Lower pain during pregnancy: causes and treatments

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Lower pain during pregnancy is observed quite often, and they can occur for a variety of reasons. Often this is a completely natural physiological process, and only in some cases can be a sign of a dangerous pathology.

Often, pain occurs only because a woman has to carry a lot of weight during pregnancy, while the load on the back muscles falls in a completely different way. A pregnant woman has a slightly awkward walk.

Lower back pain during pregnancy occurs due to the fact that hormones lead to relaxation of the ligaments, including in the pelvic area. Often, such a condition is observed in the later stages, since tense muscles get very tired by the end of the day and begin to break the lower back even in he althy women.

It is worth noting that the answer to the question of why the lower back hurts during pregnancy is far from always unambiguous, since there can be many different reasons for this condition. This is often possible due toexacerbation of osteochondrosis or kidney disease. In addition, there are also many other, no less dangerous causes, therefore, if such symptoms occur, you should definitely consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Main types and types of pain

During pregnancy, lower back pain can be very different, it all depends on the reasons that provoked them. In neurological diseases, tingling and numbness are mainly observed. Pain gradually shifts from the back to the buttocks.

Severe cramping pain in the lower back during pregnancy may occur due to the occurrence of urolithiasis. This is a kind of renal colic, causing significant discomfort, provoked by the passage of stones through the ureters.

In case of kidney disease, symptoms such as:

• headache;
• fever;
• pressure increase;
• puffiness.

Urine becomes dark and urination is accompanied by pain in the bladder. This is a sign that a woman has pyelonephritis, which is a serious danger to he alth and life.

The feeling of tension in the uterine area due to false contractions can also provoke periodic soreness. If at the 39th week of pregnancy the lower back is pulled, this is a completely natural process, since the body is preparing for childbirth in this way.

Causes of pain in the early stages

Early low back painpregnancies can be very different, but it is not always worth treating them carelessly, attributing everything to a physiological manifestation. At the very beginning of her interesting position, a woman becomes vulnerable to various diseases. To carry a he althy baby, a slight suppression of the immune system is required so that the body does not reject the fetus due to gene differences.

In addition, with hypothermia in the early stages, inflammation of the kidneys can occur, which is provoked by various pathogens. It is worth noting that the risk of its occurrence remains at any time.

If you have back pain in early pregnancy, and at the same time the pain is paroxysmal in nature and is accompanied by the presence of unusual discharge, then you should immediately consult a doctor. Temperature may be a danger signal.

Causes of late term pain

Almost every woman pulls her lower back during late pregnancy. This is due to the fact that an unevenly distributed load falls on the muscles. If initially they were not too strong, then the lower back will sag so that balance can be maintained. In this case, the lower back begins to break.

If there were no problems with the spine before, then, most likely, the sensations will not be too strong, and they are easily eliminated through special exercises. In case of osteochondrosis or instability in the lumbar region, as well as if there were previous fracturesspine, it is very important to take preventive measures and undergo special treatment. Be sure to consult a doctor, because on your own, only with the help of gymnastics, it is impossible to eliminate the cause of the pain. If you have diseases of the spine, you should immediately tell your gynecologist about this when registering in a consultation.

A few weeks before the birth, the baby will begin to sink into the small pelvis and put pressure on the nerve endings, which is why it hurts the lower back. Dealing with such a problem is quite difficult. Some people find it helpful to adopt certain positions in bed, as a result of which the pressure is reduced. After the baby is born, the discomfort goes away.

Sometimes women just get cold or sit in a draft. In such cases, muscle inflammation may occur - myositis. If the back is blown, then the neck and shoulders mainly suffer, but sometimes pain can be observed in the lumbar region. The pain in this case is very sharp, and sometimes it is even difficult to move. If the lower abdomen and lower back hurt at the same time during late pregnancy, then this may indicate the onset of labor.

Dangerous painful sensations

Why does the lower back hurt during pregnancy, only the attending doctor can determine after a comprehensive diagnosis. There are certain rather dangerous situations of such a state, among which it is necessary to highlight:

• pyelonephritis or cystitis;
• pancreatitis;
• exacerbation of diseases of the muscles and spine;
• threatened miscarriage;
• infected abortion.

