Lower back pain causes pregnancy in women. Lower back and back pain during pregnancy: why does the stomach feel tight and how to get rid of discomfort in the early and late stages? Causes of lower back pain during pregnancy

The lower back during pregnancy often serves as an indicator of health, responding to various physiological and pathological conditions. The main symptom is usually pain that appears in the lower back. But the causes, consequences and methods of treatment are always completely different, since there are extremely many mechanisms for the formation of this symptom. After conceiving a child, the process of growth of the uterus begins actively, proportional to the development of the fetus. In a woman’s body, in response to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure caused by the growth of the uterus, numerous adaptive changes occur.

Etiological aspects of low back pain

The reasons that lead to pain during pregnancy in the lumbar region can be very different. The main etiological factors influencing the occurrence of pain in the lower back in pregnant women are discussed below.

• Kidney pathology. This should include nephropathy, urolithiasis, pyelonephritis in pregnant women, as well as autoimmune processes in the renal parenchyma associated with complications of pregnancy.
• Pathology of the musculoskeletal system. Compression of the spinal column by the growing uterus leads to an exacerbation of degenerative-dystrophic processes. The most striking example is spinal osteochondrosis.
• Pathology of the uterus. Hypertonicity of the posterior wall, which often accompanies a pregnant woman, is manifested precisely by pain in the lumbar region.
• Myositis. Inflammation of the muscle tissue of the lumbar region. A common problem not only in pregnant women, but also in ordinary people of both sexes.
• Ovarian pathology. Inflammatory changes in the female reproductive system progress during pregnancy, as local immunological reactivity decreases. This is how adnexitis, oophoritis and often even banal cervicitis manifest themselves.

The list can be continued with rare causes, including vascular pathology in the Adamkiewicz artery basin, irradiation of pain from the gastrointestinal tract, systemic connective tissue diseases and many other pathological processes. It is extremely difficult to independently determine the etiological basis of lower back pain, so any manifestations should be considered potentially dangerous and immediately consult a doctor.

Clinical picture of various types of lumbar pain syndrome

Since the causes that cause pain in the lower back are different, the symptoms are always different. The common nuance that unites all etiological aspects is the very fact of the presence of pain. Due to the features anatomical structure urinary system in the cold season, kidney problems are more likely to occur. Inflammatory diseases - pyelonephritis in pregnant women occur with the following characteristic symptoms:

• the pain is constant, aching, sometimes quite severe;
• there is no irradiation;
• no vaginal discharge;
• often accompanied by pain when urinating;
• temperature rises;
• clear connection with hypothermia.

If the inflammation in the kidneys is purulent in nature, then impurities in the form of flakes and turbidity are visible in the urine.

Pyelonephritis is a dangerous condition that threatens the development of intoxication and renal failure.

Hypertonicity of the uterus, especially in the early stages, often manifests itself as nagging pain in the lower back. At the same time, the rectum may be irritated, which changes the nature of physiological functions. The pain is not constant and may increase or decrease depending on the influence of factors external environment. There is no such thing as a fever, and the appearance of discharge always indicates the seriousness of the problem. The very concept of “hypertonicity” implies increased muscle tension. This is clearly noticeable upon palpation of the abdomen - the uterus is hard to the touch, sometimes painful when touched with hands.

Characteristics of pain in the lumbar region in spinal pathology

The importance of osteochondrosis during pregnancy cannot be underestimated. Although the disease does not seriously threaten the woman’s life, the pain syndrome sharply limits movement and reduces mood. The main clinical manifestations of the disease are listed below:

• severe pain, sometimes unbearable, sharply intensifying with the slightest movement;
• often occurs when large sizes uterus - in the second and third trimesters;
• radiates to the leg and buttock;
• never accompanied by fever;
• the woman’s general condition practically does not suffer;
• the lower back is painful on palpation, and the abdomen is completely intact.

The insidious problem with pathology of the musculoskeletal system is that back pain is extremely difficult to relieve. The usual group of drugs (NSAIDs) used for any person are not available as they are contraindicated during pregnancy. Therefore, the pain syndrome often drags on and goes away completely only after childbirth. Fortunately, spinal osteochondrosis usually does not affect the fetus.

