Pain in late pregnancy

As we approach the long-awaited moment of meeting with the baby, the organism can prepare a pregnant woman for the generic process by applying "exercises with pain." Of course, pain in the late stages of pregnancy does not appear in everyone. Growth of the fetus in recent months causes a barely noticeable discomfort, but in some future mothers discomfort develops into severe pain syndromes.

Stress and hardening of the peritoneal wall predicts an early resolution of pregnancy. This change is more often observed with physical stress, orgasm, in a sad or angry mood. If the abdominal tissues relax again, then there is no cause for excitement.

Pain late in pregnancy can signal a pathology, threaten spontaneous termination of pregnancy (there is a shortening of the cervix with simultaneous opening of its throat).

[1], [2]

Causes of pain in late pregnancy

Factors causing pain in late pregnancy: 

• wrong diet, which is accompanied by spasms in the digestive system and provokes the appearance of soreness. Pregnant should eat fresh food and do not overeat. The organs of the digestive tract work in an elevated mode, squeezed by an increasing uterus. The motor bowels slow down, which causes constipation. Therefore it is important to drink enough fluids, eat raw fiber and move more; 
• stretching ligamentous apparatus supporting the uterus. Painful sensations are rather sharp, but not long, intensifying when moving; 
• the tension of the muscular corset of the peritoneum responds with soreness in the process of physical loading. Cope with the pain syndrome will help relaxation and relaxation; 
• exacerbation of diseases - pancreatitis, inflammation of the appendix, obstruction of the intestine. Rare in the pregnant state of the disease occur against a background of severe pain accompanied by dizziness, nausea, fever; 
• gynecological pains - the result of pathology, worsening of the condition of the pregnant woman; 
• spontaneous termination of pregnancy - accompanied by a aching kind of soreness, reminiscent of contractions and giving back to the zone of the waist. The process develops with discharge from the vagina and requires immediate medical attention; 
• abruption of the placenta - as a result of abdominal trauma, overexertion, due to various diseases (for example, with hypertension). Pain syndrome is concentrated in the lower abdomen. Damage to the blood vessels leads to hemorrhage in the uterus, as well as a threat to the life of the mother and child.

Complaints about discomfort in the back of the doctors hear from half of pregnant women. Causes of pain in late pregnancy in the lumbar region: 

• increased loading of the spinal column due to the increase in the fetus, starting at 5 months. Pain can radiate into the leg, strengthen after a load, a long sitting / standing position; 
• diseases of a neuralgic nature - intervertebral hernia, radiculitis. It will ease the condition of bandages, rest, therapeutic gymnastics; 
• symphysiopathy is a hereditary predisposition, which causes stretching and softening of the pubic zone with hemorrhage. Soreness in the forearm is often of a lasting nature and is accompanied by a change in gait; 
• kidney diseases are characterized by soreness in the lumbar region, temperature, pronounced edema, headache and high blood pressure, frequent urination with turbid urine. Treatment of the kidneys (for example, pyelonephritis) is performed under steady-state conditions; 
• urolithiasis - it gives an intense colic in the lumbar region of a sharp, cramping type, often with a violation of urination; 
• preparatory contractions (Braxton-Hicks) - are felt by varying degrees of uterine tension and pain in the lower back.

Pain syndrome is often observed with hormonal changes in the body, causing arthralgia (joint pain) in later terms. The cause of pain can be an unstable emotional state. Pregnancy is often accompanied by stress, anxiety, nervous overload.

[3], [4], [5], [6], [7]

Symptoms of pain in late pregnancy

Obstetric character pain in late pregnancy is with the possibility of miscarriage. Such situations have, firstly, the initial predisposition - chronic diseases of the pregnant woman, disruption of the hormonal background, pathology of fetal development. Secondly, the symptomatology of spontaneous abortion is distinguished by lumbar pain with the presence of fights, the strength and frequency of which increases with time.

Non-obstetric pain symptoms in late pregnancy include: 

• severity, bursting sensation, pain in the zone of the hypochondrium on the right - characterize dyskinesia of the gallbladder and its ducts. Dyskinesia often leads to inflammation and the formation of stones. In turn, cholelithiasis and cholecystitis of chronic form provoke the development of dyskinesia; 
• high blood pressure, puffiness, headache, protein impurity in the urine - signs of preeclampsia (late toxicosis forms). It can develop into eclampsia (the appearance of convulsions), which threatens the life of the mother and child; 
• discomfort and tissue density of the abdomen - point to dropsy; 
• feeling of heaviness in the legs - due to weight gain or caused by fatigue, varicose veins; 
• joint pain - often the cause is progesterone, which causes the ligament to soften; 
• heartburn and pain from the intestine - the cause may be gastritis, banal overeating; 
• acute pain, localized on the one hand - an alarm signal requiring medical attention. Do not pass for a long time, severe pain syndromes accompany appendicitis, intestinal obstruction or pancreatitis; 
• severe painful attacks of the upper abdomen, shingles - indicate problems with the pancreas. Often there is nausea / vomiting, problems with defecation, lowering of pressure.

