Why do pregnant women have back pain and how dangerous is it? Why does my back hurt during pregnancy? Common causes of pain and ways to eliminate it

Since the lower back is also the back, you can read about this in the article: "". However, here we will still try to supplement the topic with facts regarding pain specifically in the lumbar region.

Why does my lower back hurt during pregnancy?

Well, let's start with the fact that lower back pain is a completely common phenomenon, observed in a good half of all pregnant women. There are many factors that naturally cause such pain and logically explain everything. They are no different from the causes of back pain in general.

However, it should be added that among the list of diseases, causing pain in back, Special attention should be given to diseases of the genitourinary system. In such cases, pain is felt specifically in the lumbar region. And exacerbation of kidney disease often occurs during pregnancy. Kidney disease is indicated by lumbar pain, accompanied by an increase in temperature, the appearance of edema, increased and frequent urination. In this case, the urine becomes cloudy and changes color. This condition adversely affects the course of pregnancy, the condition of the fetus and, of course, the health of the woman and requires hospital treatment. Pyelonephritis is often found in pregnant women. And if the pain in the lower back becomes sharp and intense different character, then we are talking about renal colic with urolithiasis. Therefore, it is better not to let the situation get worse, but to consult a doctor at the first symptoms.

But, fortunately, things do not always take a serious turn. However, more often the lower back hurts precisely because of the changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. Lower back pain can radiate to the leg, intensifying after physical activity, prolonged walking, prolonged standing, or sitting in an uncomfortable position. It may also be a consequence false contractions Braxton-Hicks - in this case, tension in the uterus is felt and, accordingly, pain in the lower back. Such training fights later pregnancy prepares the body for childbirth. However, if you experience this before 37 weeks, and there is discharge from the genital tract, pain is felt in the lower abdomen, and the intervals between contractions are reduced, you should urgently seek help. medical care. Such symptoms may indicate a threat of miscarriage.

What to do if your lower back hurts during pregnancy?

In general, “ordinary” lower back pain appears, as a rule, after the 5th month, and completely disappears only after childbirth. And although this condition does not provide any special treatment (except for pain caused by specific diseases), and doctors advise simply enduring this period, you can still improve the situation by following some recommendations for relieving lower back pain:

Avoid being on your feet for long periods of time, especially standing. If you have to stand for a long time, then change your body position and walk back and forth.
Do not sit in one position for a long time, get up and walk around from time to time.
Wear comfortable shoes, preferably orthopedic, with low heels no more than 5 cm (completely solid sole also contributes to greater fatigue of the legs and the whole body, like high heels).
Sleep on an orthopedic mattress.
Avoid heavy ones physical activity and carrying heavy bags.
Consult your doctor regarding wearing prenatal bandage: It reduces stress on the lower back and spine, reducing and even eliminating the feeling of heaviness and pain.
Eat foods rich in calcium: cottage cheese, yogurt, meat, greens.
Keep your weight under control: excessive weight gain will also cause pain due to increased stress on the musculoskeletal system.
Get outside every day (this is important for the formation of vitamin D).
Use various pads and bolsters to place under your lower back and back - it's very comfortable!

wonderful effective means Swimming is a great way to relieve stress from your back. If you have no contraindications to this type of exercise, then by all means sign up for water aerobics, but remember the increased risk of infection during pregnancy and take all safety measures. Gymnastic exercises for pregnant women can also relieve fatigue and reduce pain, as well as prevent its occurrence.

But if the pain becomes simply unbearable and does not stop, causes significant discomfort and becomes constantly intense, then you need to discuss the situation with your gynecologist. When low back pain accompanies nagging pain lower abdomen and may be observed bloody issues from the vagina, then, most likely, the pregnancy is in danger: you need to go to the hospital!