If the stomach and lower back hurt at the same time, then this condition is categorically not typical for the pathology of the musculoskeletal system. Hypertonicity of the uterus, as well as acute gynecological pathology, should be excluded. Adnexitis and even ovarian apoplexy occur, although not often, but quite regularly in medical practice. But in each case, the situation really threatens the life of the woman and the unborn child, and therefore requires immediate diagnosis and treatment.

How to diagnose pain syndrome

If a woman has back pain during pregnancy, then it is imperative to establish the exact etiology of this problem. Not only therapeutic measures, but also the prognosis for the birth of a healthy baby depend on this. Since there are many causative factors, a whole range of diagnostic procedures is prescribed. These include:

• blood test;
• Analysis of urine;
• ultrasound scanning of the pelvis;
• vaginal examination with smear examination;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• MRI of the pelvis or spine in complex cases.

Of the generally accepted examination methods, only radiography is not used, since radiation can harm the fetus.

The clinical picture of the pain syndrome must be taken into account. If the lower abdomen aches and the pain radiates to the lower back, then the problem is probably related to hypertonicity of the uterus. The diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound examination. An ultrasound can be done at any stage of pregnancy. If acute pain appears in the lower back, worsening with physical activity, with no changes in the tests, spinal pathology should be assumed. Fever and leukocytosis in the urine, as well as dilation of the pyelocaliceal complex on ultrasound indicate the presence of pyelonephritis.

How to relieve pain in a pregnant woman

In all situations when a pregnant woman’s back hurts, medical attention is required. Drug therapy is not always necessary, but it is important not to miss the moment associated with a threat to the life and health of a woman. With the initial degree of hypertonicity, psychological peace, friendly supportive relationships in the family and limitation of physical activity are needed. This is usually enough for the pain to be completely relieved.

If the lower abdomen is tight and the pain spreads to the lumbar region, then there is cause for concern and the prescription of drug therapy. Since there are many reasons for an unpleasant condition, then therapeutic effects carried out based on diagnostic results. For pain syndrome, complex treatment includes the administration of the following groups of drugs:

• simple analgesics - paracetamol, metamizole;
• antispasmodics - drotaverine;
• hormones - synthetic progesterone;
• vitamins;
• antibiotics in the presence of active bacterial inflammation in the kidneys or female reproductive system;
• Tocolytics, if necessary, further relax the walls of the uterus.

The list of approved drugs can be continued, since the choice of medication is made by an experienced doctor.

Even rubbing should not be used on its own, as they may contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy. It is equally unacceptable to use commonly used antibiotics internally.

Even one tablet of fluoroquinolones can cause irreparable harm to an unborn child, although these drugs are always successfully used to treat pyelonephritis in men and women. You can only take paracetamol on your own if you have a reliably known diagnosis of osteochondrosis.

What affects the prognosis for pain syndrome

The question of why the lower back hurts during pregnancy should be on the agenda of a woman and her relatives from the first moment of the development of an unpleasant symptom. The future fate of the unborn child depends on how early the problem is identified. If the painful condition is caused by pathology of the musculoskeletal system, then it will be extremely difficult to relieve negative sensations. However, the situation has virtually no effect on the process of pregnancy and the birth of a healthy child.

At the same time, even mild tugging sensations in the lower abdomen, accompanied by vaginal discharge and lower back pain, require prompt consultation with a doctor. This situation directly threatens the further progression of pregnancy. The presence of fever can also negatively affect kidney function, so pyelonephritis necessarily requires complex treatment. You should not be afraid of using medications during pregnancy - in most situations it is justified and does not pose a serious risk to the fetus. After all, in the end, it is important that the anticipation of the baby is happy, and this state is easier to achieve without pain in the lumbar region.

Pregnancy is a wonderful time to wait for a miracle, but it is often overshadowed by such a nuisance as lower back pain. Even if the symptom is minor, you should not ignore it; you should immediately consult a doctor. Lower back pain can be normal during pregnancy or evidence of a pathology, including one that threatens the health of the mother and child.

