Back Pain During Early Pregnancy

Back pain during early pregnancy is seen in around 80% of expecting women. Lower back pain is one of the early signs of pregnancy before missed period. Many women tend to be worried of the back pain during their early pregnancies. It is one of the normal symptoms seen during pregnancy and there many reasons for the back pain experienced.

Causes of Back Pain During Early Pregnancy

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, tender breasts and many other discomforting feelings are common symptoms of pregnancy. However, back pain is the one that causes considerable discomfort to the mums-to-be. There are various causes of this discomforting pain. This Buzzle article will discuss some of the main causes of lower back pain in expecting mother's.

Stretching
One of the most common reasons for back pain is stretching of ligaments around the abdominal area. This is a natural phenomenon that prepares the body for the long process of fetal 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 in pregnant women.

Extra Weight
The developing fetus puts extra pressure and weight on the spinal cord. Few women also tend to put on weight. The back has to support the mother's and the baby's increasing weight, thus leading to lower back pain.

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 pregnancy back pain.

Urinary Tract Infections
Women are more prone to urinary tract infections during pregnancy. This bacterial infection causes back pain in early pregnancy.

Posture
Women tend to bend backwards or forward due to the weight of their swelling tummies. This poor posture causes pain in back.

Stress
The mental and physical stress of the body affects the weak pelvic area of the body. This stress leads to lower back pain in a pregnant mother.

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. If you are suffering from back pain, 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 in reducing urinary tract infection that causes lower back pain.
• 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 for your fetus as well.
• Give your back plenty of rest and avoid standing or sitting in the same position for long period of time. While sleeping keep your legs elevated and avoid sleeping on your back for a 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 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 compression. You can ask someone to rub your back to help reduce the pain.
• Exercises like swimming, walking and other physical activity may help build your back stronger and reduce the lower back pain. You can try pelvic tilt exercise, cardiovascular exercises, stretching and strengthening exercises to relieve back pain. Remember, it is very important to carry out any form of pregnancy exercises under the strict guidance of your doctor.

You can ask your doctor to prescribe medications to relieve the lower back pain. Do not take any medications without the consent of your doctor as it may be harmful for your fetus. Lower back pain 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 both the safety of your fetus and your health should be given equal importance and care.