It is clear that lower back pain that occurs as a result of a specific disease or health disorder should be treated by a specialist. May be required drug therapy, in particular, symptomatic, aimed at eliminating pain. For this purpose, gels and ointments for external use are usually prescribed during pregnancy to minimize harmful effects on the fetus: If there is a need to use anti-inflammatory drugs internally, then the choice will be made in favor of drugs based on paracetamol. Also, the doctor will almost certainly recommend taking vitamin complex group B. Back massage (and even feet) or physical therapy may be prescribed. At home, you can practice on a special ball - a fitball.

Let nothing hurt you!

Especially for- Elena Kichak

The health of pregnant women is constantly changing. On some days nothing worries them, but on others, pleasant thoughts about future motherhood are overshadowed by severe back pain.

The expectant mother is in no hurry to take painkillers for fear of harming the baby’s health.

But what to do when your back hurts a lot during pregnancy, and you no longer have the strength or patience to endure this torment? Competent recommendations from specialists will help in this difficult situation.

Causes

Starting from 21-23 weeks of pregnancy, an actively growing fetus, weighing about 500 g, begins motor activity in the womb.

She feels these movements, rejoicing that the baby is developing as it should and everything is fine. The child’s vestibular apparatus is developing, and every day the tremors become stronger and more frequent.

But the rapidly growing belly changes the center of gravity in the body of the expectant mother - it pulls the body down. The woman is forced to strain her back muscles to maintain normal posture. This happens involuntarily.

The lumbar spine bends inward, the stomach protrudes, and the chin leans slightly forward. Tension of the muscle fibers in the lumbar region often causes spasm.

The situation becomes more complicated if the girl was diagnosed with or before pregnancy.

Due to increased weight, compression on the intervertebral discs increases and pinching of the nerve roots passing near the spinal canal can occur. At the same time, my back hurts very much.

In the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, the body of the expectant mother actively produces the hormone relaxin.

It helps stretch the pelvic floor ligaments, making the joints more “loose” so that the baby can pass through the birth canal without injury or damage.

Even while doing simple housework, a woman may feel like her back and stomach are hurting. This phenomenon is also not uncommon.

But if healthy woman these symptoms may indicate the first small contractions (in this way the body prepares the woman for the upcoming birth) and tension in the back muscles, but with diseases of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity the situation is complicated by the fact that the growing fetus makes it difficult to carry out diagnostic examinations.

And yet, with such signs, you should consult a doctor immediately, because not only the health, but also the life of the child depends on the condition of the mother.

What can be done to reduce pain?

Despite the fact that a girl constantly wants to eat something salty, spicy, or sour, she needs to monitor her diet, in which it is advisable to exclude foods that contribute to fluid retention in the body and contribute to weight gain. During pregnancy, you should give preference to foods rich in vitamins, calcium, potassium, magnesium and others. minerals and at the same time having low or medium calorie content.
Even this difficult period girls want to remain attractive and beautiful, and some of them manage to walk in high heels. This creates a large load on the back muscles, in addition to the fact that the woman “carries” her stomach, and it is easier to injure the joints of the legs when walking in such shoes. Therefore, it is advisable to wear good quality orthopedic shoes, use shoes with wide and low heels.
It is forbidden for a long time remain in one static position. Even if a girl sits on a comfortable chair with an orthopedic back, several hours of such sitting can make itself felt by back pain, numbness and “pins and needles” in the legs. Every half hour it is recommended to get up and move a little. These are not sudden movements at all, not bending, but leisurely walking in place, movements with a small amplitude with the arms, etc.
Despite the fact that during a night's rest with big belly you have to toss and turn for a long time to find a position in which your back does not ache - you need to sleep on a semi-rigid mattress, placing a small cushion under your neck.

Depression is common during pregnancy. In addition to the fact that physiological changes constantly occur in the female body, a girl may experience negative emotions in relation to herself, feeling ugly, inferior, unnecessary.

74% of women experience back pain throughout pregnancy and even several months after childbirth.

Causes of back pain

Back pain can occur after long walks, prolonged sitting or standing, or even minor physical activity. Based on the nature of the pain and some additional tests, you can determine the cause of pain in the back.