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Common Causes of Pain

Lower back pain in a pregnant woman can be caused by various factors:

• changes at the hormonal level (physiological pain);
• ectopic pregnancy;
• frozen pregnancy;
• threat of miscarriage or premature birth;
• pathologies of internal organs;
• sudden weight gain;
• exacerbation of chronic pathologies;
• lack of vitamins, minerals.

Painful sensations in the lower back can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but their causes are different. It is important to pay attention to accompanying symptoms and be sure to notify your doctor about them. Even a seemingly insignificant detail can be important.

Why does the lower back hurt in early pregnancy?

Painful sensations at this stage are considered normal, but they should not be accompanied by other symptoms. If they appear, then there is a risk of some pathology.

Hormonal activity

At the beginning of pregnancy, progesterone begins to be actively produced - this hormone is important for maintaining pregnancy. Its increased production leads to relaxation of the ligaments between the bones, while the weight becomes more noticeable, and physiological pain is felt in the lower back.

Threat of interruption

This condition is possible throughout pregnancy, but most often occurs in its early stages. The main symptom is pain. It can be pulling or cramping, localized in the lower abdomen, but can radiate to the lower back.

Other symptoms also appear:

• hypertonicity of the uterus;
• bleeding of varying intensity;
• nausea;
• one-time vomiting is possible.

Ectopic pregnancy

This means that the fertilized egg has implanted outside the uterine cavity. This condition can be fatal.

An ectopic pregnancy is accompanied by pain in the lower back and lower abdomen. It can be aching, cutting, cramping.

Pathology may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Bleeding. It occurs in the abdominal cavity, but is often uterine. In this case, it resembles menstruation, but the discharge is scanty and lasts a long time.
• Shock. This symptom is observed with large blood loss. A woman may lose consciousness and turn pale. Weakness and increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure are observed.

Frozen pregnancy

This problem occurs in approximately one in 200 pregnant women. In this case, pregnancy does not proceed correctly, so the growth and development of the fetus stops. Most often, frozen pregnancy is observed in the first trimester, and possible reasons There are many such conditions.

The pain only radiates to the lower back and is localized mainly in the lower abdomen. It is strong, has a cramping or pulling character.

The pathology may also be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• bloody issues;
• there may be pus in the discharge when the decomposition process has begun;
• decreased or absent sensitivity of the mammary glands;
• reduced basal temperature;
• no toxicosis.

Causes of lower back pain in the second trimester

In the second trimester, lower back pain often indicates pathologies of internal organs. This is due to changes occurring in the body.

Kidney pathologies

Pyelonephritis is most often observed. The period at risk is from 22 weeks. During this period, the outflow of urine worsens, so a chronic disease may worsen or an acute pathology may develop if there are prerequisites for it.

With pyelonephritis, severe pain occurs in the lower back. It can radiate to the groin area and leg. This indicates that a stone is passing down the ureter.

The pathology is accompanied by other signs:

• body temperature rises sharply;
• the nature of urine changes - transparency is lost, blood may be included;
• signs of intoxication are observed: chills, headache, fever, nausea.

In chronic pathology, lower back pain is moderate. Symptoms of intoxication are also observed, but are minor.

Cystitis often develops simultaneously with pyelonephritis. Its main symptoms include:

• pain and burning during urination;
• increased urge to go to the toilet;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• feeling that bladder not completely emptied.

Urolithiasis disease

This pathology is also called urolithiasis. In this case, stones form in the organs of the urinary system. More often the bladder or kidneys are affected.

Stones can form in only one kidney or in both at once. The pathology can become recurrent, which is fraught with periodic exacerbations. A protracted chronic course of the disease is also possible.

Low back pain can be intermittent or continuous. Its character can also be different - sharp or dull.

Other symptoms of the pathology include:

• renal colic - the pain is very severe, occurs spontaneously and indicates a blockage of the ureter;
• pain when urinating;
• change in urine color, possible admixture of blood or pus;
• increased blood pressure;
• nausea, vomiting;
• bloating;
• elevated temperature.

Pancreatitis

This term unites a whole group of pathologies and means inflammation of the pancreas. In this case, the pain is referred to the lumbar region, but is formed in the abdominal area. In chronic pathology, pain usually occurs after a fatty meal.

