Back pain is not reserved for the final months of pregnancy. Many newly expectant mothers learn that backaches may begin in the first trimester and can steadily worsen as the pregnancy progresses. Back pain can have many causes. Hormonal changes, your growing uterus, postural changes as well as difficulty sleeping can wreak havoc on your lower back.
Causes
Hormones are blamed for many of the unique symptoms of pregnancy. Back pain is no different. A hormone called relaxin is produced, and it stretches the ligaments of the pelvis and back; this can lead to back pain. Hormones are also to blame for pregnancy-induced nausea. Repeated vomiting causes the muscles in your back to violently contract, which can be quite painful. Uterine growth, which begins at implantation, also causes a shift in the body’s center of gravity. This can lead to back pain, especially if you work on your feet. Finally, any prior back, leg or sciatic nerve injuries have the potential to lead to back pain in pregnancy, as your body changes and your weight increases.
Relief
Good posture while standing and sitting will alleviate the strain on the lower back. This is more easily accomplished early in pregnancy, before the extra weight makes postural correction difficult. The American Pregnancy Association recommends strengthening your abs by doing pelvic thrusts to help prevent back pain. Warm baths, showers or compresses are also soothing, as is a well-deserved pregnancy massage.
Precautions
Certain types of back pain in early pregnancy are not normal, and should be reported to your obstetrician immediately. Stabbing, sharp back pain or a backache that is worse than a menstrual period are each possible signs of an early miscarriage. If you are worried about the source of your back pain, or if your backache is accompanied by vaginal bleeding or spotting, contact your physician for an evaluation.
Safety
A healthy back is vital at all stages of pregnancy. Sore back muscles and bad posture increase the risk of falls during pregnancy. Falling can not only injure your back further, it can cause pregnancy complications as well. Always use handrails on stairs. Make sure to have nonskid surfaces to walk on in the kitchen and in bathrooms.