Drawing pain in the lower back. From approximately 16 weeks of pregnancy occurs active growth uterus. As the uterus enlarges, it can put pressure on the nerve endings and blood vessels surrounding the spine, thereby causing pain in the lower back.

Aching low back pain, which subside after resting in a horizontal position. As the size of the tummy increases, the center of gravity shifts. Most often, after the 20th week of pregnancy, women first experience back pain. Now the pregnant woman has to bend her back more in the lower back, which causes an uneven distribution of the load on the spine. The lumbar region takes on most of this load, which is why pain in the back appears.

Pain in the sacral area, more constant and prolonged(rest does not provide relief, pain can appear at night, preventing the expectant mother from falling asleep). Yellow body The ovaries, the tissues of the uterus and the placenta itself produce the hormone relaxin, under the influence of which the joints of the pelvic bones “soften” and the symphysis pubis stretches. This is how preparation happens female body for childbirth: the pelvis expands, allowing the baby to due date pass through the birth canal without hindrance and please your mother with your birth.

The hormone relaxin begins to be released into the woman’s blood during the period of attachment ovum to the wall of the uterus. Judging by its name, it is immediately clear that it helps to relax something.

In the first weeks of pregnancy, relaxin is designed to reduce contractile activity uterus so that the implantation of the fertilized egg can occur without any difficulties.

Further, its action is aimed at “softening” the joints and ligaments of the woman’s pelvis, so that in the future the baby can easily pass through the birth canal. And before the birth itself, it promotes the opening of the cervical pharynx, that is, the beginning labor activity.

Recurrent lower back pain that first appears at 37 weeks of pregnancy. These are the so-called Braxton-Hicks training contractions, which are observed in late pregnancy. Also in the third trimester, pain occurs in the back and when the fetal head presses on the spine of the expectant mother.

Exacerbation of back pain if you have previously had problems with the spine. If a woman has previously suffered from back pain due to an old injury/contusion of the spine or due to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, then during pregnancy old health problems can again make themselves felt.

With flat feet, overweight, wearing high heels or narrow wedges increases the load on the musculoskeletal system, which during pregnancy can also cause back pain.

Shot in the lower back. Sharp, sudden (often one-sided) pain in the lower back occurs with diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as scoliosis, osteochondrosis, radiculitis, herniated disc and others. Most often it is a shooting pain (patients describe it as “like a lightning/electric shock”), radiating to the leg or buttock. It is also possible to feel tingling in the fingers or numbness in the leg (according to patients, “it seems to be taken away”).

A distinctive feature is that the pain subsides if you freeze in place, hold your breath, or take an “anti-pain pose” (for example, your back is arched and your body is slightly tilted forward).

Pain on one side of the back. This type of pain may indicate pinching of the nerve root of the spinal cord due to displacement of the vertebrae, as well as kidney diseases: pyelonephritis, cystitis, urolithiasis, etc. To confirm or refute the diagnosis, it is necessary to take a general analysis urine, and if it is “bad”, it is prescribed additional analysis urine according to Nechiporenko, as well as ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder.

Pain when urinating, renal colic, cloudy urine With unpleasant smell- all this, as a rule, indicates problems with the kidneys.

Pain in the lower back, pulling in the lower abdomen, and bleeding. These are common symptoms of threatened miscarriage in early pregnancy. At first, a breakdown may only manifest itself as nagging or aching pain in the lower back; after a few days, brown bleeding may begin, and then a spontaneous abortion will occur. Therefore, carefully monitor your well-being, and at the first appearance of a smear, call “ ambulance", explaining his fears of losing his child.

Lower back pain in the third trimester may be due to shortening of the cervix and opening of the uterine pharynx. When threatened premature birth The gynecologist will install a special ring (obstetric unloading pessary).
With the tone of the uterus and inflammation of the appendages, back pain is also noted. Therefore, to exclude the listed ailments, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a gynecologist and have an ultrasound of the uterus and appendages (preferably vaginal).