Other symptoms of pancreatitis include:

• signs of severe toxicosis - lightheadedness and nausea, turning into severe vomiting;
• disturbances in intestinal function - diarrhea, inclusion of undigested food particles in the stool;
• increase in body temperature to 38-39 degrees.

Neurological pathologies

Lower back pain in mid-pregnancy is often associated with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including:

• intervertebral hernia;
• lumbar scoliosis;
• osteochondrosis;
• hyper- or hypolordosis of the lumbar region;
• spondylosis.

The clinical picture in this case has many similar signs. In addition to lower back pain, the following symptoms are possible:

• stiffness or limitation of movement;
• increased pain during certain movements;
• local increase in temperature;
• swelling or swelling of the affected area.

Why does the lower back hurt in late pregnancy?

In the last trimester, lower back pain is often physiological. This is due to significant weight gain and increased load and pressure on internal organs. The causes of discomfort can also be pathological.

Large volume of the uterus

Lower back pain in this case often occurs towards the end of pregnancy - at 38 weeks. During this period the uterus reaches maximum size. This condition is usually not accompanied by any accompanying symptoms.

Training contractions

Painful sensations are paroxysmal and usually irregular. After a few hours, the condition may return to normal, but repeat the next day.

If such a symptom appears before the 35th week of pregnancy, as well as if the interval between contractions shortens, premature birth is likely. In this case, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Myositis

This term refers to muscle inflammation. If it affects the lower back, then pain appears in this area. The cause may be exposure to drafty, cool air.

Muscle pain can be local. It gets worse with movement or if you put pressure on the affected muscle. Increased pain is also observed when the weather changes.

Is lower back pain dangerous in pregnant women?

Low back pain itself is not dangerous, but some pathologies that cause this symptom are dangerous:

• An ectopic pregnancy means a risk of recurrence of this situation, infertility. In the absence of immediate medical intervention, there is a possibility of death.
• A frozen pregnancy is dangerous due to the risk of developing an infection.
• Pyelonephritis is dangerous due to possible complications - anemia, renal failure, sepsis. There is a risk of premature birth. Preeclampsia and eclampsia may develop, which is life-threatening for both the unborn child and the mother.
• Myositis can lead to increased muscle weakness, decreased ability to self-care, and atrophy skeletal muscles, including full.
• Pancreatitis can cause miscarriage. Against the background of this pathology, peritonitis, internal bleeding, and abnormalities in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract may develop.

It is considered a relative norm when lower back pain is minor and is not accompanied by other symptoms. This does not mean that you do not need to see a doctor. During pregnancy, you should pay attention to any changes and discuss them with a specialist.

The most dangerous conditions are those accompanied by acute pain, especially in the presence of other unpleasant symptoms.

What to do?

If you have lower back pain, you should consult a doctor. Depending on the accompanying symptoms, this may be a gynecologist or a therapist. If necessary, they will refer the patient to a more specialized specialist for the necessary tests and studies.

During pregnancy, the list of possible studies is limited, so routine x-rays are not allowed. Ultrasound scanning and magnetic resonance imaging without contrast can be performed.

Only a doctor can prescribe drug therapy for lower back pain. Most medications are prohibited, so sometimes treatment has to be postponed until after birth.

During pregnancy, it is allowed to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, then only in those dosage forms, which are intended for external use. Such medications cope well with pain and inflammation. They are used for myalgia, inflammatory and degenerative pathologies of joints, inflammatory swelling of soft tissues.

If the pathology creates a threat of miscarriage or premature birth, then the woman is admitted to a hospital. Often treatment in such conditions is limited to diet, bed rest, vitamins and Papaverine injections to eliminate muscle spasms. Staying in a hospital is mainly required to ensure peace of mind for the woman and the opportunity to provide her with medical care at any moment.

If you have any alarming symptoms during pregnancy, you should consult a doctor. Self-medication during this period is strictly excluded, as it can be not only ineffective, but also dangerous.

