A slight tension of the uterus is not a disease, it is a normal condition, since its most powerful layer is precisely the muscle. However, it is important to be able to distinguish the natural tone that can appear from physical activity (cleaning, brisk walking, etc. ) from the harbingers of a miscarriage.

Exacerbation of diseases of the musculoskeletal system . Radiculitis, osteochondrosis, vertebral hernia - if there were similar problems in the anamnesis, then during the period of expectation of the child, they can manifest themselves in full measure. You should not worry in advance, the doctor will help you choose the right therapy and improve your condition.
Hormonal adjustment . During pregnancy, the level of the hormone relaxin gradually increases, which leads to relaxation of the ligaments and increased mobility of the joints of the spine. Lower back pain in this case often occurs after long walks, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or from sitting at a computer for a long time.
Neoplasms . The presence of a tumor in the spine causes pain and discomfort. Due to hormonal changes occurring in the body, neoplasms can begin to actively grow, increasing pain.

— If in early pregnancy the intensity of pain increases or becomes cramping, as well as spotting, this is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. These alarming symptoms may indicate an ectopic pregnancy. It is important not to waste time here,” explains obstetrician-gynecologist Viktor Tyutyunnik.

Why does the lower back hurt in the late term

In the second and third trimesters, the load on the mother's body increases significantly, which provokes the appearance of ailments and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Second trimester

The second trimester is characterized by the same causes of back pain as in the first. However, it is worth highlighting the ongoing displacement of internal organs. A growing baby needs more and more space in the mother's stomach, which can cause additional pressure on the spine, causing pain.

— Due to the increase in the abdomen, the center of gravity shifts. In order to maintain balance, the woman is forced to move her shoulders back while simultaneously bending her neck, thereby increasing the natural lumbar curve. At the same time, the back muscles are in constant tension, while their tone is reduced under the influence of relaxin. At this time, the back muscles experience a strong load, which is manifested by pain. Such pains often intensify after physical exertion, prolonged sitting or being in one position, for example, when working at a computer, says obstetrician-gynecologist Viktor Tyutyunnik.

Kidney diseases remain relevant for the second trimester. The load on the internal organs is growing, the body becomes more susceptible to genitourinary infections, which together often provokes pyelonephritis. That is why pregnant women in the later stages constantly monitor urine and blood counts.

Third trimester

The final trimester of pregnancy is considered the most difficult and difficult. However, an early meeting with the baby helps expectant mothers to cope with stress. As a rule, lower back pain during this period is caused by the following things.

Calcium deficiency . The child gets most of the nutrients and vitamins, so if the mother eats poorly or improperly, then her body will not have enough calcium. This is a rather dangerous moment, since a lack of calcium provokes a softening of the bone joints. If you do not take action, then symphysitis may occur.
Training grips . The stomach becomes stone, and the pain encircles the lower back. This is normal, as the body begins to gradually prepare for childbirth. It is easy to distinguish training contractions from generic ones - the first ones do not have a periodicity, they arise chaotically and subside rather quickly.
Renal colic . The load on the kidneys in recent weeks is enormous. It can lead not only to pyelonephritis, but also to renal colic. Due to hormonal changes in many pregnant women, metabolism is disturbed and kidney stones form. Such a stone can come out at any time and get stuck in the ureter.
Neurological problems . The internal organs do not have enough space, they press on each other, and the curvature of the spine increases significantly. These causes often contribute to a pinched nerve, which provokes pain in the lower back and gluteal region.
Precursors of childbirth . By 36-37 weeks, the baby's head gradually begins to sink down - this is how the baby is preparing for the birth process. The pelvic bones of the expectant mother expand, which causes discomfort.

What to do if your lower back hurts during pregnancy

First of all, you should consult your doctor. As a rule, the following examinations are prescribed:

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
blood test;
urinalysis;
Ultrasound of the kidneys.

If neoplasms or problems with the spine are suspected, the doctor will refer the patient for a CT scan.

Treatment will directly depend on the diagnosis. For example, pyelonephritis is usually treated with antibiotics. In this case, it will be important to choose a drug that is safe for the mother and child. Massage and special ointments will help from osteochondrosis. Hypertonicity of the uterus is leveled by taking drugs with magnesium.

Prevention of low back pain during pregnancy

Preventive measures to help prevent low back pain include the following recommendations.

Eat right. More vegetables and fruits, lean meats and fish. The diet must include dairy products and cereals. Drink fruit drinks, juices, have snacks at work and follow a diet.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. It is better to refuse high heels, because the load on the spine is already great.

Do not lift heavy objects. This may provoke uterine tone.

Ask your doctor about prenatal bandage. For many pregnant women, it is a real salvation, allowing them to lead a normal life - walking, working, cooking, shopping.

Lead an active lifestyle. Do gymnastics, yoga, go to the pool, walk in the fresh air.

Buy a pregnancy pillow. Or change the mattress to a more comfortable one. The main thing is that you sleep comfortably.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Obstetrician-gynecologist of the European Medical Center (EMC), Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Viktor Tyutyunnik answers frequently asked questions.

Why does my lower back and lower abdomen hurt at the same time?

In the early stages, such pain can provoke uterine tone. In the third trimester, as a rule, “training contractions” or Braxton-Hicks contractions appear, which can be recognized by pulling pains in the back and lower back. Usually their duration is no more than 1 minute, they are irregular in nature and are due to the beginning of the preparation of the body for childbirth. If the interval between contractions decreases and the intensity increases, this may indicate the onset of regular labor or the threat of preterm labor before 37 weeks of gestation.

Why does my lower back hurt when walking?

Pain in the lower back when walking, physical activity, tilting and turning the body is especially severe if the expectant mother has a history of chronic diseases of the spine (protrusions, scoliosis, intervertebral hernias). On the background of pregnancy, they tend to worsen. This is facilitated by weight gain and growth of the fetus.

Why does my lower back hurt even when I'm lying down?

In the second trimester, due to the increase in the abdomen, the center of gravity shifts. In order to maintain balance, a woman is forced to take her shoulders back, while bending her neck, thereby increasing the natural lumbar curve.