Inflammationpancreas - pancreatitis. It manifests itself in the form of pain in the epigastric region, and is also accompanied by flatulence, loss of appetite, diarrhea, decreased pressure, weight loss. The threat of miscarriage can be at any time and is accompanied by contraction of the walls of the uterus, the presence of discharge, pain in the lower back and lower abdomen.

Infected abortion manifests itself in the form of pain in the lumbar region during pregnancy. In addition, there is an increase in temperature, the pulse becomes rapid, purulent discharge appears.

Dangerous causes of pain can be recognized by a woman on her own. If symptoms occur, be sure to consult a doctor.

Non-dangerous types of pain

In some cases, if pulling the lower back during pregnancy, this condition may be completely harmless. This happens in the following cases:

• due to weight gain;
• hormonal changes in the body;
• womb enlargement;
• for false contractions.

It is worth noting that with these types of pain, they disappear after resting or taking a comfortable position. However, in any case, a pregnant woman should consult with her doctor in order to exclude the occurrence of pathologies and prevent the development of complications. A pregnant woman has a decrease in immunity, and also increases susceptibility to infections. To prevent this from happening, you need to visit a doctor in a timely manner and follow all his recommendations.

Pain associated with disease

If your lower back hurts during pregnancy, then this may be a sign of various diseases, in particular, such as:

• sciatica;
• kidney disease;
• symphysite;
• inflammation of the appendages;
• uterine hypertonicity;
• false contractions.

The cause of pain in the lumbar region can be osteochondrosis or sciatica. Their treatment is complicated by the fact that many medications are prohibited during this period, as they have a negative effect on the fetus. If symptoms characteristic of these diseases occur, it is necessary to limit physical activity as much as possible, to be in a calm state. In addition, it is possible to use warming ointments, but it is advisable to consult a doctor first. It is also necessary to take preventive measures, in particular, to prevent hypothermia and weight lifting.

Due to hormonal disorders and lack of calcium in the body, softening of bone tissue and stretching in the pubic area can occur. This process is completely normal, however, with severe stretching and severe swelling, there may be symphysitis. A genetic predisposition and disorders in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system can affect its development. In this case, the lower back hurts when walking. During pregnancy, this disease can be observed quite often. In a woman, the gait becomes waddling, and in the supine position it is rather difficult to straighten her legs. If the disease worsens before childbirth, then a caesarean section is possible. Completely get rid of thisproblems during pregnancy is not possible, but symptoms can be relieved.

During the period of bearing a child, pain may also occur due to the presence of kidney disease. It can be problems such as stones, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis. In this case, the lower back is very aching. In addition, there are signs such as cramps, impaired urination, a decrease in the amount of urine.

If you pull your lower back during pregnancy, then this may be a sign of false contractions. It is worth noting that they can occur in the second trimester and are not accompanied by the opening of the cervix. In this case, very alarming signs will be pain in the lower abdomen, vaginal discharge, as well as a short period of time between contractions. This could be a sign of a miscarriage.

Lower pain in the second trimester of pregnancy can occur due to uterine hypertonicity, which is observed against the background of hormonal changes in the body and impaired functioning of the ovaries. The uterus can be in good shape and with the development of inflammatory diseases, as well as in the presence of neoplasms. Stress and depression can provoke such a state.

Lower back pain can be caused by inflammation of the appendages. At the same time, nausea, fever, chills, vaginal discharge are additionally observed. An asymptomatic course of the disease is also possible. Treatment is carried out by the use of antibacterial and antiviral drugs, which are prescribeddoctor.

Physiological pain

If the lower back hurts in the first months of pregnancy, then this may be a completely physiological process. Minor discomfort in this area may persist until the very birth. Often this is due to hormonal changes in the body, so this type of pain does not pose any threat at all.

The cause of soreness may be an increase in the uterus, which, as it grows, rises into the upper abdomen. In addition, the structure of the ligaments and discs that support the spine changes somewhat. Such changes lead to the fact that pulls the lower abdomen and lower back. Increased discomfort after a long walk and physical exertion. During the second pregnancy, the lower back hurts much more often than during the first, and this is due to the fact that the muscles and ligaments are somewhat weakened.