Prevention measures

In order not to overshadow the course of pregnancy with unpleasant symptoms, you should think about preventive measures:

• If you have diagnosed pathologies of the musculoskeletal system and weak muscles, you should work on strengthening them. Swimming and special gymnastics are well suited for this. They can be practiced not only in preparation for pregnancy, but also during it.
• Pregnancy planning. Many unpleasant moments can be avoided if you prepare in advance for the birth of a child. At this stage, you should carefully check the condition of your body and cure existing pathologies.
• At the first signs of pregnancy, register with the antenatal clinic. This will allow you to find out about any problems, including ectopic pregnancy, in a timely manner.
• Eat right during pregnancy and monitor normal weight gain. A sudden weight gain can cause a lot of troubles.
• Enrich your diet with calcium. To do this, the diet must be diversified with cottage cheese, cheese, other dairy products, herbs, fish, and nuts.
• Give up shoes for high heels.
• Do not stand on your feet for too long, especially in one position. This puts stress on the sacral muscles. If you have to stand for a long time for any reason, then you need to bend your leg at the knee or rest it on a slight elevation.
• Sit correctly. To do this, you need to use a chair with a back and armrests. The seat should be firm. You cannot sit for more than an hour in a row; you need to do periodic warm-ups.
• You should sleep on a hard mattress. This is very beneficial for the back, especially when it hurts when standing up.
• Do special gymnastics for pregnant women.
• Walk more fresh air.
• Stick to moderate exercise. During pregnancy they are not contraindicated, but must be adjusted according to the position. Heavy objects should not be lifted under any circumstances.

Doctor Violetta Frolova talks about common causes of lumbar pain in pregnant women, ways to eliminate it and reasons for consulting a specialist:

Lower back pain during pregnancy is a fairly common occurrence. In some cases it is the norm, in others it is a sign of pathology. Any deviations from the norm should be reported to your doctor, and he will determine their cause and the measures that need to be taken. Many troubles can be avoided by prevention, especially if you start it at the stage of pregnancy planning.

Almost three-quarters of all women experience back pain, regardless of stage of pregnancy. If this is observed on later, then, as a rule, everything is attributed to weight gain, which leads to a large load experienced by the back muscles. However, how to behave if your back hurts during early pregnancy? Should mom be afraid of this?

Causes of back pain during the first trimester

It is generally accepted that pain in the lower back can be one of the first signs of pregnancy. This is partly true. The fact is that already in the first weeks of pregnancy, the uterus quickly increases in size, and therefore the muscles and ligaments that support it begin to stretch, which causes discomfort in the lumbar region.

However, pain in the first trimester can be of a different nature and their causes are not always harmless.

Physiological pain

• At about 9 weeks, the expectant mother’s body begins to actively produce the hormone progesterone, whose task is to support the growing fetus and prevent unauthorized termination of pregnancy;

Therefore, if during the period from 9 to 12 weeks you felt such ailments, then do not worry. This is just another confirmation of the normal course of pregnancy. As a rule, by 12 weeks a woman’s condition should return to normal.

• However, if before pregnancy you suffered from ailments such as osteochondrosis, lumbar scoliosis, spinal stenosis or intervertebral hernia, then the pain syndrome in this case will be quite intense and will accompany the expectant mother until the birth itself.

Pathological pain

The reasons why your back hurts during pregnancy are not always so harmless. In some cases, the cause lies in a disease or pathological condition of the body. These include:

1. The development of an ectopic pregnancy (article on the topic: How to determine an ectopic pregnancy?>>>). As a rule, in this condition the pain is one-sided and can radiate to the rectum area, less often to the scapula area. This is how tubal abortion manifests itself. Half of women with ectopic pregnancy bleeding from the vagina occurs;

Important! If this condition is not detected in time, then a rupture of the fallopian tube is possible, which results in sharp pain, a drop in blood pressure and pulse, and loss of consciousness. In this case, the woman needs urgent surgical intervention.

1. Risk of miscarriage. In this case, a woman needs to pay attention to other accompanying symptoms:

• pain in the lower abdomen;
• bloody discharge from the vagina, regardless of its intensity;
• nausea (do not forget that nausea can also be a common companion of a pregnant woman. Read about this in the article: Nausea during pregnancy >>>).

To prevent unpleasant sensations from occurring during this period, try:

1. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes;
2. Watch your posture;
3. Find time to rest during the working day;
4. Do not stay in one position for a long time (sitting or standing);
5. If there are no contraindications, then you need to do gymnastics that are suitable for pregnant women. Swimming is no less effective.

