Back Pain During Early Pregnancy

Back pain during early pregnancy is seen in around 80% of expecting women. Lower back pain during early pregnancy is one of the pregnancy signs before missed period. Many women tend to be worried due to back pain in early pregnancies. This is a very normal pregnancy symptom and there many reasons for back pain during pregnancy.

Causes of Back Pain During Early Pregnancy

• Stretching: One of the most common reasons for back pain during early pregnancy is the stretching of ligaments around the abdominal area. This is a natural phenomenon that makes the body prepare for the long process of growth that will occur over time.
• Center of Gravity: The center of gravity of the body starts moving forward along with the expanding uterus. This leads to change in posture, which in turn causes lower back pain during early pregnancy.
• Extra Weight: The developing fetus puts extra pressure and weight on the spinal cord. Few women also tend to put on weight during pregnancy. The back has to support the mother's and the baby's increasing weight, thus leading to back pain during pregnancy.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Women are more prone to urinary tract infections during pregnancy. This UTI causes back pain in early pregnancy.
• Hormones: Hormones play havoc in an expecting mum's body. Hormones like progesterone soften the ligaments in the pelvic area and the joints become loose. This is to prepare the body to accommodate the growing baby in the uterus. This loosening and shifting of the ligaments and joints cause back pain during early pregnancy.
• Posture: Women tend to bend backwards or forward due to the weight of their swelling tummies. This poor posture causes back pain during pregnancy.
• Stress: The mental and physical stress of the body affects the weak pelvic area of the body. This stress leads to lower back pain during early pregnancy.

Treatment of Back pain During Early Pregnancy
It is not possible to prevent back pain in early pregnancy, but you can take certain steps to reduce the intensity and frequency of the back pain during pregnancy. If you are suffering from back pain during early pregnancy, you may want to consider the following steps under the guidance of your doctor:

• Drink plenty of fluids to keep the urinary tract free from bacteria. Frequent urination will help reducing urinary tract infection that causes lower back pain during early pregnancy.
• Do not bend over to pick anything from the floor. Instead squat down to reduce the pressure on your back. Avoid picking or lifting heavy objects as it is not only harmful for your back but the fetus as well.
• Give your back plenty of rest and avoid standing or sitting in the same position for longer period of time. While sleeping keep your legs elevated and avoid sleeping on your back for long time.
• Under the guidance of your doctor use a support belt for your lower abdomen. This will help reduce the back pain in early pregnancy.
• Stop wearing heels and shoes that do not provide adequate support to your back. Heels tend to elevate back pain during early pregnancy as they affect your posture.
• Roll over to your side while getting out of bed. Bend your knees and hips and with the help of your arm push yourself out of bed. Dangle your lower legs over the side of the bed and get up slowly.
• Sit on a chair that supports your back and place a small pillow behind your lower back. Keep your feet in a slightly elevated position. While standing, rest the foot on a low step stool and keep changing the feet frequently.
• Apply heat pad to your back to provide relief to the discomfort. You can also apply ice pack alternating with heat. You can also ask someone to rub your back to help reduce back pain during early pregnancy.
• Exercise: Swimming, walking and other physical exercise may help build your back stronger and reduce the lower back pain during early pregnancy. You can try pelvic tilt exercise, cardiovascular exercises, stretching and strengthening exercises to relieve back pain during early pregnancy. Remember, it is very important to carry out any form of pregnancy exercises under the strict guidance of your doctor.

You can even ask your doctor to prescribe medications to relive the lower back pain during early pregnancy. Do not take any medications without the consent of your doctor as it may be harmful for your fetus. Lower back pain during pregnancy is a common discomfort faced by mums-to-be. But, do not take this pain lightly. If you have any doubts or fears regarding lower back pain during early pregnancy or any other ailment speak to your doctor. Keep in mind, that when you are pregnant, it is not only for the safety of the fetus but also your health is a serious concern.