Back pain during pregnancy: why does it hurt and what to do?

13 July 2020

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Pregnancy is a happy and at the same time quite difficult period in the life of most women. Over 40 weeks, both the psyche and body of a woman undergoes many changes. And if the awakening of the maternal instinct and trying on a new role as a mother is exclusively positive, then physical changes are not always desirable and equally positive.

african american pregnant woman sitting on yoga mat

One of the most common problems for expectant mothers is back pain, especially in the lower back. In some cases, it is physiological in nature, i.e., it is regarded as the norm, but in other situations it is a sign of pathological changes and requires medical attention. It is because of the changes that occur in the body during pregnancy that chronic diseases worsen and sluggish ones appear. The difficulty lies in recognizing harmless lower back pain during pregnancy from a symptom of the disease, because many medical procedures are contraindicated for expectant mothers. Therefore, if you experience discomfort in your back, you should definitely talk to your doctor about it and, if necessary, contact a specialist, for example, a neurologist or vertebrologist.

Physiological causes of low back pain during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a lot of new processes and transformations take place in a woman’s body. In the earliest stages, hormonal changes come to the fore. The body is preparing for gestation and future childbirth; the hormones produced affect the ligaments and joints. They gradually stretch, which can lead to nagging pain in the lower back. Their presence up to 10 weeks is normal, but only if there is no bloody, brownish vaginal discharge, since this combination of symptoms indicates the possibility of spontaneous miscarriage.

In addition to changing hormonal levels, the uterus gradually enlarges and the center of gravity shifts. For this reason, a woman has to lean back while walking, retract her shoulders and bend in the lower back. As a result, the spine acquires a more pronounced lordosis, i.e. the natural lumbar curve is enhanced, and the muscles are in constant tension. This cannot go unnoticed and provokes back pain. They will especially bother women with weak muscles, those carrying twins or multiple pregnancies. Pain tends to appear or worsen after prolonged standing, sitting, walking or physical activity.

Acute pain is always a sign of abnormalities. Therefore, in such situations you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

In the third trimester, so-called training contractions often occur, which in some women causes lower back pain. This is due to the beginning of the body’s preparation for childbirth and does not pose a threat to the woman and the fetus. In addition, at this time, a change in the configuration of the pelvic bones occurs, the fetus moves downward, and its head puts more pressure on them and the cervix. This can also cause aching back pain.

The appearance of cramping pain with decreasing intervals between attacks can act as a sign of the onset of labor.

What to do if your back hurts in early pregnancy

If you experience lower back tension in early pregnancy or are bothered by pain localized in the sacral area, you should immediately seek qualified medical help. Such a sign of pregnancy is a serious danger, since it significantly increases the likelihood of miscarriage and terminated pregnancy.

When pain begins to appear in women after physical activity and a tugging sensation in the stomach, you should use the following recommendations:

• take a comfortable lying position;
• take one of the sedatives like Valerian or Corvalol;
• An anti-spasm medication (No-Spa) may be required.

In the first trimester, hormonal drugs may be prescribed, which include Utrozhestan and Duphaston. The dosage and duration of use must be calculated by the attending physician. In the third trimester and later stages of pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe pharmaceuticals aimed at reducing the contractile activity of the uterus.

The pain syndrome, which has a certain periodicity and is similar to contractions, usually requires the expectant mother to be placed in a hospital setting, as well as studies such as cardiography and ultrasound with subsequent treatment. In the second trimester, the load on the spinal column increases significantly, which causes a shift in the center of gravity and a strong deflection of the lower back.

Important! If aching pain is accompanied by bloody vaginal discharge, urgent medical attention is needed, since such signs can lead to termination of pregnancy.

Diseases that can cause lower back pain during pregnancy

Since during pregnancy the immune system decreases and the shape of the spine changes, this contributes to the manifestation of all latent diseases and the exacerbation of chronic pathologies. Therefore, diseases of the urinary, reproductive system and, last but not least, the spine often occur during pregnancy.

