Low back pain in early pregnancy

Low back pain in early pregnancy, depending on the severity of symptoms, can be either a completely natural phenomenon associated with stretching of the ligaments, or a rather alarming sign signaling some kind of problem in the body.

Spasmodic pain in the lower back can occur with excessive stretching of the pubic muscles. This phenomenon can lead to the development of symphysitis, in which the pain is much stronger and spreads, in addition to the lower back, to the hips and groin area.

Lower back pain in early pregnancy may be caused by increased uterine tone. This phenomenon is quite common in the first three months of pregnancy and requires mandatory treatment.

Lower back pain may be associated with increased stress on the lumbar region due to an increase in abdominal size.

An inactive and unhealthy lifestyle can also affect the condition of the lumbar region, especially if a woman has had problems with the spine in the past. Prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position or sitting can also be the cause of discomfort in the lower back.

Constipation, a fairly common problem during pregnancy, can also cause discomfort in the lower back.

Lower back pain in early pregnancy can occur due to kidney pathology, myositis, sexually transmitted infections, inflammation of the uterus and its appendages, etc.

Considering the many reasons that can provoke lower back pain in the early stages of pregnancy, if such a symptom appears, you should definitely notify your doctor.

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Causes of Lower Back Pain in Early Pregnancy

Among the numerous factors that can cause pain in the lower back, the following causes of lower back pain in early pregnancy can be singled out separately:

• Hypertonicity of the uterus. In the early stages of pregnancy, this problem can be caused by hormonal changes and insufficient production of progesterone in the woman's body. In addition, hypertonicity 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 overstretching of the uterine muscles, the presence of tumors (uterine fibroids), emotional stress. Pain in the lower back with hypertonicity of the uterus can be combined with pain in the lower abdomen, as well as in the sacral region.
• Symphysitis. The development of symphysitis can be caused by changes in hormonal levels that occur in a woman's body during pregnancy. Relaxin causes softening of the tissues in the pubic symphysis. This is a natural process for pregnancy, but with symptoms such as severe swelling and divergence of the bones in the peripubic region, medical intervention is required. In addition to pain in the lower back and groin, discomfort with symphysitis can occur in the hips and coccyx. Increased pain in the presence of this pathology is noted when changing positions; in a lying position, it is difficult for a woman to raise and straighten her legs.
• Constipation. The cause of pain radiating to the lower back in early pregnancy may be such a delicate problem as constipation. To eliminate it and normalize stool, a woman must first of all balance her diet, possibly taking herbal preparations that promote bowel movements. Such preparations can only be used 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. In this case, both the ligaments supporting the uterus and the ligaments supporting the spine are stretched as a result of the displacement of the center of gravity of the abdomen. After 20 weeks of pregnancy, such symptoms usually disappear.
• Osteochondrosis and radiculitis. These diseases often cause pain in the lower back. If a woman has previously had problems with the spine, lower back pain during pregnancy can be caused by an exacerbation of osteochondrosis and radiculitis.

In addition to the listed reasons, lower back pain in early pregnancy may be accompanied by other conditions that may pose a threat to the woman's health and the course of pregnancy, so if any discomfort occurs in the lumbar region, you should definitely consult a doctor. Symptoms of lower back pain such as vaginal discharge and abdominal pain require emergency medical intervention.

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Symptoms of Lower Back Pain in Early Pregnancy

Symptoms of lower back pain in early pregnancy can range from mild to severe, depending on the underlying causes.

Lower back pain in early pregnancy can be dull or aching, cramping or constant, and occur with movement or when the woman is sitting or lying down.

To determine the causes that provoke lower back pain in the first months of pregnancy and take the necessary measures to eliminate them, you should definitely consult a gynecologist.

Diagnosis of low back pain in early pregnancy

Diagnosis of lower back pain in early pregnancy, depending on the accompanying symptoms, may involve an ultrasound examination, as well as a general examination of the patient.

During the examination, factors such as the nature and intensity of pain, the presence of accompanying symptoms (pain in the groin, abdomen, vaginal discharge), the lifestyle of the pregnant woman, diet, the presence of spinal diseases, infectious or systemic pathologies, etc. are taken into account.

Depending on the results of the examination, the pregnant woman is prescribed individual complex treatment aimed at eliminating the causes of such symptoms.

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Treatment of low back pain in early pregnancy

Treatment for lower back pain in early pregnancy depends on the overall symptoms and the nature of the pain.

In case of spinal diseases, a pregnant woman may be prescribed a set of therapeutic exercises, which is selected individually, based on the nature and type of pain syndrome. It should be remembered that a woman during pregnancy is strictly prohibited from lifting weights and overexerting herself.

Treatment of lower back pain caused by problems with bowel movements consists of balancing the diet and eating regimen; taking laxatives during pregnancy is highly undesirable. To normalize stool, it is possible to take herbal preparations, strictly as prescribed by a doctor.

In case of hypertonicity of the uterus, treatment is carried out in a hospital setting; the pregnant woman is recommended bed rest, and antispasmodic and sedative drugs are prescribed.

Treatment for lower back pain in early pregnancy should only be prescribed by a qualified physician after an in-person examination and determination of the causes of the pain.

Prevention of lower back pain in early pregnancy

Prevention of lower back pain in early pregnancy consists primarily of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, evenly distributing the load on the lumbar region, avoiding heavy physical work and stressful situations, proper and balanced nutrition, maintaining normal body weight, and adequate rest.

Prevention of lower back pain in early pregnancy also involves regular visits to your doctor and routine check-ups.

Low Back Pain Early Pregnancy Prognosis

The prognosis for low back pain in early pregnancy depends on the severity of the symptoms and the causes that cause it.

If the lower back pain is associated with ligament sprains, abdominal gravity shifts, or spinal diseases, the pregnant woman may be prescribed a set of therapeutic exercises and procedures to alleviate the condition. Such symptoms, as a rule, do not have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy in the absence of complications.

The prognosis for lower back pain in early pregnancy when there is pain in the lower abdomen and vaginal discharge may be unfavorable if you do not seek medical help in a timely manner. Such symptoms may indicate a threat of termination of pregnancy and require emergency medical intervention.

If you experience any discomfort during pregnancy, even the slightest, be sure to consult a doctor. This will allow you to detect the pathology in time and prevent the development of negative consequences.