Associated symptoms with problems:

with the cervical spine - women suffer from headaches (radiating to the back of the head) and pain in the neck, insomnia, complain of decreased vision or hearing, nervousness;
in the thoracic region - problems with the heart (for example, arrhythmia), liver and blood clotting may occur;
in the lumbar region - patients experience indigestion and stool problems, fatigue and weakness, kidney problems;
in the sacral area - patients also complain of pain in the thigh and groin, problems with the female genital organs and bladder;
with the coccyx - pain periodically occurs if there were previously bruises in this area, as well as with hemorrhoids.

Treatment of back pain during pregnancy

1. For back pain caused by physiological changes in the body of a pregnant woman.

Maternity pillow. There are many types of pillows for “pot-bellied” ones: C-shaped, L-shaped, U-shaped, I-shaped, U-pillow, Boomerang, bolster pillow and others. Such pillows normalize sleep, support the tummy and relieve back tension, and improve blood circulation.

With the help of “rounded” pillows, the process of feeding the baby will be more comfortable, and the C-curved pillow can also be used as a playpen for the baby.

A bolster pillow can be placed under your feet to relieve fatigue and swelling, and get rid of pain and cramps.

Bandage for pregnant women (after the 20th week). Put it on over underwear/bodysuit/tights while lying on your back, raising your pelvis, or sitting, leaning back as much as possible. The wide part of the belt should be on the lower back, which helps relieve stress from the spine, and the narrow part under the tummy, which is designed to support it.

The bandage should be worn for no more than 3-4 hours at a time (take breaks of 30-40 minutes), and when resting in a horizontal position, it must be removed.

Wellness and restorative procedures. If there are no contraindications, then the neurologist may recommend doing physical exercises for pregnant women at home, or attending yoga classes, going to the pool, where there are water aerobics training for pregnant women.

A light massage will help relieve back muscle strain. As a doctor, I do not recommend manual therapy during pregnancy. It can either help cope with back pain or cause harm. You should trust your health only to highly qualified specialists who have repeatedly worked with pregnant women, because the slightest mistake can lead to aggravation of the situation, disruption of the vertebrae, pinched nerves, loss of sensitivity in certain areas of the body, or even complete paralysis.

A chiropractor, like any other doctor, cannot guarantee that the treatment will definitely help, but since it concerns the spinal cord, and as a result of the entire body, and not a separate area and organ, the risk is not justified. Therefore, a gentle massage performed loving husband, will be quite enough to relax the back muscles of the expectant mother.

2. For back pain caused by various diseases.

If you suspect the development of any disease of the musculoskeletal system, you should seek help from a neurologist, orthopedist, surgeon, and in case of kidney problems, a urologist.

Treatment is prescribed depending on the causes of discomfort in the back.

During pregnancy, almost all drugs that relieve pain are prohibited. Decrease painful sensations in the lower back due to kidney spasms (cystitis, pyelitis, etc.), taking No-shpa (1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day) will help. Be sure to visit a urologist to make a diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment for the emerging urinary system disease.

When low back pain is combined with bloody discharge from the genital tract, gynecologists usually diagnose a threatened miscarriage with subsequent hospitalization of the pregnant woman. Complete rest is prescribed in compliance with bed rest, drips with Magnesia (Papaverine suppositories or No-shpu in tablets when the patient is at home) and taking Duphaston or Utrozhestan.

Take off severe pain in the back for problems with the musculoskeletal system, Menovazin solution or ointment will help ( negative influence it was not detected in personal practice for the fetus). This remedy is especially indispensable for pinched lumbar nerves.

Warming ointments should not be used during pregnancy! They cause increased blood circulation, which can lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

If you have problems with the spine, the following will help alleviate the condition without medication:

simplified yoga exercise “Cat”

Get on all fours, your head should be parallel to the floor, your eyes looking down - this is the starting position. At the same time, arch your back like a cat during indignation or dissatisfaction, and lower your head down, pressing your chin to your chest. Freeze in this pose for a few seconds.

Smoothly return to the starting position, and then slowly arch your back, as a cat does after sleep (do these sweet cat “stretches”), pulling your head up. Freeze in this position again.