The fact is that the increasing load on the spine leads to a sharp creation of unfavorable conditions. Therefore, if a woman already had any disorders before conception, even if she does not know about them, they will progress rapidly during pregnancy, which will result in back pain. The main reasons for their appearance are:

• osteochondrosis;
• protrusions and intervertebral hernias;
• scoliosis.

Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is one of the most common causes of lower back pain during pregnancy. This disease is typically characterized by the development of a degenerative-dystrophic process in the intervertebral discs with a decrease in their thickness. The disease is widespread even among young people and is most often provoked by a sedentary lifestyle, excessive physical activity and excess weight.

With it, pain in the lower back is chronic and aching in nature and intensifies after prolonged standing, sitting, or physical work. It is osteochondrosis that becomes a prerequisite for the occurrence of more severe pathologies of the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine - protrusions and hernias.

Protrusions and intervertebral hernias

Protrusions are deformations of the intervertebral disc, in which it protrudes into the spinal canal and can compress the spinal roots and nerves of the so-called cauda equina that pass through immediately. This is accompanied by severe pain in the lower back, which radiates to the legs in accordance with the areas of innervation of the compressed nerves, and sensory disturbances. This is called radicular syndrome.

If orthopedic treatment is not followed, the outer lining of the intervertebral disc, called the annulus fibrosus, will rupture and its internal contents (nucleus pulposus) can partially leak into the spinal canal. This is fraught with compression of the spinal cord and pinching of its nerve roots, which will provoke severe pain along the nerves and in the lower back. A large hernia and severe radicular syndrome are an indication for surgical treatment.

The formation of protrusions and herniations of intervertebral discs against the background of weight gain due to fetal growth is one of the most common causes of lower back pain during pregnancy.

Scoliosis

The presence of scoliotic deformity in a woman before pregnancy is a serious prerequisite for the appearance of back pain after conception. The increasing weight and size of the uterus will provoke an increase in the scoliotic arch. This will not only lead to severe lower back pain, but can also contribute to the occurrence of disturbances in the functioning of internal organs. Additional signs of scoliosis are an asymmetry in the position of the pelvic bones and shoulder blades, a difference in the position of the legs and a visible deformation of the back when bending forward.

Kidney diseases

Often lower back pain during pregnancy is caused by the development of kidney diseases, in particular pyelonephritis. It is characterized by an inflammatory process, one of the triggering factors for which is hypothermia or infection. Renal dysfunction can be differentiated by the presence of additional symptoms:

• increased body temperature;
• chills;
• pain and increased frequency of urination;
• change in urine color;
• swelling of the legs.

Also, lower back pain during pregnancy is often caused by urolithiasis or nephrolithiasis. With it, stones of different compositions and degrees of density are formed in the kidneys. Under the influence of physical activity, vibration when moving in a shaking vehicle or other factors, they can move from their places and begin to move along the ureters. This is accompanied by severe back pain, radiating to the groin, lower abdomen and thighs. Often the movement of stones through the ureters is accompanied by the appearance of blood impurities in the urine, due to injury to their mucous membranes by the sharp edges of the stones. Over time, the stone descends into the bladder and the pain subsides. Then it can begin to move again, causing pain in the urethra and blood in the urine.

Causes of pain syndrome

An impressive proportion of all women experience lower back pain during pregnancy, which is associated with a high load on the spinal column and weakened abdominal muscles caused by excessive stretching. Most often, such pain syndrome is observed in the late trimesters, and disappears only some time after childbirth. Discomfort usually occurs during physical exertion and stressful situations such as severe hypothermia.

Unpleasant sensations are localized in the lumbar region, but the pain can radiate to the leg, causing difficulty walking. Lower back pain during pregnancy caused by the effects of relaxin (a natural hormone) may temporarily reduce joint mobility, but is not serious.

Spasmodic, pronounced pain, which is accompanied by loss of coordination and a number of other unpleasant symptoms, is a much more serious threat. Such a signal may be a harbinger of internal bleeding, requiring immediate treatment in a clinical hospital.

Important! Lower back pain during pregnancy can be caused by a displaced center of gravity, when expectant mothers have to spread their shoulders and stretch their necks.

