Pain in the lower back during pregnancy is observed quite often, and they can occur for a variety of reasons. Often this is a completely natural physiological process, and only in some cases can it be a sign of a dangerous pathology.
Often, pain only occurs because a woman has to carry a lot of weight during pregnancy, while the load on the back muscles lies completely different. In a pregnant woman, gait seems somewhat awkward.
Pain in the lower back during pregnancy occurs due to the fact that hormones lead to relaxation of the ligaments, including in the pelvic area. Often a similar condition is observed in the later stages, since tense muscles become very tired by the end of the day and begin to break the lower back, even in healthy women.
It is worth noting that the answer to the question why the lower back hurts during pregnancy is not always unambiguous, since there can be many different reasons for this condition. Often this is possible due to exacerbation of osteochondrosis or kidney disease. In addition to this, there are also many other, no less dangerous reasons, therefore, if such symptoms occur, you should definitely consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
The main types and types of pain
During pregnancy , lower back pain can be very different, it all depends on the reasons that provoked them. In neurological diseases, tingling and numbness are mainly observed. Painful sensations gradually pass from the back to the buttocks.
Severe cramping lower back pain during pregnancy can occur due to the occurrence of urolithiasis. This is a kind of renal colic, causing significant discomfort provoked by the passage of stones through the ureters.
In kidney diseases, symptoms such as:
- headache;
- fever;
- increase in pressure;
- swelling.
Urine becomes dark, and urination is accompanied by pain in the bladder. This is a sign that a woman has pyelonephritis, which poses a serious danger to health and life.
A feeling of tension in the uterus, due to false contractions, can also provoke a periodic onset of pain. If you pull your lower back at the 39th week of pregnancy, this is a completely natural process, as the body thus prepares for childbirth.
Causes of pain in the early stages
Pain in the lower back in early pregnancy can be very different, but it is not always worth treating them carelessly, attributing everything to a physiological manifestation. At the very beginning of her interesting position, a woman becomes vulnerable to various diseases. To tolerate a healthy baby, a slight suppression of the immune system is required so that the body does not reject the fetus due to the difference in genes.
In addition, with hypothermia in the early stages, inflammation of the kidneys can occur, which is provoked by various pathogens. It is worth noting that the risk of its occurrence remains at any time.
If there are back pain in early pregnancy, and at the same time the pain is paroxysmal and accompanied by the presence of unusual discharge, then you should immediately consult a doctor. Hazards may include temperature.
Causes of pain in the later stages
Almost every woman pulls her lower back during pregnancy in the later stages. This is due to the fact that an unevenly distributed load lays on the muscles. If initially they were not too strong, then the lower back will bend so that you can maintain balance. In this case, it begins to break the lower back.
If previously there were no problems with the spine, then, most likely, the sensations will not be too strong, and they can easily be eliminated through special exercises. In the case of osteochondrosis or instability in the lumbar region, as well as if there were earlier spinal fractures, it is very important to take preventive measures and undergo special treatment. Be sure to consult a doctor, since it is impossible to eliminate the cause of pain on your own, only with the help of gymnastics. In the presence of spinal diseases, you should immediately tell your gynecologist about this when registering in a consultation.
A few weeks before birth, the baby begins to sink into the pelvis and puts pressure on the nerve endings, which is why it hurts the lower back. Dealing with such a problem is quite difficult. Some may benefit from taking certain postures in the bed, as a result of which pressure decreases. After giving birth, the discomfort goes away.
Sometimes women are simply overcooling or sitting in a draft. In such cases, muscle inflammation may occur - myositis. If the back is blown, then the neck and shoulders suffer mainly, but sometimes soreness can be observed in the lumbar region. The pain in this case is very acute, and sometimes it is even difficult to move. If at the same time the lower abdomen and lower back hurts during pregnancy in the later stages, then this may indicate the onset of labor.
Dangerous pain
Why a lower back pain during pregnancy can only be determined by the attending doctor after a comprehensive diagnosis. There are certain quite dangerous situations of this state, among which it is necessary to highlight:
- pyelonephritis or cystitis;
- pancreatitis
- exacerbation of diseases of the muscles and spine;
- risk of miscarriage;
- infected abortion.