During childbearing, the placenta and ovaries begin to produce hormones that relax the pelvic bones. Such changes help to facilitate the process of childbirth, but at the same time, provoke discomfort in the lumbar region. Before the birth itself, backaches can additionally occur, and it also pulls the leg.

How to get rid of pain

For lower back pain caused by physiological changes, remedies such as:

• orthopedic pillow;
• bandage;
• he alth and general strengthening procedures.

There are several different options for pregnancy pillows, which is why you can choose the most interesting and comfortable. Suchproducts help normalize sleep, relieve tension from the back muscles, support the stomach and normalize blood circulation.

In addition, pillows can be placed under the legs to reduce swelling, use while feeding the baby. Severe lower back pain during pregnancy will help eliminate a special bandage. Wear it over underwear in a supine or sitting position. The widest part of the belt should be located in the back area. You can wear it no more than 3-4 hours.

If there are absolutely no contraindications, then the doctor may prescribe general strengthening and wellness procedures. You can visit the pool, yoga classes, as well as training with water aerobics.

A light massage will help eliminate excessive strain on the back muscles. Manual therapy is not recommended, as it can both eliminate pain and harm. If you suspect the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, you should contact an orthopedist, neurologist or surgeon. If there are problems with the kidneys, then a consultation with a urologist will be required. Treatment is prescribed strictly individually, depending on the cause of discomfort in the back.

During pregnancy, almost all medications that help eliminate pain are strictly prohibited. No-shpa will help reduce the discomfort that occurs with renal spasms. If a threat of miscarriage is diagnosed, then hospitalization with rest is required. In addition, droppers with magnesia are required, as well as taking Utrozhestan or Dufaston.

Eliminate severe back pain in the presence of problems with the musculoskeletal system will help "Menovazin", used in the form of a solution or ointment. This remedy is especially indispensable for a pinched nerve.

Use of folk remedies

You can eliminate or reduce pain in the lumbar region that occurs during pregnancy with the help of special warming compresses. If the diseases are not associated with urolithiasis or kidneys, then you can make a compress using tools such as:

• radish;
• bodyagi powder;
• shredded horseradish;
• mustard.

Cold compresses of garlic and burdock leaves have a good analgesic effect. The most important thing is that the procedure should not be too long and painful.

Pregnancy Exercise

Special gymnastics for pregnant women will help reduce pain in the lumbar region. There are a number of exercises that will help eliminate discomfort. You can do yoga classes. To do this, you need to get on all fours so that your head is parallel to the floor. It is necessary to bend your back in an arc and at the same time press your head to your chest. In this position, you need to linger for a few seconds.

Gradually you need to come back, and then slowly bend your back the way a cat does after sleep, pulling its head up a little. Again, you need to linger for a few seconds in this position.

Fitball exercises have a good effect, as they help to quickly eliminatepain and tension. You need to sit on the gym ball, spread your legs to the side to take a comfortable position. Alternately, you need to make turns of the body in different directions.

You can lie on your back on the fitball so that it bends in an even arc so that the spine stretches. As a result of this, the vertebrae will fall into place, and the back muscles will stretch, thereby relaxing. This exercise should be done systematically, even when the pain becomes less pronounced.

Prophylaxis

It is important to carry out regular preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of pain during pregnancy. To do this, you need to follow a few simple rules, namely:

• lead a he althy lifestyle;
• diet;
• take vitamin complexes;
• wear comfortable shoes;
• do not lift weights;
• exercise periodically.

It is very important to consume enough liquids, and also to control the level of pressure. In addition, hypothermia must be avoided. For sleep, you should choose a comfortable bed with an orthopedic mattress and a pillow. It is strictly forbidden to take medications to reduce pain in the spine.

Many doctors believe that if back pain occurs for unknown reasons, it may be due to the fact that the fetus takes calcium from the mother's body. That is why you need to take additional calcium supplements.

It is very useful to consume natural foods rich in this useful trace element. You should not take calcium-containing drugs too often, as their excess amount is deposited in the placenta, making it unsuitable for bearing a child. In addition, it can lead to hardening of the bones of the skull and painful, traumatic childbirth.

Following simple rules will help to avoid or minimize back pain. If the pain is very strong, then you should immediately consult a doctor.