Other causes of back pain during pregnancy

Why does my lower back hurt during different trimesters of pregnancy? In addition to the reasons listed above, pain in the back can be caused by wearing high-heeled shoes, staying in an incorrect position for a long time during sedentary work, as well as weakened muscles. In some cases, lower back pain during pregnancy occurs due to various diseases of the musculoskeletal system that developed before pregnancy.

Osteochondrosis, scoliosis, intervertebral hernia and many other diseases of the spinal column often develop due to uncomfortable working conditions or excessive physical activity. If a pregnant woman has lower back pain, the following factors may be the causes of this phenomenon:

• The presence of cracks (even minor ones) resulting from injuries, falls or difficulties encountered during a previous birth.
• An increase in body weight creates a high load on the back and entails a curvature of posture.
• A pregnant woman’s body produces an impressive amount of various hormones that affect the relaxation of muscles and ligaments.

Lower back pain in early pregnancy can be associated with colds and infectious diseases. Those who are unlucky enough to “blow out” their lower back usually complain of unpleasant “pulling” sensations localized in the lower parts of the spinal column and radiating to the stomach. Back pain in the early stages of pregnancy may not indicate the presence of any pathology, and may be a side effect of the body adapting to the increased load.

Causes of pain may vary depending on the trimester

The inflammatory process in the kidneys (pyelonephritis) is often accompanied by pain in the lower back. This disease can be recognized by such signs as: frequent urination, increased blood pressure, headache, swelling and fever. Symphysiopathy is a disease that occurs due to excessive relaxation of the symphysis pubis. It is accompanied by a lack of coordination, and it usually hurts and bothers the lower spine.

If the lower back on the right hurts during pregnancy, and the pain syndrome is aching and pulling, the problem may be not only pyelonephritis, but also other kidney diseases. Treatment involves taking antibacterial drugs, antispasmodics and analgesics prescribed by a competent doctor based on the results of biochemical tests and a general examination. Therapy during the 5th week of pregnancy should be selected with special care so as not to harm the actively developing fetus.

Dangerous symptoms

Although lower back pain is often physiological in nature, carelessness can turn tragic for a young family. Therefore, if the pain is acute and severe, it is important to consult a gynecologist, neurologist and urologist as soon as possible, as well as undergo the necessary examinations.

But if back pain is accompanied by the following symptoms, you should immediately seek medical help:

• the appearance of bloody, brownish discharge from the vagina;
• persistent or increasing pain in the lower back that does not go away with rest;
• pain radiates to the legs, groin;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• increase in body temperature.

Such symptoms may indicate a threat of miscarriage or a serious exacerbation of an existing disease.

Why does pain appear in the early stages?

Many expectant mothers complain that at the beginning of pregnancy they have pain, aching or pulling in the lower back. Most often, the cause of this phenomenon is natural changes in a woman’s body. However, pain may occur due to compression or damage to internal organs. In early pregnancy, the lower back may hurt due to impaired contractile function of the uterus, diseases of the spine or organs of the genitourinary system.

Let's figure out what causes lower back pain most often at the beginning of pregnancy.

Table 1. Possible causes of pain in the first trimester

Physiological development of pregnancy

Mild pain in the lower back and lower abdomen in the early stages often occurs on days 6-7 of pregnancy. A few drops of blood may be released from the woman’s genitals, which does not coagulate or form clots. All these symptoms indicate implantation of a fertilized egg, that is, its attachment to the wall of the uterus.

At the beginning of pregnancy, the lower back may hurt due to the formation of the chorion. From the latter, the placenta is formed in the future, through which the fetus receives all the necessary nutrients from the mother. The growth of chorion tissue into the wall of the uterus causes pain in a woman at 4-5 weeks.

Starting from 6-7 weeks, aching pain in the abdomen and back occurs due to active blood flow to the uterus. This process is physiological, that is, absolutely natural. Accelerating blood flow helps saturate the fetus with the right amount of oxygen and nutrients. This ensures a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby.

If your lower back hurts during early pregnancy, do not rush to panic. Minor pain may be common. If the pain is very severe, go for an examination to a gynecologist. He will examine you and determine the cause of your unpleasant symptoms.