Causes of back pain during the second trimester

Physiological reasons

If you have back pain during the second trimester of pregnancy, then most likely this is a manifestation of an actively growing uterus and tightening of the muscles in this area. Those most susceptible to this are those who spend most of the working day in one position (sitting at a computer or standing at a counter).

Another reason not related to pathology is weight gain. If you had toxicosis in the first trimester, then your weight gain was insignificant. In such situations, the body tries to catch up, and a pregnant woman is able to gain from 5 to 10 kg during the second trimester, which cannot but affect the condition of the spine and lumbar muscles.

To prevent this, you need to:

• pay attention to your diet by adding more calcium-rich foods to it. By the way, a lot useful information you can get from our course: Secrets of proper nutrition for an expectant mother >>>;
• you need to get up or sit down smoothly, without jerking;
• change your body position more often while working;
• while sitting, lean your back on the back of the chair;
• do not lift heavy objects;
• do gymnastics.

Pathological causes

This period is characterized by an exacerbation of various chronic diseases that could have bothered the expectant mother even before pregnancy. If you feel that your back hurts in the second trimester of pregnancy, then these may be manifestations:

1. neurological diseases;
2. chronic ailments of the musculoskeletal system;
3. kidney problems such as pyelonephritis or urolithiasis.

Causes of the third trimester

According to statistics, one out of three women who are in an interesting position has back pain during pregnancy in the third trimester.

Physiological reasons

• The main cause of back pain during pregnancy after 27 weeks is manifestations of weight gain by this period and an increase in the volume of the uterus, which begins to put pressure on surrounding organs and muscles;
• Around week 30, a pregnant woman’s center of gravity shifts. Therefore, when walking, it leans back and the lower back is subject to increased load;

In recent weeks, unpleasant sensations in the lower back are often associated with the body’s preparatory processes for the upcoming birth and the beginning of the divergence of the pelvic and sacral bones. Also, if your lower back hurts during pregnancy after 37 weeks, then it is likely that you are going into labor and it’s time to go to the maternity hospital. Read the article

Every second woman experiences lower back and back pain during pregnancy. Some complain of discomfort from the first weeks, others begin to experience heaviness and discomfort closer to the third trimester. One way or another, you need to monitor your feelings and know how to cope with them. We'll tell you why expectant mothers have back pain. different dates and how to relieve lower back pain during pregnancy.

Why does my back hurt during pregnancy?

Common causes of lower back pain during pregnancy include:

• changes in body proportions and a shift in the center of gravity;
• increase in body weight of the expectant mother;
• softening of ligaments and muscles under the influence of hormones;
• incorrect lifestyle - sedentary or with excessive stress.

All these factors appear at different times and can be corrected through exercise, relaxation, using a bandage, gentle massage and other simple methods.

Early dates

Normally, during pregnancy in the first trimester, the lower back hurts moderately, and when you change position, the discomfort quickly goes away. Unpleasant sensations are most often caused by progesterone: under the influence of this hormone, ligaments and muscles soften. Because of this, the distribution of loads changes somewhat, the pelvis begins to diverge slightly, the uterus grows and gradually puts pressure on the pelvic organs. The result is slight pain and a feeling of fullness.

Causes of lower back pain in the first trimester

Second trimester

The cause of lower back pain in pregnant women after 14 weeks is most often a change in the location of internal organs and an increased load on the musculoskeletal system. The height of the uterus before conception is about 7 cm, and by the end of the second trimester its fundus is located 28 cm from the symphysis pubis. As it grows, it begins to put pressure not only on the bladder and intestines, but also on the pelvic bones. The abdomen enlarges, moves forward, and shifts the center of gravity. Because of this, kyphosis is formed, i.e. the deflection in the lower back increases. The usual body weight is distributed unevenly along the spine, areas of tension appear in the lower back, which make themselves felt during long walks, sedentary work and sleeping in an uncomfortable position. To this we must add that if a woman at this stage often rests on her back, the risk of squeezing the greater vena cava increases. One of its indirect consequences, among other things, includes back pain.