Inflammation of the pancreas - pancreatitis. It manifests itself in the form of pain in the epigastric region, and is also accompanied by flatulence, loss of appetite, diarrhea, decreased pressure, weight loss. The threat of miscarriage can be at any time and it is accompanied by a reduction in the walls of the uterus, the presence of secretions, pain in the lower back and lower abdomen.
Infected abortion is manifested as pain in the lower back during pregnancy. In addition, there is an increase in temperature, the pulse becomes rapid, purulent discharge appears.
Dangerous causes of soreness can be recognized by a woman on her own. If symptoms occur, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Non-dangerous types of pain
In some cases, if you pull the lower back during pregnancy, this condition can be completely harmless. This occurs in the following cases:
- due to weight gain;
- hormonal changes in the body;
- uterine enlargement;
- with false contractions.
It is worth noting that with these types of pain they pass after resting or taking a comfortable posture. However, in any case, a pregnant woman should consult with her doctor in order to rule out pathologies and prevent the development of complications. A pregnant woman has a decrease in immunity, as well as increased susceptibility to infections. To prevent this from happening, you need to visit a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his recommendations.
Disease related pain
If the lower back during pregnancy is aching, then this can be a sign of various diseases, in particular, such as:
- radiculitis;
- kidney disease
- symphysitis;
- inflammation of the appendages;
- uterine hypertonicity;
- false contractions.
Osteochondrosis or radiculitis can cause pain in the lumbar region. Their treatment is complicated by the fact that many medications are prohibited during this period, since they have a negative effect on the fetus. If symptoms occur characteristic of these diseases, it is necessary to limit physical activity as much as possible, to be in a calm state. In addition, it is possible to use warming ointments, however, it is advisable to consult a doctor first. It is also necessary to carry out preventive measures, in particular, to prevent hypothermia and weight lifting.
Due to hormonal imbalances and a lack of calcium in the body, softening of bone tissues and stretching in the pubic area can occur. This process is completely normal, however, with severe stretching and severe swelling, there may be symphysis. A genetic predisposition and disturbances in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system can affect its development. In this case, the lower back hurts when walking. During pregnancy, this disease can be observed quite often. In a woman, the gait becomes overwhelmed, and in the supine position it is quite difficult to straighten the legs. If the disease worsens before childbirth, then a cesarean section is possible. It is impossible to completely get rid of this problem during pregnancy, but symptoms can be alleviated.
During the period of bearing a child, painful sensations can also occur due to the presence of kidney diseases. These can be problems such as stones, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis. In this case, it very much hurts the lower back. In addition, signs such as cramps, impaired urination, and a decrease in the amount of urine are observed.
If you pull the lower back during pregnancy, then this may be a sign of false contractions. It is worth noting that they can occur in the second trimester and at the same time are not accompanied by the opening of the cervix. In this case, very disturbing signs will be pain in the lower abdomen, vaginal discharge, as well as a short period of time between contractions. This may be a sign of abortion.
Lower back pain in the second trimester of pregnancy can occur due to uterine hypertonicity, which is observed against the background of hormonal changes in the body and impaired ovarian function. The uterus can be in good shape and with the development of inflammatory diseases, as well as in the presence of neoplasms. Provoke such a condition can stress and depression.
Low back pain can occur due to inflammation of the appendages. In addition, nausea, fever, chills, vaginal discharge are additionally observed. The asymptomatic course of the disease is also possible. Treatment is carried out by the use of antibacterial and antiviral drugs, which are prescribed by a doctor.
Physiological pain
If the lower back hurts in the first months of pregnancy, then this can be a completely physiological process. Slight discomfort in this area can persist until the very birth. Often this is due to hormonal changes in the body, so this type of pain poses absolutely no threat.
The cause of pain can be an increase in the uterus, which, as it grows, rises in the upper abdomen. In addition, the structure of the ligaments and discs supporting the spine changes somewhat. Such changes lead to the fact that pulls the lower abdomen and lower back. Discomfort increases after a long walk and physical exertion. In the second pregnancy, the lower back hurts much more often than in the first, and this is due to the fact that the muscles and ligaments are somewhat weakened.