Repeat the complex exercise 4-5 times.

exercises on a gymnastic ball (fitball)

Sit on the ball, spreading your legs slightly to the sides to achieve a comfortable and stable position. Make alternating turns of your torso to the left and then to the right. Perform the movements slowly 4-5 times in each direction.

The next exercise should be performed for the first time under the supervision of a partner, who can provide support for the woman if it is difficult to perform this exercise. You need to lie with your back on the ball. To do this, first sit on its edge and roll from a sitting position to a lying one. This way, the back will bend in an even arc, the spine will stretch, the vertebrae will fall into place, and the back muscles will stretch, thereby relaxing. This exercise must be performed systematically, even when the pain subsides.

back muscle relaxation exercise

You need to kneel down in front of a chair, place a pillow on the seat, and immerse your head, shoulders and chest on it. The tummy should hang down without touching the chair seat.

A similar exercise can be done using a fitball. Kneel down in front of the ball and lie on it chest. Hug the ball or put your hands on it in another way that is comfortable for you, and stay in this position for 10-15 seconds, try to relax.

In conclusion, I note that most doctors, when the cause of back pain is unclear, talk about the leaching and “borrowing” of calcium from the woman’s skeletal system by the fetus as a common phenomenon during pregnancy, prescribing calcium tablets.

But it’s healthier to use natural products, rich in this microelement: cottage cheese with sour cream; hard and processed cheeses; salads of white cabbage with herbs, sprinkled with sesame seeds; nuts (almonds, hazelnuts) and dried fruits (dried figs, dates, dried apricots, raisins).

It is not recommended to get carried away with taking, for example, Calcium-D3 Nycomed. Excessive amounts of calcium are deposited in the placenta, aging it and making it unsuitable for long-term bearing of a child, which is excluded when consuming “natural” calcium.

In addition, excess calcium leads to premature hardening of the fetal skull bones, and as a consequence to a traumatic and painful birth.

Prevention of back pain

After the 20th week of pregnancy, it is recommended to take 2-3 times a day knee-elbow position to improve the outflow of urine, since the growing uterus compresses the ureters, urine stagnates and pyelectasis begins to develop ( initial stage hydronephrosis), and its complication in the form of pyelonephritis.

Also, from the second trimester, get used to lying on your left side with your knees bent; it is better to put a special pillow under your stomach. And you should forget about the “on your back” position until the end of pregnancy. The only acceptable position on the back is the “reclining” position, and the surface should be hard and covered with soft pillows on top.

Make it a rule to get out of bed by rolling, and to lift something from the ground by squatting, bending your knees, and straightening them when lifting up (leaning forward and lifting a load from the floor is not recommended).

At your workplace, place a pillow or fabric cushion under your lower back in the area of the curve of your back, and place a small stool or a special stand under your feet. Avoid heels and narrow wedges. Monitor your weight and kidney function. Fulfilling all these requirements can relieve a pregnant woman from back pain and swelling of the legs.

Almost three-quarters of all women experience back pain, regardless of stage of pregnancy. If this is observed in the later stages, then, as a rule, everything is attributed to weight gain, which leads to a large load on the back muscles. However, how to behave if your back hurts during pregnancy? early? Should mom be afraid of this?

Causes of back pain during the first trimester

It is generally accepted that pain in the lower back can be one of the first signs of pregnancy. This is partly true. The fact is that already in the first weeks of pregnancy, the uterus quickly increases in size, and therefore the muscles and ligaments that support it begin to stretch, which causes discomfort in the lumbar region.

However, pain in the first trimester can be of a different nature and their causes are not always harmless.

Physiological pain

At about 9 weeks, the expectant mother’s body begins to actively produce the hormone progesterone, whose task is to support the growing fetus and prevent unauthorized termination of pregnancy;

Therefore, if during the period from 9 to 12 weeks you felt such ailments, then do not worry. This is just another confirmation normal course pregnancy. As a rule, by the 12th week a woman’s condition should normalize.

