Lower Back Pain in Early Pregnancy

Lower back pain and cramping are some of the common physical discomforts, faced by a woman during pregnancy. During pregnancy, a large majority of women have to deal with some common problems like back pain, as their body undergoes a lot of changes. However, many women wonder, "is it normal to have lower back pain in early pregnancy?" The answer to this common query is that, the aches and discomforts that accompany pregnancy is quite normal. As we know, pregnancy is marked by a lot of hormonal changes, which actually prepare the body for childbearing or delivery. Lower back pain can be a result of such changes that actually take place to make the entire delivery process easy and less painful. So, let's find out more about what exactly causes lower back pain in early pregnancy.

What Causes Lower Back Pain in Early Pregnancy?

Generally, lower back pain is experienced by most of the expecting women, before completing 20 weeks. Such low back pain is usually felt in the lumbar or pelvic regions of the body. There can be many factors which can lead to lower back pain and cramping during this period, out of which the most important lower back pain causes are

• The extra weight gained by the pregnant woman, can put more pressure on the back. This extra pressure can be an important cause of back pain during pregnancy.
• Besides increasing the body weight, the growing uterus also causes a shift in the center of gravity of the body. The center of gravity will move forward, as the uterus grows gradually. This changes the posture of the expecting women, which can strain the back and cause pain in the lower back region.
• The rising level of pregnancy hormones can also be blamed for lower back pain in early pregnancy. The pregnancy hormones, relaxin and progesterone are known to relax the pelvic ligaments and joint, in order to prepare the uterus for childbirth. All these changes in these structures, that support the back can cause back pain and cramping.
• Another common cause for lower back pain in early pregnancy is, urinary tract infection. Pregnant women are more likely to develop infections of the urinary tract, which can cause a pain in the back and pelvic regions.

Remedies for Lower Back Pain in Early Pregnancy

Though medications are there to relieve the cramping and lower back pain in early pregnancy, their prolonged use can have certain adverse effects. However, the natural methods like regular exercising can help to reduce back pain, without any adverse effect on your health and your unborn baby. Even physicians suggest mild exercises to manage lower back pain in the initial stage. However, overstretching while exercising, as well as high impact exercises are not ideal for pregnant women. So, talk to your physician regarding the kind of exercises, that you can safely perform during this period. Read more on pregnancy exercises.

Like exercises, relaxation techniques can help to manage some of the common discomforts, faced during pregnancy. Apart from exercises and relaxation techniques, also important is to maintain a correct body posture, as a wrong posture can play an important role in causing lower back pain in early pregnancy. Standing or sitting for a long time should be avoided by pregnant women, as these can further aggravate the pain. Similarly, high heel shoes should also be avoided; pregnant women should opt for shoes, that provide adequate support to their back. To get temporary relief from the back pain, take a warm bath. Otherwise, placing a warm water bottle on the back region can also help to provide relief. Learn more about

• Lower Back Pain Relief
• Back Pain Relief
• Prenatal Care

A pregnant woman should take adequate rest and sleep, while staying fit by regular exercising. Walking is a very good exercise for pregnant women. This can help to alleviate not only lower back pain in early pregnancy, but many other pregnancy related health issues. It has been observed that, sleeping on the back can further aggravate back pain. So, pregnant women should try to sleep on the sides, with one or both the knees bent. However, if the back pain persists and become more intense with time, even after taking sufficient care and precaution, then it is better talk to your physician.