Diagnosis of pain in late pregnancy

An experienced gynecologist can determine the exact cause of the pain syndrome. During the admission the doctor collects an anamnesis on the basis of the patient's complaints. A number of conditions require gynecological examination and taking a smear for analysis. For example, the diagnosis of pain in late pregnancy with bleeding. With vaginal discharge, a blood test for biochemistry, HIV, a check for hepatitis and syphilis, as well as a coagulogram (blood coagulability) and a general urine test may be required.

Ultrasound, by which physicians differentiate pancreatic function disorders, kidney disease, condition of the uterus and fetus, etc., remains the most reliable way.

To additional methods of examination carry - MRI, FGDS (fibrogastroduodenoscopy).

[8], [9]

Treatment of pain in late pregnancy

The therapeutic effect is prescribed by the attending physician depending on the existing pathology and stage of the disease development.

The therapeutic effect of the inflammatory disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis) is achieved in a hospital using a conservative approach, namely: a strict diet, taking drugs to improve the activity of the gland, the use of medications for analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Some cases require surgery.

The state of renal colic is facilitated by antispasmodics, analgesics. Small stones can come out on their own, but the overlap of the lumen of the ureter with large elements does not exclude the surgical method of treatment.

Treatment of pain in late pregnancy with the threat of miscarriage are aimed at preserving the life of the baby. Conditions that are exacerbated by bleeding are continuously observed by a gynecologist. If ultrasound confirmed the viability of the fetus, then use antispasmodics, put drippers with magnesium, apply vitamins.

In connection with suspicion of detachment, the placenta is performed by a cesarean section. Cases with heavy bleeding require an emergency cesarean, regardless of a full or premature fetus.

How to prevent pain in late pregnancy?

Preventative measures for unpleasant sensations in the lower back: 

• rational nutrition - eat foods high in calcium (greens, dairy products, fish). You can drink lactate / calcium carbonate; 
• watch the load on your back - do not lean forward, if you need to lift something from the floor, squat (the muscles of the legs and shoulder area work, the back does not participate). Gently sit down, do not flop from the take-off, take care of the disks. Sit in a comfortable position resting on the back of the chair. Give preference to the orthopedic mattress and comfortable pillow; 
• wear comfortable shoes; 
• do not forget to strengthen the muscles of the back, abdomen, thighs. Especially good results are given by aqua aerobics classes, swimming.

Prevention of pain in late pregnancy with predisposition to intestinal disorders includes monitoring the amount of food consumed and its composition. It is undesirable to overeat, which negatively affects your weight and digestion process in conditions of decreased intestinal motility. To get rid of frequent constipation, increase fluid intake, enter into the diet fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole wheat bread). Do not forget to walk more outdoors and think only positively.

Prognosis of pain in late pregnancy

Much of the experience of the future mother gives pain in late pregnancy, which should be treated carefully, but without panic. Pain syndrome and the appearance of fights prepare your body for the upcoming joyful event. The cause of treatment to the gynecologist can serve as accentuating, frequent and cramping pains with smearing or bloody discharge.

The pains caused by constipation, intestinal problems, arise very often through the fault of the woman who does not know the measures in food and is accustomed to living on the principle of "I eat for two." The last months of pregnancy should be very careful about the choice of food, which should be fresh and natural, as well as consumed volumes. Eat more often and fractionally, use a decoction of dried apricots / prunes for natural relaxation.

Of course, the future mother should be more rest, especially in the position with the legs up, but also do not forget about moderate physical exertion.

The prognosis of pain in late pregnancy, confirmed by a diagnostic examination, with pathologies of internal organs may not be comforting. Acute, chronic processes often require surgical intervention. However, it should be taken into account that all the actions of doctors are aimed at preserving the life of the mother and child.

The future mum should not go into a panic when there was a pain on late terms of pregnancy, and in due time to address to the expert. More often unpleasant sensations with approach of sorts or labors have natural character under influence of hormones and a growing tummy.