Back pain in early pregnancy
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Pain in the lower back in the early stages of pregnancy, depending on the severity of the symptoms, can be both a completely natural phenomenon associated with sprain, and a rather alarming sign that signals any malfunctions in the body.
Spasmodic pain in the lower back can occur with excessive stretching of the muscles of the heart. This phenomenon can lead to the development of symphysitis, in which the pain sensations are much stronger and spread, in addition to the lower back, to the thigh and groin area.
Back pain in the early stages of pregnancy can be caused by increased uterine tone. This phenomenon occurs quite often in the first three months of pregnancy and requires compulsory treatment.
Back pain may be associated with an increase in the load on the lumbar region due to an increase in the size of the abdomen.
Keeping an inactive and improper lifestyle can also affect the condition of the lumbar region, especially if in the past the woman had problems with the spine. Long stay in an uncomfortable position or stay in a sitting position can also cause uncomfortable sensations in the lower back.
To cause unpleasant sensations in the lower back, and this is a fairly common problem in pregnancy, like constipation.
Back pain in the early stages of pregnancy can occur with pathology of the kidneys, myositis, sexual infections, inflammation of the uterus and its appendages, etc.
Given the many reasons that can provoke lumbar pain in the early stages of pregnancy, when such a symptom appears, be sure to inform the treating doctor.
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Causes of low back pain in early pregnancy
Among the many factors that can cause pain in the lower back, the following causes of low back pain in early pregnancy can be singled out separately:
- Hypertension of the uterus. In the early stages of pregnancy, this problem can be caused by hormonal changes and inadequate production of progesterone in the body of a woman. In addition, hypertension of the uterus can be a consequence of a disease such as endometriosis, the result of inflammatory processes in the uterus and its appendages, and also occur with overstretch of the uterine muscles, the presence of tumors (uterine myoma), and emotional overstrain. Back pain with hypertension of the uterus can be combined with pain in the lower abdomen, as well as in the sacral department.
- Symphysitis. The cause of symphysitis development may be changes in the hormonal background that occur during pregnancy in the body of a woman. Under the influence of relaxin, tissues soften in the region of the pubic articulation. This is a natural process for pregnancy, but with symptoms such as severe puffiness and discrepancy of the bones in the perimeter region, the intervention of the physician is required. In addition to pain in the lower back and in the groin, uncomfortable sensations with symphysitis can occur in hips and coccyx. Strengthening of pain in the presence of this pathology is noted with a change in the posture, in the position of lying to a woman it is difficult to raise and straighten her legs.
- Constipation. The cause of pain, irradiating the lower back, in the early stages of pregnancy can be such a delicate problem as constipation. To eliminate and normalize the chair, a woman needs to balance nutrition first, and herbal preparations that facilitate bowel movement are possible. You can use these medications only after consulting a doctor. Taking laxatives during pregnancy is prohibited.
- Enlargement and displacement of the uterus. This phenomenon in the early stages of pregnancy is a natural process and can cause discomfort in the lumbar region. This occurs as a stretching of the ligaments supporting the uterus, and the ligaments supporting the spine, as a result of displacement of the center of gravity of the abdomen. After 20 weeks of pregnancy, this symptomatology usually disappears.
- Osteochondrosis and sciatica. These diseases often cause pain in the lower back. If a woman previously had problems with the spine, back pain during pregnancy can be caused by exacerbation of osteochondrosis and radiculitis.
In addition to these reasons, back pain in the early stages of pregnancy can accompany other conditions that may pose a threat to the health of the woman and the course of pregnancy, so if you experience any discomfort in the lumbar area, you should always consult a doctor. Such symptoms with low back pain, like vaginal discharge and abdominal pain, require emergency medical intervention.
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Symptoms of back pain in early pregnancy
Symptoms of low back pain in early pregnancy can be either mild or severe, depending on the causes that cause it.
Pain in the lower back in the early stages of pregnancy can be blunt or pulling, be cramped or permanent, arise when moving, or when the woman is sitting or lying.
To establish the reasons that provoke back pain in the first months of pregnancy, and take the necessary measures to eliminate them, you should always contact a gynecologist.
Who to contact?
Diagnosis of low back pain in early pregnancy
Diagnosis of back pain in the early stages of pregnancy, depending on the attendant symptoms, may involve an ultrasound examination, as well as a general examination of the patient.
The examination takes into account such factors as the nature and intensity of pain, the presence of concomitant symptoms (pain in the groin, abdomen, vaginal discharge), the lifestyle of the pregnant woman, the diet, the presence of spine diseases, infectious or systemic pathologies, etc.
Depending on the results of the examination, the pregnant woman is assigned individual complex treatment aimed at eliminating the causes that cause such symptoms.
Treatment of low back pain in early pregnancy
The treatment of back pain in the early stages of pregnancy depends on the general symptoms and the nature of pain.
In diseases of the spine of a pregnant woman, a set of therapeutic exercises can be prescribed, which is selected individually, based on the nature and type of pain syndrome. It should be remembered that a woman during pregnancy is categorically forbidden to lift weights and overstrain.
Treatment of back pain caused by problems with bowel movement is to balance the diet and diet, take laxatives during pregnancy is highly undesirable. To normalize the stool, it is possible to take preparations on a plant basis, strictly according to the doctor's prescription.
With hypertension of the uterus treatment is carried out in a hospital, the pregnant is recommended bed rest, prescribed antispasmodic and sedatives.
The treatment of back pain in the early stages of pregnancy should be prescribed only by a qualified doctor after a full-time examination and establishing the causes that cause pain.
Prevention of low back pain in early pregnancy
Prevention of pain in the lower back in the early stages of pregnancy consists primarily in the conduct of a healthy lifestyle, the uniform distribution of loads on the lumbar region, the exclusion of heavy physical labor and stressful situations, proper and balanced nutrition, maintaining normal body weight, rest.
Prevention of pain in the lower back in the early stages of pregnancy is also a regular visit to the attending physician and a routine examination.
Prognosis of lower back pain in early pregnancy
The prognosis of back pain in early pregnancy depends on the severity of the symptoms and the causes that cause it.
If back pain is associated with sprains, displacement of the center of gravity of the abdomen, diseases of the spine, pregnant women, a set of therapeutic exercises and procedures for alleviating the condition can be prescribed. During pregnancy, in the absence of complications, such symptoms, as a rule, do not have a negative effect.
The forecast of back pain in the early stages of pregnancy in the event of pain in the lower abdomen and vaginal discharge may be unfavorable if you do not turn in time for medical help. Such symptoms may indicate a threat of abortion and requires emergency medical attention.
With any, even the most minor discomfort, arising during pregnancy, be sure to consult a doctor. This will allow timely detection of pathology and prevent the development of negative consequences.