However, if before pregnancy you suffered from such ailments as osteochondrosis, lumbar scoliosis, spinal stenosis or intervertebral hernia, then the pain syndrome in this case will be quite intense and will accompany expectant mother until the birth itself.

Pathological pain

The reasons why your back hurts during pregnancy are not always so harmless. In some cases, the cause lies in a disease or pathological condition of the body. These include:

The development of an ectopic pregnancy (article on the topic: How to determine an ectopic pregnancy?>>>). As a rule, in this condition the pain is one-sided and can radiate to the rectum area, less often to the scapula area. This is how tubal abortion manifests itself. Half of women with ectopic pregnancy bleeding from the vagina occurs;

Important! If this condition is not detected in time, a rupture is possible. fallopian tube, which results in sharp pain, a fall blood pressure and pulse, loss of consciousness. In this case, the woman needs urgent surgical intervention.

Risk of miscarriage. In this case, a woman needs to pay attention to other accompanying symptoms:

pain in the lower abdomen;
bloody discharge from the vagina, regardless of its intensity;
nausea (do not forget that nausea can also be a common companion of a pregnant woman. Read about this in the article: Nausea during pregnancy >>>).

To prevent unpleasant sensations from occurring during this period, try:

Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes;
Watch your posture;
Find time to rest during the working day;
Not to be long time in one position (sitting or standing);
If there are no contraindications, then you need to do gymnastics that are suitable for pregnant women. Swimming is no less effective.

Causes of back pain during the second trimester

Physiological reasons

If you have back pain during the second trimester of pregnancy, then most likely this is a manifestation of an actively growing uterus and tightening of the muscles in this area. Those most susceptible to this are those who spend most of the working day in one position (sitting at a computer or standing at a counter).

Another reason not related to pathology is weight gain. If you had toxicosis in the first trimester, then your weight gain was insignificant. In such situations, the body tries to catch up, and a pregnant woman is able to gain from 5 to 10 kg during the second trimester, which cannot but affect the condition of the spine and lumbar muscles.

To prevent this, you need to:

pay attention to your diet by adding more calcium-rich foods to it. By the way, a lot useful information you can get from our course: Secrets of proper nutrition for an expectant mother >>>;
you need to get up or sit down smoothly, without jerking;
change your body position more often while working;
while sitting, lean your back on the back of the chair;
do not lift heavy objects;
do gymnastics.

Pathological causes

This period is characterized by an exacerbation of various chronic diseases, which could bother the expectant mother even before pregnancy. If you feel that your back hurts in the second trimester of pregnancy, then these may be manifestations:

neurological diseases;
chronic ailments of the musculoskeletal system;
kidney problems such as pyelonephritis or urolithiasis.

Causes of the third trimester

According to statistics, one out of three women who are in interesting position, back pain during pregnancy in the third trimester.

Physiological reasons

The main cause of back pain during pregnancy after 27 weeks is manifestations of weight gain by this period and an increase in the volume of the uterus, which begins to put pressure on surrounding organs and muscles;
Around week 30, a pregnant woman’s center of gravity shifts. Therefore, when walking, it leans back and the lower back is subject to increased load;

On last weeks, unpleasant sensations in the lower back are often associated with the body’s preparatory processes for the upcoming birth and the beginning of the divergence of the pelvic and sacrum bones. Also, if your lower back hurts during pregnancy after 37 weeks, then it is likely that you are going into labor and it’s time to go to the maternity hospital. Read the article

Back pain during pregnancy usually occurs due to an ever-enlarging uterus, changes hormonal levels, displacement of the center of gravity. More often, women complain of discomfort radiating to the buttocks. To eliminate them, you do not need to take pharmacological drugs - doctors recommend getting more rest and exercising daily.

Physiological reasons

While carrying a child, sharp, severe or aching, pressing pain may occur in the back. Sometimes discomfort in the lumbar region persists throughout the day and disappears only after a long rest. But more often there is short-term pain after an increase in motor activity, increasing physical activity. To eliminate it, it is enough to eliminate the provoking factor - lie down or sit down for a while.