Hormonal changes

A number of hormonal changes occur in the body of pregnant women. Their body is rebuilt, preparing to carry and safely give birth to a child. Expectant mothers begin to actively synthesize the hormone relaxin. In the first trimester it is produced by the ovaries. The main role of relaxin is to soften the tissues of the symphysis pubis, preventing its damage during childbirth.

The hormone slightly relaxes the spinal ligaments, which leads to hypermobility of the intervertebral joints. Because of this, a woman may experience lower back pain during early pregnancy (at the end of the first trimester). The pain is aching in nature and does not cause a decrease in performance. They do not pose any threat to the health of the expectant mother.

Physiological lower back pain during early pregnancy should be distinguished from pathological pain. The latter is intense and is accompanied by the appearance of purulent or bloody vaginal discharge, fever and other alarming symptoms.

Hypertonicity of the uterus

Some women complain that they periodically have lower back pain in early pregnancy. The cause of discomfort may be increased contractile activity of the uterine muscles. It develops for various reasons and leads to miscarriage and spontaneous abortion.

Causes of hypertension:

• hormonal disorders . Lack of progesterone, which is produced in the early stages by the corpus luteum, leads to pathological contraction of the myometrium. Hypertonicity is also caused by hypo- or hyperthyroidism - a dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
• sexual infections . Chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, genital herpes and some other infectious diseases lead to the development of endometritis - inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus. This provokes the release of biologically active substances, which increase muscle contractile activity;
• uterine diseases . Adenomatous nodes, fibroids, polyps and other tumor-like formations interfere with the normal growth of the uterus, causing its hypertonicity. Increased contractile activity is a consequence of past curettages and abortions;
• socio-economic factors . The development of pathology can be caused by frequent stress, heavy physical work, poor diet, lack of sleep, smoking or alcohol abuse. Increased contractile activity of the uterus is often observed in girls under 18 and over 35 years of age.

In women with hypertonicity in the early stages of pregnancy, not only does the lower back tighten, but also aching pain appears in the lower abdomen and in the sacral region. The pain syndrome is reminiscent of the sensations that occur during menstruation.

The appearance of bloody discharge from the vagina is an alarming symptom. Bleeding indicates a high risk of miscarriage or spontaneous abortion that has already begun.

Ectopic pregnancy

If you have lower back pain on one side in the early stages (starting from the 3rd week of pregnancy), or spotting from the vagina, you can suspect an ectopic pregnancy. According to statistics, it occurs in 2% of cases. Pathology most often occurs against the background of adhesions or obstruction of the fallopian tubes. This is caused by infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genital organs (chlamydia), endometriosis, hormonal imbalances, tumors, previous surgeries, etc.

Characteristic signs of tubal pregnancy:

• severe pain in the lower abdomen on one side, radiating to the lower back;
• discomfort during bowel movements and urination;
• frequent small amounts of bloody discharge from the vagina;
• general weakness, apathy, irritability;
• enlargement of the appendages during bimanual examination;
• discrepancy between the size of the uterus and the duration of pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy is dangerous because if left untreated it can lead to rupture of the fallopian tube. This causes internal bleeding and the development of peritonitis. In the absence of timely medical care, a pipe rupture can lead to the death of a pregnant woman.

If you discover symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, go to the doctor immediately . A specialist will examine you and confirm or refute the diagnosis. He will then prescribe the treatment you need. Confirmed ectopic pregnancy requires surgical intervention. The fetus is removed laparoscopically.

If you realize that you are pregnant, immediately go to an appointment with a gynecologist. Your doctor will examine you and determine if your pregnancy is progressing normally. After this, you will be registered and issued an exchange card.

While carrying your baby, you will need periodic examinations by different doctors and certain tests. All this will help to identify dangerous complications and take appropriate measures.

Digestive system dysfunction

In some cases, the lower back aches in early pregnancy due to constipation. The latter develops due to compression of the colon by the growing uterus. Proper nutrition and taking some herbal remedies will help get rid of the problem and normalize stool. It is not advisable to use synthetic laxatives during pregnancy.

If constipation occurs, consult a doctor. He will tell you how best to eat and what medications to take. Try to avoid self-medication as it may harm you or your baby.

