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Lower back pain in the early stages of pregnancy, depending on the severity of the symptoms, can be either a completely natural phenomenon associated with sprained ligaments, or a rather alarming sign, signaling any problems in the body.
Spasmodic pain in the lower back can occur when the muscles of the pubis are overstretched. This phenomenon can lead to the development of symphysitis, in which pain is much stronger and spreads, in addition to the lower back, to the hips and groin area.
Lower back pain in early pregnancy can be caused by increased uterine tone. This phenomenon occurs quite often in the first three months of pregnancy and requires mandatory treatment.
Lower back pain may be associated with an increase in the load on the lumbar region due to an increase in the size of the abdomen.
Leading an inactive and unhealthy lifestyle can also affect the condition of the lumbar region, especially if the woman has had problems with the spine in the past. Prolonged stay in an uncomfortable position or sitting can also cause discomfort in the lower back.
Such a fairly common problem during pregnancy as constipation can also cause discomfort in the lower back.
Lower back pain in early pregnancy can occur due to kidney pathology, myositis, sexually transmitted infections, inflammation of the uterus and its appendages, etc.
Considering the many reasons that can provoke lumbar pain in the early stages of pregnancy, if such a symptom appears, you should definitely notify your doctor.
Causes of lower back pain in early pregnancy
Among the numerous factors that can cause pain in the lower back, the following causes of lower back pain in early pregnancy can be singled out:
- Hypertonicity of the uterus. In the early stages of pregnancy, this problem can be caused by hormonal changes and insufficient production of progesterone in the woman’s body. In addition, uterine hypertonicity can be a consequence of a disease such as endometriosis, the result of inflammatory processes in the uterus and its appendages, and also occur when the uterine muscles are overstretched, the presence of tumors (uterine fibroids), or emotional stress. Lower back pain with uterine hypertonicity can be combined with pain in the lower abdomen, as well as in the sacral region.
- Symphysitis. The cause of the development of symphysitis may be hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy in a woman’s body. Under the influence of relaxin, tissue softens in the area of the symphysis pubis. This is a natural process during pregnancy, however, with symptoms such as severe swelling and separation of bones in the peripubic area, a doctor’s intervention is required. In addition to pain in the lower back and groin, discomfort with symphysitis can occur in the hips and tailbone. Increased pain in the presence of this pathology is noted when changing posture; in a lying position, it is difficult for a woman to raise and straighten her legs.
- Constipation. The cause of pain radiating to the lower back in the early stages of pregnancy may be such a delicate problem as constipation. To eliminate it and normalize stool, a woman must first balance her diet; it is possible to take herbal preparations that promote bowel movements. You can use such drugs only after consulting your doctor. Taking laxatives during pregnancy is prohibited.
- Enlargement and displacement of the uterus. This phenomenon in the early stages of pregnancy is a natural process and can cause discomfort in the lumbar region. In this case, both the ligaments supporting the uterus and the ligaments supporting the spine are stretched as a result of a shift in the center of gravity of the abdomen. After 20 weeks of pregnancy, such symptoms usually disappear.
- Osteochondrosis and radiculitis. These diseases often cause pain in the lower back. If a woman previously had problems with the spine, lower back pain during pregnancy can be caused by an exacerbation of osteochondrosis and radiculitis.
In addition to the reasons listed, lower back pain in early pregnancy can be accompanied by other conditions that can pose a threat to the woman’s health and the course of pregnancy, so if you experience any discomfort in the lumbar region, you should definitely consult a doctor. Symptoms of lower back pain, such as vaginal discharge and abdominal pain, require emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of lower back pain in early pregnancy
Symptoms of lower back pain in early pregnancy can be either mild or quite severe, depending on the reasons that cause it.
Lower back pain in early pregnancy can be dull or nagging, cramping or constant, and occur with movement or when a woman is sitting or lying down.
To establish the causes of lower back pain in the first months of pregnancy and take the necessary measures to eliminate them, you should definitely consult a gynecologist.
Diagnosis of low back pain in early pregnancy
Diagnosis of lower back pain in the early stages of pregnancy, depending on the accompanying symptoms, may involve an ultrasound examination, as well as a general examination of the patient.
The examination takes into account such factors as the nature and intensity of the pain, the presence of accompanying symptoms (pain in the groin, abdomen, vaginal discharge), the pregnant woman’s lifestyle, diet, the presence of spinal diseases, infectious or systemic pathologies, etc.
Depending on the results of the examination, the pregnant woman is prescribed individual complex treatment aimed at eliminating the causes of such symptoms.
Treatment of low back pain in early pregnancy
Treatment of lower back pain in early pregnancy depends on the general symptoms and nature of the pain.
For diseases of the spine, a pregnant woman can be prescribed a set of therapeutic exercises, which are selected individually based on the nature and type of pain syndrome. It should be remembered that during pregnancy a woman is strictly prohibited from lifting weights and overexerting herself.
Treatment of lower back pain caused by problems with bowel movements consists of balancing the diet and diet; taking laxatives during pregnancy is extremely undesirable. To normalize stool, it is possible to take herbal-based medications, strictly as prescribed by the doctor.
In case of uterine hypertonicity, treatment is carried out in a hospital setting; bed rest is recommended for the pregnant woman; antispasmodics and sedatives are prescribed.
Treatment of lower back pain in the early stages of pregnancy should be prescribed only by a qualified doctor after conducting an in-person examination and identifying the causes of pain.
Prevention of low back pain in early pregnancy
Prevention of lower back pain in the early stages of pregnancy consists primarily of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, evenly distributing loads on the lumbar region, eliminating heavy physical labor and stressful situations, proper and balanced nutrition, maintaining normal body weight, and proper rest.
Prevention of lower back pain in the early stages of pregnancy also involves regularly visiting your doctor and undergoing a routine examination.
Prognosis of low back pain in early pregnancy
The prognosis of lower back pain in early pregnancy depends on the severity of symptoms and the causes that cause it.
If lower back pain is associated with sprained ligaments, a shift in the center of gravity of the abdomen, or diseases of the spine, the pregnant woman may be prescribed a set of therapeutic exercises and procedures to alleviate the condition. Such symptoms, as a rule, do not have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy in the absence of complications.
The prognosis for lower back pain in the early stages of pregnancy when pain in the lower abdomen and vaginal discharge occurs can be unfavorable if you do not seek medical help in a timely manner. Such symptoms may indicate a threat of miscarriage and require emergency medical intervention.
For any discomfort, even the slightest, that occurs during pregnancy, be sure to consult a doctor. This will allow you to detect pathology in time and prevent the development of negative consequences.