Regardless of the location of the pain, its severity and duration, you should consult a doctor. He will conduct an examination to determine the cause of the discomfort. In most cases, back pain during pregnancy is physiological, caused by the body’s preparation for the upcoming birth.

Graph of female hormones depending on the day menstrual cycle: 1) During the follicular phase, one or more follicles mature 2) On the days of ovulation, the domainant follicle ruptures and an egg is released from it, ready for fertilization 3) During the luteal phase, under the influence of progesterone, changes occur in the endometrium, which, during pregnancy, will help the embryo to gain a foothold in the uterus

First trimester of pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, a woman notices that her gait and posture change, and that difficulties arise when performing certain movements. The reason for this condition is a shift in the center of gravity and an increase in loads on the lumbosacral vertebrae and intervertebral discs. The spinal column is slightly modified. This aggravates lordosis - the physiological curvature of the spine, in which its convexity is directed anteriorly. Uneven distribution of loads on the vertebral structures causes overstrain of the skeletal muscles and the appearance of the first painful sensations.

At about 8-9 weeks of pregnancy, a woman begins to gradually gain weight. In the absence of good physical preparation, this leads to increased load on almost all structures of the musculoskeletal system: joints, ligaments, tendons, vertebrae and intervertebral discs. The body does not have time to adapt to the changes that occur due to the constantly increasing body weight, so pain signals the need for rest. Also to physiological reasons back discomfort include:

prolonged standing or sitting. In early pregnancy, women familiar image life - work, take long walks, play sports. But temporary changes in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system often do not allow maintaining the same physical activity;
frequent changes in hormonal levels. Immediately after conception, the level of female sex hormones in the body increases. The ovaries produce estrogens, which regulate the formation of bone, cartilage tissue and connective tissue structures. But at the same time, relaxin is also produced - a hormone that causes relaxation of the ligaments of the pubic symphysis of the pelvic bones.

In the first trimester, women still wear narrow shoes on high heels. This not only impairs the blood supply to the legs, but also provokes an uneven distribution of loads on the spine. In such cases, they occur due to severe tension in the lower back muscles. To improve your well-being, wearing shoes with orthopedic insoles on a small heel.

Second and third stages of pregnancy

Pain arising from natural reasons, usually worsen in late pregnancy. Especially if a woman does not comply medical recommendations by occupation physical therapy or gymnastics. The weight of the fetus and the size of the uterus increases, which begins to compress nearby internal organs, blood vessels, pelvic bones. The innervation may be temporarily upset and the abdominal muscles weaken. To compensate for the negative changes that occur, the tone of the skeletal muscles of the lumbar spine begins to increase. A woman feels constant tension in her lower back, sometimes accompanied by pain of varying severity.

In late pregnancy, back discomfort occurs for other reasons:

periodic appearance of Braxton-Hicks “false contractions”. At normal course During pregnancy, they should not be aggravated by other symptoms. The onset of labor is indicated by nagging, pressing pain in combination with thick vaginal discharge;
exacerbation of chronic pathologies of inflammatory or degenerative origin. During pregnancy, relapses of intercostal neuralgia often occur. The leading sign of all is.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, symphysiopathy may develop. This pathological change tissues of the pubic symphysis, diagnosed in almost half of women. Pregnant women complain to the doctor of shooting or pulling superficial pains above the pubis. Their severity increases significantly with physical activity and even normal walking. With symphysiopathy, the gait often changes, and difficulties arise when performing certain movements. To eliminate tissue destruction, wearing a bandage, frequent rest, and additional calcium intake with vitamin D3 is usually sufficient. All symptoms of the pathology disappear 4-6 months after birth, but sometimes persist for a year.

Pathological causes

During pregnancy, pathologies of the musculoskeletal system not only worsen. There have been cases of the development of diseases during pregnancy, which served as a provoking factor. The likelihood of pathology occurring increases with the existing slight destruction of cartilage or bone tissue. With weight gain (especially with multiple pregnancy), changes in hormonal levels, the disease began to progress rapidly. Provoking factors include age (over 35 years), sedentary or overly active lifestyle.