Diseases of the urinary system

The kidneys are often affected in pregnant women. Most often, gestational pyelonephritis develops - acute inflammation of the pyelocaliceal system. According to statistics, the disease is detected in 12-17% of expectant mothers. Pathology occurs in the second trimester of pregnancy (especially at 22-27 weeks), less often - at the end of the first.

If you have a fever or severe lower back pain early in pregnancy, you may have pyelonephritis. If suspicious symptoms appear, go to the doctor immediately. A timely visit to the hospital will help avoid complications.

During pregnancy, a number of changes occur in a woman’s body that contribute to the development of pyelonephritis. Firstly, a pregnant woman's kidneys increase in size . Secondly, due to the gradual growth of the uterus and the action of progesterone, the ureters and renal pelvis expand in the expectant mother. Thirdly, against the background of hormonal changes in a woman, the peristalsis of the upper urinary tract slows down. This causes disturbances in urodynamics and stagnation of urine in the kidneys. In such conditions, pyelonephritis develops with particular ease.

Characteristic symptoms of the disease:

• frequent and painful urination;
• increase in body temperature to 38-40 degrees;
• severe headache, chills and other signs of intoxication;
• pain in the lower back, radiating to the groin area, labia, inner thighs;
• increased heart rate, drop in blood pressure;
• sharp pain when tapping at the site of the projection of the kidneys (the doctor checks the tapping symptom).

30% of women with gestational pyelonephritis experience premature birth. Perinatal mortality is 25% . This means that every fourth baby dies during childbirth and shortly after birth. In early pregnancy, the disease can lead to spontaneous abortion.

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system

If a woman has previously had problems with the spine, her condition may worsen during pregnancy. In early pregnancy, the lower back may hurt due to osteochondrosis, spondylosis, spondyloarthrosis or radiculitis. At a young age, these diseases are rare.

Unpleasant sensations in the lower back are explained by sitting in an uncomfortable position or walking in high heels. In this case, the pain occurs due to tension in the lower back muscles (the so-called myofascial pain syndrome).

Diagnosis of the causes of back pain during pregnancy

In order to determine the causes of discomfort in the lumbar region, a woman should initially contact a gynecologist during pregnancy. The doctor will listen to the patient’s complaints and, if any abnormalities are suspected, will conduct an examination for the presence of gynecological diseases. If no abnormalities are detected or there are clear signs of pathologies of the spine or kidneys, he will refer the woman for a consultation with a urologist, neurologist or vertebrologist.

These specialists will conduct a thorough examination and interview of the patient, use special tests to diagnose pinched spinal roots, and functional tests. If there is a suspicion of pathology of the kidneys or spine, the pregnant woman will be recommended to take blood and urine tests, as well as undergo instrumental diagnostics.

Since X-rays and CT scans are contraindicated during pregnancy, the only methods that can be used to determine the causes of lower back pain are:

• Ultrasound – used to diagnose diseases of the genital organs and kidneys;
• MRI – allows you to evaluate the condition of intervertebral discs, ligaments, spinal cord and other soft tissue structures.

The most informative and at the same time completely safe method of examining pregnant women is MRI without contrast.

How to relieve physiological back pain

You can get rid of or alleviate discomfort with the help of basic measures. If you have lower back pain in early pregnancy, try doing simple physical exercises. They will strengthen muscles, improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs, and help establish proper breathing in order to safely bear and give birth to a healthy child.

You can also relieve pain with the help of fitness, aerobics, water gymnastics, yoga, etc. Courses designed specifically for pregnant women are also useful. You need to choose the most attractive program and practice for your own pleasure.

Treatment of lower back pain during pregnancy

The main difficulty in developing treatment tactics for various diseases manifested by back pain is that many drugs and physiotherapeutic procedures are contraindicated during pregnancy. Therefore, doctors often have to assess the risks and choose the lesser evil in order to preserve the health of mother and child.