Third trimester

Most often, lower back pain occurs during late pregnancy. In the third trimester, weight becomes the main factor causing discomfort. In the last 3 months of intrauterine development, the child begins to accumulate subcutaneous fat faster, gains weight and future mom. At the same time, the volume of blood circulating in the body increases. The load on the kidneys doubles, which often leads to swelling and congestion. The peristalsis of the intestine, compressed by the growing uterus, is disrupted, i.e. Digestive waste is eliminated much more slowly. Because of all these prerequisites, weight increases, and with it the load on the spine. Scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis and other problems are only getting worse. At the same time, hormones prepare the pelvis for childbirth and soften the ligaments, the cross-iliac joints become mobile, and this only aggravates the nagging pain in the lower back during pregnancy.

Why does the lower back ache in later pregnancy?

Many expectant mothers are interested in the question of at what stage of pregnancy the lower back begins to hurt. Firstly, not everyone experiences back discomfort. It all depends on your health and physical fitness. If a woman has a normal body mass index, has been involved in moderate amounts of sports for a long time, has trained her muscle corset and is not gaining excess weight, then until the very birth she may not notice any problems such as heaviness or aching pain. For those who lead a sedentary or, conversely, hyperactive lifestyle, lower back pain usually appears towards the middle of pregnancy. At this time, the coccygeal-parietal size of the fetus rapidly increases; to build its skeletal system, calcium is taken from the mother’s body. In addition, the baby begins to gain subcutaneous fat and gradually becomes heavier. Due to such processes, the center of gravity of the body quickly shifts, the distribution of loads on the spine changes, resulting in pain and fatigue during prolonged walking or sedentary work.

Alarming symptoms

In some cases, lower back pain during pregnancy cannot be ignored, attributing it to weight gain or fatigue. In order to respond to alarming symptoms in a timely manner, you need to be attentive to your well-being and its changes.

So, if the lower back and lower abdomen hurt during early pregnancy (up to 12 weeks), and the woman notices weakness, rapid heartbeat and dizziness, you need to urgently call an ambulance. Such signs may indicate detachment and the onset of miscarriage. In the second trimester, you should be wary of the appearance of girdling pain, radiating to the tailbone, pubis and thighs. If they do not go away when you rest in a lying position for 20-30 minutes or become rhythmic (they last for the same time and appear at the same intervals), you should also call a doctor. Perhaps such sensations are associated with hypertension or the onset of premature labor. The sooner you seek help, the greater the chances of maintaining the pregnancy.

When should you ask for help?

Back pain in late pregnancy should also be reported to the gynecologist in a timely manner - in the third trimester, increased uterine tone worsens blood flow in the placenta and has a detrimental effect on admission nutrients and oxygen to the baby and can lead to fetal hypoxia. There are also a number of diseases in which severe pain during pregnancy in the back.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas manifests itself in digestive disorders, deterioration of the condition, similar to toxicosis. During pregnancy, back pain associated with this disease is girdling in nature, localized in the upper abdomen and moves towards the spine during attacks. Such symptoms are a reason to immediately consult a doctor; self-medication in these circumstances can be dangerous not only for the course of pregnancy, but also for the woman’s health.

Osteochondrosis, radiculitis, intervertebral hernia

Pinched intervertebral discs, salt deposits, inflammatory processes are accompanied by discomfort not only at the location, but throughout musculoskeletal system. So, due to osteochondrosis, radiculitis or hernias during pregnancy, the entire back or its large parts hurt. Constant tension can provoke increased uterine tone and premature birth. It cannot be left unattended - after consultation with a gynecologist, therapist and surgeon, exercise therapy and treatment methods that alleviate the condition of the expectant mother can be recommended.

Due to problems with the spine, the back may begin to hurt during pregnancy.

Kidney diseases

Glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis usually first affect only one kidney, respectively, in the case of similar diseases during pregnancy, the back hurts on the right or left. Such problems will not go unnoticed, since kidney problems can be tracked by urine tests, which the woman regularly undergoes during observation at the antenatal clinic. Such conditions can be treated, but they cannot be neglected. Their severe consequences include eclampsia and preeclampsia.

What to do if your lower back hurts during pregnancy?