After diagnosis, therapy is carried out immediately or delayed until postpartum period. If the doctor decides on immediate treatment, it will certainly be gentle. The woman is prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures, exercise therapy, massage, and a course of pharmacological medications in reduced dosages.

Pathological cause of back pain during pregnancy	Characteristic clinical manifestations
Renal colic	, resulting from a sudden disruption of urine passage, increased pressure inside the pelvis and renal ischemia. From the lower back, pain radiates to the hips, rectum, and genitals. The attack is accompanied by tachycardia, fever, chills, increased body temperature, and the urge to vomit.
Pancreatitis	A progressive inflammatory-destructive lesion of the pancreas, which results in disruption of its intra- and exocrine function. With an exacerbation of chronic pathology, pain occurs in the abdomen and left hypochondrium, radiating to the sides and lower back. Relapse is accompanied by dyspeptic disorders - nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating and jaundice of the skin.
Pyelonephritis	Nonspecific infectious pathology of the kidneys, caused by the penetration of microbes into the body or the activation of bacteria belonging to opportunistic microflora. Characteristic symptoms- back pain on palpation (positive Pasternatsky sign), increased urination, hyperthermia, chills, neurological disorders
Myositis	Pathology accompanied by the development of an inflammatory process in the skeletal muscles of the back. The leading clinical manifestation is local pain in the affected muscles, aggravated by movement and palpation. If left untreated, muscle weakness and/or atrophy may occur.

How to get rid of pain

Before conception, it was possible to get rid of it by taking a pill. During pregnancy, the use of most drugs with analgesic effects is strictly prohibited. This is especially true in the third trimester, when all the child’s life systems have formed. In addition, taking a pill once will not solve the problem - many women experience back pain several times a day. Strictly prohibited: Ketorol, Nimesil.

In some cases, the use of painkillers is allowed, but only with the permission of a doctor and in minimal dosages. Active ingredients penetrate into the bloodstream in small quantities and rarely cause systemic side effects. But many creams, gels, and balms are prohibited for use in late pregnancy.

Often women begin to drink infusions and decoctions to relieve pain. medicinal herbs, considering them a worthy and, most importantly, safe alternative to pharmacological drugs. This is a misconception. IN chemical composition“harmless” plants contain a huge amount of biologically active substances, including those with antispasmodic effects. Therefore, doctors often immediately warn women about the inadmissibility of this method of eliminating pain. To improve well-being, they recommend the following activities:

posture correction. Gynecologists advise women to wear special bandages already in the first trimester of pregnancy. When using such devices, there is no excessive stress on the lumbar muscles, and there is no worsening of lordosis. A woman herself must control her posture - while walking, straighten her back, tighten her buttocks, pull her shoulders back;

Bandage for pregnant women.

frequent changes in body position. It is better to sit while carrying a child on a chair with a hard back. This helps to distribute loads evenly across all parts of the spine. In addition, there is a desire to change the position of the body, which leads to improved blood circulation. Conveniently located in soft chair or on the sofa, a woman can remain in one position for a long time. It is not surprising that when she gets up, she feels;
physical activity. Back pain occurs both due to a sedentary lifestyle and as a result of excessive physical activity. A woman should constantly listen to her feelings. If you feel tired, you need to rest or work at a slow pace. At least once a day you should do a warm-up - bend to the sides, rotate the body in a circular motion, walk around the room, raising your knees high. It is advisable to purchase special orthopedic mats. After lying on them for a few minutes, you can feel the pain ease.

Doctors recommend sleeping on and only on your side to eliminate pain and as a preventative measure. It is advisable to purchase a special pillow for pregnant women, on which you can comfortably place your legs. Sleep improves, spasmodic back muscles relax.

Pain in any part of the spine that appears during pregnancy becomes a signal for immediate consultation with a doctor. After the examination, he will give recommendations on how to eliminate it, and, if necessary, prescribe gentle treatment that will not harm either the expectant mother or the baby.