During the gestation, the placenta and ovaries begin to produce hormones, under the influence of which the pelvic bones relax. Such changes help ease the process of childbirth, but at the same time, provoke discomfort in the lumbar region. Before the very birth, lumbago can additionally occur in the back, and also stretches the leg.
How to get rid of pain
For pain in the lumbar region, provoked by physiological changes, agents such as:
- orthopedic pillow;
- bandage;
- Wellness and restorative procedures.
There are several different options for pillows for pregnant women, which is why you can choose the most interesting and convenient. Such products help normalize sleep, relieve tension from the back muscles, support the stomach and normalize blood circulation.
In addition, pillows can be placed under the legs to reduce puffiness, use while feeding the baby. Severe lower back pain during pregnancy will help eliminate a special bandage. Put it on top of the laundry while lying on your back or sitting. The wide part of the belt should be located in the back. You can wear it no more than 3-4 hours.
If there are absolutely no contraindications, then the doctor can prescribe general strengthening and wellness procedures. You can attend the pool, yoga classes, as well as training with water aerobics.
A gentle massage will help eliminate excessive strain on the back muscles. Manual therapy is not recommended, as it can both eliminate pain and harm. If you suspect the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, you need to contact an orthopedist, neurologist or surgeon. If there are problems with the kidneys, then a urologist will be required. Treatment is prescribed strictly individually, depending on the cause of the discomfort in the back.
During pregnancy, almost all medications that help relieve pain are strictly prohibited. “No-spa” will help reduce the discomfort that occurs with renal spasms. If a threat of miscarriage is diagnosed, then hospitalization with rest is required. In addition, droppers with magnesia are required, as well as the intake of Utrozhestan or Dufaston.
To eliminate severe low back pain in the presence of problems with the musculoskeletal system, Menovazin, which is used as a solution or ointment, will help. This remedy is especially indispensable for pinched nerves.
The use of folk remedies
Eliminate or reduce pain in the lower back that occurs during pregnancy, you can use special warming compresses. If the diseases are not associated with urolithiasis or kidneys, then you can make a compress using means such as:
- radish;
- body powder;
- grated horseradish;
- mustard.
Cold compresses from garlic and burdock leaves have a good analgesic effect. Most importantly, the procedure should not be too long and painful.
Pregnancy Exercises
Special exercises for pregnant women will help reduce pain in the lumbar region. There are a number of exercises that can help eliminate discomfort. You can conduct yoga classes. To do this, stand on all fours so that the head is parallel to the floor. You need to bend your back in an arc and at the same time press your head to your chest. In this position, you need to linger for a few seconds.
Gradually, you need to come back, and then slowly bend your back as a cat does after sleep, pulling his head slightly up. Again, you need to linger for a few seconds in this position.
Fitball exercises have a good effect, as they help to quickly eliminate soreness and tension. You need to sit on the gymnastic ball, spread your legs to the side to take a comfortable position. Alternately, you need to make body turns in different directions.
You can lie with your back on the fitball so that it bends in a smooth arc, so that the spine extends. As a result of this, the vertebrae will fall into place, and the back muscles will stretch, thereby relaxing. This exercise should be done systematically, even when painful sensations become less pronounced.
Prophylaxis
It is important to carry out regular preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of pain during pregnancy. To do this, you must follow a few simple rules, namely:
- live a healthy life;
- follow a diet;
- take vitamin complexes;
- wear comfortable shoes;
- do not lift weights;
- do exercise periodically.
It is very important to consume a lot of fluids, as well as to control the pressure level. In addition, hypothermia should be avoided. For sleep, it is worth choosing a comfortable bed with an orthopedic mattress and pillow. It is strictly forbidden to take medications to reduce pain in the spine.
Many doctors believe that if back pain occurs for undefined reasons, then this can occur as a result of the fetus taking calcium from the mother’s body. That is why you need to take calcium supplements in addition.
It is very beneficial to consume natural foods rich in this beneficial trace element. It is not necessary to take calcium-containing preparations too often, since an excess of them is deposited in the placenta, making it unsuitable for bearing a child. In addition, this can lead to hardening of the bones of the skull and a painful, traumatic birth.
Following simple rules will help you avoid back pain or minimize it. If the pain is very strong, then you should immediately consult a doctor.