Backaches during pregnancy are common. For the most part, a backache isn’t cause for alarm; however, in some cases, a backache can signal a more-serious problem. Knowing some of the causes of backaches during pregnancy can help you to determine if you should just take it easy or if a trip to the doctor is warranted.
Growing Uterus
As your uterus grows during the pregnancy, your center of gravity begins to shift. Your already weakened abdominal muscles have to compensate for the change in gravity. Oftentimes, this results in poor posture. As a result, the back muscles become strained, which causes backaches.
Hormonal Changes
Throughout pregnancy, your hormones begin to change in an effort to prepare your body for the impending birth. As a result of the hormonal changes, the sacroiliac joint, a joint in the pelvis, begins to loosen. Additionally, the ligaments in the groin area and around the stomach stretch. The combination of the loosened joint and stretched groin causes instability. The instability puts more pressure on the back, which can lead to a backache, especially toward the end of the day.
Sciatica
True sciatica, which is caused by herniated or bulging disks, affects around 1 percent of pregnant women. This backache is characterized by a radiating pain from the lower back to buttocks to the affected leg and is sometimes characterized by numbness or tingling in the groin area. Oftentimes, sciatica is limited to only one side of the body.
Urinary Tract Infection
During pregnancy the kidneys enlarge, according to the University of Virginia Health System. When this is combined with the uterus compressing the bladder and kidneys, it becomes difficult for the pregnant woman to fully empty her bladder. This allows the urine, which is now sugary instead of acidic, to remain in the bladder. These conditions can lead to a urinary tract infection. Severe low- to mid-back pain is a sign of this condition, which must be treated promptly by a medical professional.
Labor
A woman in labor will have lower back pain. In some cases, it radiates to and from the back and stomach. If you have lower back pain that comes and goes in short spurts that is accompanied by a bloody show, stomach pain or cramps, anxiety and/or mild diarrhea, you may be in labor.