As a result of very gentle treatment, at best it is possible to slow down the development of pathology, especially when it comes to diseases of the spine. But constantly increasing weight and changes in the load on the intervertebral discs lead to the rapid progression of degenerative processes and deformations. Therefore, patients with protrusions and hernias after childbirth often require surgery. In particularly difficult cases, very rarely, for example, when part of the nucleus pulposus is separated from the disc (sequestrated intervertebral hernia), surgery can be performed even during pregnancy with the utmost care. This is due to the fact that the risks of non-intervention in such situations are much higher than during surgery.

Conservative treatment

Initially, treatment is carried out conservatively. This may include:

• massage;
• manual therapy;
• Exercise therapy.

When diagnosing kidney pathologies, as well as the threat of miscarriage or premature birth, treatment is carried out mainly in an inpatient setting under constant medical supervision, since disturbances in their functioning are fraught with serious consequences for the mother and fetus.

The nature of the treatment for lower back pain during pregnancy depends entirely on what caused it, and is selected individually for each woman. But in all cases, it is very important to monitor your lifestyle and diet. For back pain it is recommended:

• avoid prolonged standing and sitting;
• wear comfortable low-heeled shoes or sneakers;
• sleep on an orthopedic mattress; for comfort, you can use a special pillow for pregnant women;
• completely eliminate carrying heavy objects;
• use a prenatal bandage that will help reduce the load on the spine and back muscles;
• enrich your daily diet with fresh vegetables, fruits, and calcium-rich foods;
• visit the pool if there are no contraindications.

If the cause of lower back pain is spinal disease, the woman is advised to rest more. Depending on the severity of the existing disorders and their nature, treatment is selected. The most commonly used medications are local remedies in the form of ointments, gels and creams. Their main components are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which also have analgesic properties. Their application helps to improve well-being and relieve pain without harming the child.

If a woman’s condition allows, she is recommended to engage in physical therapy. For each pregnant woman, the complex is developed individually, taking into account the diagnosis, the presence of a threat of miscarriage and the level of physical development. It is recommended to conduct classes under the supervision of a specialist in order to perfectly master the technique of performing each proposed exercise. During gymnastics, any sudden movements are completely excluded, and the exercises are more aimed at stretching and relaxing the back muscles.

Manual therapy can help reduce the severity of lower back pain during pregnancy and even slow down the progression of spinal diseases. But the choice of a specialist must be treated with the greatest possible care, otherwise special massage sessions can cause irreparable harm to the health of the mother and child. When using a number of manual therapy techniques, it is possible to reduce the load on the intervertebral discs and improve the position of the vertebrae relative to the central axis. This will not only reduce pain and sometimes release pinched nerves, but will also help avoid serious changes in the spine before childbirth.

Surgery

Indications for operations are the development of radicular syndrome (lower back pain radiating to the legs) with protrusions and herniated intervertebral discs, as well as other severe pathologies of the spine.

But during pregnancy, surgical interventions are performed only in very complex, life- and health-threatening conditions. Often, when large protrusions and intervertebral hernias occur, surgery is scheduled for the immediate postpartum period.

It may involve:

• Nucleoplasty is a method of percutaneous surgery that involves the destruction of part of the nucleus pulposus with a laser, radio waves or cold plasma under local anesthesia, as a result of which the hernia decreases in size. Surgical instruments are inserted under the control of an image intensifier through a thin puncture of the skin in the projection of the affected disc, which ensures minimal intraoperative risks and the absence of a postoperative scar.
• Hydroplasty is a method similar to nucleoplasty, differing only in the use of liquid pressure to destroy the required volume of the nucleus pulposus and aspiration of waste material through a special outlet. Like nucleoplasty, hydroplasty allows you to solve the problem of lower back pain in one day and does not require a complex and lengthy recovery. The woman can leave the clinic on the day of the operation.
• Microdiscectomy is an operation indicated for large-sized intervertebral hernia, implying its resection through an incision of up to 3 cm. It allows for revision of the affected spinal motion segment, freeing pinched nerves and blood vessels, and also radically solving the problem of the hernia. The method allows, if necessary, to completely remove the disk if it is too damaged and can no longer perform the functions assigned to it.
• Endoscopic surgery - in some cases is considered as an alternative to microdiscectomy. It involves removing a hernia using special endoscopic equipment with a camera, which is inserted into the patient’s body through several punctures up to 1 cm in diameter.

