More than 60 percent of pregnant women have lower back pain, thanks to a growing uterus and/or hormonal changes. Exercise such as weight training, stretching, swimming, walking, and pelvic tilts may be helpful. Working on your posture, heat or cold, and prenatal massage might also ease the pain. Call your healthcare practitioner if the pain persists or is severe or if you have other symptoms, such as a fever or vaginal bleeding. Show
What could be causing my lower back pain during pregnancy?The two most likely culprits for back pain during pregnancy are:
How common is back pain during pregnancy?More than 60 percent of pregnant women experience lower back pain, particularly posterior pelvic pain and lumbar pain (see below). You might have back pain in early pregnancy, but it usually starts during the second half of pregnancy and can get worse as your pregnancy progresses. It may persist after your baby arrives, but postpartum back pain usually goes away within a few months. What is posterior pelvic pain during pregnancy?Posterior pelvic pain is felt in the back of your pelvis. It's the most common type of lower back pain during pregnancy, though some women have lumbar pain as well. You may feel posterior pelvic pain as deep pain on one or both sides of your buttocks or at the back of your thighs. It may be triggered by walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of the tub or a low chair, rolling over in bed, or twisting and lifting. Certain positions may make posterior pelvic pain worse - for example, when you're sitting in a chair and leaning forward at a desk or otherwise bent at the waist. Women with posterior pelvic pain are also more likely to have pain over their pubic bone. What is lumbar back pain during pregnancy?Lumbar pain occurs in the area of the lumbar vertebrae in your lower back, higher on your body than posterior pelvic pain. It probably feels similar to the lower back pain you may have experienced before you were pregnant. You feel it over and around your spine approximately at waist level. You also might have pain that radiates to your legs. Sitting or standing for long periods of time and lifting usually make it worse, and it tends to be more intense at the end of the day. What is sciatica in pregnancy?When lower back pain radiates into the buttocks and thighs, it's often confused with sciatica, a relatively uncommon condition. True sciatica during pregnancy, which can happen when a herniated or bulging disk in the lower part of the spine presses on the nerve roots in the spine, affects only about 1 percent of pregnant women. If you have sciatica, your leg pain will usually be more severe than your back pain. You're likely to feel it below the knee as well, and it may even radiate to your foot and toes. And you'll probably feel a tingling, pins-and-needles sensation in your legs or possibly some numbness. With severe sciatic nerve pain, you may have numbness in your groin or genital area as well. You may even find that it's hard to urinate or have a bowel movement. If you think you have sciatica, see your healthcare provider. Call her immediately if you feel weakness in one or both legs, or lose sensation in your legs, groin, bladder, or anus. (This may make it hard to pee or have a bowel movement, or, alternatively, cause incontinence). Who is most likely to have lower back pain during pregnancy?You're at higher risk for lower back pain if:
What can I do to relieve lower back pain?Exercise When your back hurts, you may feel more like curling up in bed than exercising, but don't take to your bed for long periods. Bedrest is generally not helpful for lower back pain in the long run and may even make you feel worse. Exercise may actually be just what you need. Check with your provider before beginning an exercise program because in some situations, you may have to limit your activity or skip exercise altogether. If you get the go-ahead to work out, consider:
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, you'll most likely have to modify your workout to accommodate your pregnancy. If you're new to exercise, check out our exercise suggestions for beginners. And be sure to follow guidelines for exercising safely during pregnancy, such as avoiding lying flat on your back and being careful when you change positions or get up from the floor. Always listen to your body, and don't do anything that hurts. Finally, watch for warning signs that you may be overdoing things or developing a problem that needs medical attention. Pay attention to your posture
Take care of yourself Taking steps to ease soreness and tension and generally taking care of yourself is always a good idea. At the very least, you'll feel better temporarily. Here are some measures to try:
What if I continue to have lower back pain during pregnancy?Let your provider know if your back pain doesn't respond to the measures above. She can evaluate your situation, discuss treatment options, and refer you to a specialist if necessary. Some options to consider and discuss with your provider:
When is lower back pain during pregnancy serious?If your back pain lasts more than two weeks, it's time to contact your healthcare provider. Call your provider immediately if:
Lower back pain is just one of pregnancy's possible discomforts. Read our article on 7 common pregnancy aches and pains to find out what the others are. Learn more:
Is right side pain normal in second trimester?Stomach pain in the second trimester is often due to round ligament pain. Your womb is expanding and this can cause the ligaments to stretch. This can cause pain in your lower tummy, groin or hips on one or both sides. It is important to get checked by your GP, obstetrician or midwife if you have pain like this.
Is it normal to have back pain in second trimester?It is very common to get backache or back pain during pregnancy, especially in the early stages. During pregnancy, the ligaments in your body naturally become softer and stretch to prepare you for labour. This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis, which can cause back pain.
Can pregnancy back pain be on one side?Lower back pain symptoms may start at any time during pregnancy. These symptoms may feel like: A dull ache or sharp, burning pain in the lower back area. One-sided pain in the right or left area of the lower and/or mid-back.
What are the danger signs of pregnancy for second trimester?In other cases, the symptoms of preterm labor are more obvious, such as: painful contractions. leakage of fluid from the vagina. vaginal bleeding.. vaginal pressure.. low back pain.. frequent urination.. diarrhea.. increased vaginal discharge.. tightness in the lower abdomen.. |