The first thing to do if your lower back hurts during pregnancy is to go to the doctor. There is no need to run to a consultation at the slightest discomfort in the back. If unpleasant sensations begin to worsen the quality of life - they interfere with sleep, do not go away during rest or after doing relaxing exercises - you should seek advice.

In some cases, an examination is enough for a specialist to determine the cause of the problem; in others, you will need to take tests, undergo an ultrasound, or consult a doctor in the related field of medicine. Only a comprehensive and qualified approach to diagnosis will allow a pregnant woman to get rid of pain in the lower back and back, or at least reduce it to the possible minimum. It is strictly forbidden to self-medicate. First of all, different methods are intended for different types of pain: heating can aggravate inflammation, and improper exercise therapy can worsen the condition of the hernia. The same applies to ointments, painkillers and folk recipes- familiar and effective remedies are not always allowed for expectant mothers and can be dangerous both for the baby and for the woman herself. In short, for any problem during pregnancy, the first step should be a consultation with a doctor.

If your back hurts severely during pregnancy, you need to coordinate treatment with your doctor.

Lifestyle

If your back hurts during pregnancy not because of complex diseases, but for physiological reasons, you should reconsider your lifestyle. For those who work in a sitting position for a long time before giving birth, you need to buy a comfortable chair or armchair and take a break every 40-60 minutes - get up and stretch. While working, you should try to keep your back straight: a “crooked” spine distributes the load evenly, which increases lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis and other unpleasant problems.

Women who spend a lot of time on their feet - due to the nature of professional activity, caring for a second child or everyday life, you also need breaks. If possible, you should rest in a lying or half-sitting position, raising your legs slightly or placing pillows under your back so that the lower back “stretches” and relaxes.

Expectant mothers should only sleep on their sides; for greater comfort, you can purchase a pregnancy pillow or make one yourself from a rug or blanket. Such a device will help fix the pelvis and shoulders in a comfortable position, eliminate improper loads on different parts of the spine and make rest better. It is not recommended to sleep on your back from the second trimester - the heavier and growing uterus puts pressure on the greater vena cava, and this is fraught with circulatory disorders, numbness and tiring aching pain in the back after waking up.

The sleeping position should be comfortable and correct

Physical activity

Training before childbirth should be moderate, their goal is not to set sports records, but to strengthen the body, gently increase its endurance without excessive stress, prepare for childbirth and speed up recovery after it. If your lower back hurts during pregnancy, you need to minimize exercises that involve vertical loads on the spine. TO the best options physical activity includes:

• Swimming - immersion in water reduces weight own body, when swimming, they are switched on alternately different groups muscles, i.e. the risk of “overtraining” of any department is eliminated. Moreover, such training improves the functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, increases adaptive and protective functions body, literally help you relax and relieve tension.
• Water aerobics - group classes in the pool and fitness club are conducted under the guidance of an instructor who, on the side of the pool, shows exercises with different equipment aimed at strengthening the muscle corset, gentle stretching, increasing the elasticity of ligaments and breathing training, which will not only help get rid of lower back pain during pregnancy, but also prepare the body for childbirth.
• Mom yoga - this format of yoga excludes in classes for beginners exercises on twisting, bending and inverted poses, all asanas work to relax different parts of the body, relieve tension from the back and legs, conscious and correct breathing, after the class you feel a surge of strength and increased tone .

Yoga can help you cope with lower back pain during pregnancy

Bandage

A prenatal bandage is an orthopedic product in the form of a belt of variable width. It has adjustable clasps that allow you to change sizes and wear the same model until the end of the third trimester. They begin to wear a bandage on the recommendation of a doctor, usually from 5-6 months of pregnancy, when the growing uterus begins to put pressure on the organs and shift the center of gravity. Using such an accessory if your lower back hurts during pregnancy will help redistribute the load and reduce discomfort. The bandage must be put on correctly - in a lying position, securing the wide base under the stomach. The belt will be invisible under clothes; it will not only reduce discomfort in the back, but will also serve as a prevention of early stretch marks.

How to relieve back pain during pregnancy: 5 simple tips

• alternate work and rest;
• wear comfortable shoes with a small heel and a comfortable last;
• swim in the pool without high loads;
• sleep in the correct position;
• do not neglect the bandage in the second trimester.