If the disc is so damaged that it needs to be completely removed, patients are offered the installation of interbody endoprostheses or special implants. The former are preferable, since in terms of their functionality they are practically no different from natural intervertebral discs. By design, they are their exact copies and in the same way have an analogue of the nucleus pulposus and the fibrous ring. With their help, it is possible not only to maintain the flexibility of the spine in the operated spinal motion segment, but also to provide it with normal biomechanics. As a result, patients do not even notice the difference after the end of the rehabilitation period.

Thus, back and lower back pain during pregnancy can be both natural and evidence of the development of the disease. But expectant mothers do not have the right to risk their own health and the child growing in their womb and hope that discomfort in the lower back is harmless. Therefore, if pain occurs, especially if it occurs frequently, in the early stages of pregnancy, or intensifies, it is better to play it safe and consult a doctor. This will prevent the development of complications, take measures to stop it at the earliest stages of the pathological process, give birth to a healthy baby, and ultimately undergo full treatment of existing diseases. Have an easy birth!

How to deal with lower back pain

If pain in the lumbar region is associated with an infectious disease, it is first necessary to eliminate the causes of its occurrence. When the cause of pain is osteochondrosis, flat feet or intervertebral hernia, a sharp increase in load can provoke a worsening of the condition and difficulty in straightening the spine.

Staphylococcus, enterococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli can lead to inflammation and pain in the back. They are accompanied by an increase in body temperature and a change in the characteristics of urine, which becomes cloudy and different in composition from normal.

Experts recommend that pregnant women get up from the couch as smoothly and carefully as possible, and also avoid lifting even minor weights.

Most often, lower back pain occurs in late pregnancy, and the discomfort completely disappears only after childbirth. If severe pain is associated with pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, the doctor may prescribe wearing a special prenatal bandage, which helps cope with high loads and overcome most of the negative effects of prolonged walking.

If your back hurts or your bones are aching, you should reduce the load on the spinal column by adopting the following recommendations:

• use an orthopedic mattress for sleeping;
• wear shoes with low heels and good foot support;
• when sitting on an armchair or chair, you need to use the back as a support;
• it is important to avoid high physical activity;
• You should keep your own weight within normal limits.

Swimming is considered one of the most effective means to overcome pain in the back. Water aerobics can also be an excellent effective method to strengthen the lumbar region, however, before exercising, you should consult with your doctor to determine whether there are any contraindications. Hydromassage and exercises using a fitball have a good effect.

Thanks to manual therapy, it is possible to correct vertebral displacements and other disorders with virtually no medication. If you have pain in the lower back during pregnancy, you should limit yourself to magnetic resonance imaging, since X-ray examination is contraindicated in all trimesters. In order to relieve pain, medications with anti-inflammatory effects, special ointments, tablets and vitamins of groups B, C, D and A are often required.

Women who are forced to engage in sedentary work are recommended to use breaks to perform simple sets of physical therapy exercises. Instead of bending your torso, for example, to pick up a fallen object from the floor, it is recommended to leave your back in a flat position by changing the bend of your legs. The maximum load should fall on the lower limbs.

What to do if your lower back hurts during pregnancy? In order to overcome pain, analgesics with minimal side effects and other auxiliary agents are usually prescribed. Among the non-traditional methods of treatment, the most common are: aromatherapy, homeopathy, reflexology, acupuncture, reflexology and herbal medicine.

What may be the first signs of pregnancy?

According to a survey conducted by the American Association, the most characteristic early signs of pregnancy are:

• delayed menstruation - 29%;
• nausea - 25%;
• mood swings - from 14 to 23%;
• breast changes - 17%;
• pain in the lower abdomen - 15%;
• depression - 15%;
• fatigue, drowsiness - 13%
• decreased immunity - 6%;
• the first signs of pregnancy - discharge or implantation bleeding - only 3%.

Physiological primary signs of pregnancy

What are the very first symptoms of pregnancy?

The most common primary physiological signs of pregnancy include:

• Sensitive and enlarged breasts. Signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception include breast changes (1-2 weeks after conception). The area around the nipples, called the areola, may also darken.

• Drowsiness and fatigue. Fatigue is also one of the signs of pregnancy in the first days after conception. In early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone rise sharply, which can cause drowsiness.

• Nausea with vomiting. When do these pregnancy signs appear? Morning sickness, which can occur at any time of the day or night, often appears between the second and eighth weeks after conception.

• Dizziness and fainting . This may be due to dilation of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

• Spasms. Some women experience signs of pregnancy in the early days, such as mild cramping in the uterus.

• Headaches and back pain. Many pregnant women complain of frequent headaches, while others experience back pain.

• Insomnia is another early sign of pregnancy before the test. Causes may include stress, physical discomfort and hormonal changes.

• Changing taste preferences. Like most pregnancy symptoms, these eating habits can be attributed to hormonal changes.

• Temperature. Early signs of pregnancy include temperature (37-37.5).

• Delayed menstruation. How long does it take for the first signs of pregnancy to appear? If you are of childbearing age and a week or more has passed without the start of your expected menstrual period, you may be pregnant. However, this symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.

• Bloody discharge is the first sign of pregnancy . This bleeding, known as implantation bleeding, occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus—about 10 to 14 days after conception.

• Bloating, heartburn. Hormonal changes can cause problems with the stomach and esophagus - these are common signs of pregnancy in the 2nd week.

• Constipation . Hormonal changes cause the digestive system to slow down, which can lead to constipation (signs of pregnancy after a missed period).

• Frequent urination. You may urinate more often than usual, which is a common sign of pregnancy at 5 weeks. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases, causing the kidneys to process excess fluid that ends up in the bladder.

• Runny nose. The appearance of this symptom is associated with excessive production of the hormone estrogen.

• Exacerbation of chronic diseases. This is a sign of pregnancy after ovulation.

• Increased salivation. It is also associated with hormonal changes.

• Increased sense of smell . Signs of pregnancy in the first two weeks may cause sensitivity to certain smells and your sense of taste may change.

Emotional first signs of pregnancy

The first signs of pregnancy before a delay (the earliest signs of pregnancy) also include symptoms of a psycho-emotional nature.

1. Mood swings.
2. Irritability.
3. Vulnerability, tearfulness.
4. Moodiness.
5. Depression.

These are all emotional signs of early pregnancy that many women report. They describe feelings of heightened emotion or even bouts of crying, which are associated with rapid changes in hormone levels in the body. Also, signs of pregnancy at 4 weeks can make you feel moody, PMS-style. Additionally, about 15% of women experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy. And after childbirth, even more people suffer from these conditions. In this case, it is better to seek help from a doctor.

Do everything you can to improve your mood: get plenty of rest, eat well, get enough sleep, do activities you enjoy, and pamper yourself.

However, be careful because mood swings can be caused by a number of conditions other than pregnancy.

The influence of early pregnancy on your daily routine

Early signs of pregnancy, mainly those that bring discomfort, may be the reason for changing your daily routine. Here are some tips on what you can do about some of them:

1. If you have toxicosis, avoid food that is too hot or too cold - this provokes an attack of vomiting. Eat often - at least 5-6 times a day, but in small portions.
2. For nausea or vomiting, try taking ginger, chamomile, or vitamin B6.
3. Drink plenty of water, in small sips between meals, to replenish lost fluids. Teas, juices, fruit drinks are also suitable.
4. For back pain, wear shoes or insoles designed for pregnancy and avoid high heels. Sleep on a firm mattress.
5. If you have chest discomfort, wear a special bra that supports your enlarged breasts.
6. For constipation, eat more foods containing fiber, such as wheat bran, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits.
7. If you suffer from headaches and mood swings, try stress reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation.
8. Spend time in the fresh air more often, at least half an hour a day. This helps reduce the symptoms of toxicosis and calm the nervous system.
9. Maintain daily physical activity for as long as you feel comfortable doing certain activities.
10. Eat a balanced diet with enough protein, fat and carbohydrates.

Important! All of these tips are advisory in nature; be sure to consult your doctor if you experience discomfort.