There is a sharp pain in the lower back during pregnancy. Causes of back pain during pregnancy

The lower back and back during pregnancy hurt every second woman. Some complain of discomfort from the first weeks, others begin to experience heaviness and discomfort closer to the third trimester. One way or another, you need to monitor your feelings and know how to deal with them. We will tell you why expectant mothers break their backs at different times and how to relieve lower back pain during pregnancy.

Why does my back hurt during pregnancy?

Common causes of low back pain during pregnancy include:

  • changes in body proportions and a shift in the center of gravity;
  • increase in the body weight of the expectant mother;
  • softening of ligaments and muscles under the action of hormones;
  • wrong way of life - sedentary or with excessive loads.

All these factors appear at different times and can be corrected through exercise, relaxation, bandaging, gentle massage and other simple ways.

Early dates

Normally, during pregnancy in the first trimester, the lower back hurts moderately, and when you change position, the discomfort quickly passes. Unpleasant sensations are most often caused by progesterone: under the action of this hormone, the ligaments and muscles soften. Because of this, the distribution of loads changes somewhat, the pelvis slightly begins to diverge, the uterus grows and gradually puts pressure on the pelvic organs. As a result - a slight pain and a feeling of fullness.

Causes of lower back pain in the first trimester

Second trimester

The cause of lower back pain in pregnant women after 14 weeks is most often a change in location internal organs and increased load on the musculoskeletal system. The height of the uterus before conception is about 7 cm, and by the end of the second trimester, its bottom is located 28 cm from the pubic joint. As it grows, it begins to put pressure not only on bladder and intestines, but also on the pelvic bones. The stomach increases, goes forward, shifts the center of gravity. Because of this, kyphosis is formed, i.e. the deflection in the lower back increases. The usual body weight is unevenly distributed along the spine, areas of tension appear in the lower back, which make themselves felt during long walks, sedentary work and sleeping in an uncomfortable position. To this must be added the fact that if a woman often rests on her back for such a period, the risk of squeezing the great vena cava increases. One of its indirect consequences, among other things, is back pain.

third trimester

The most common back pain during pregnancy later dates. In the third trimester, weight becomes the main factor that provokes discomfort. A child in the last 3 months of intrauterine development begins to accumulate subcutaneous fat faster, gets better and future mom. This increases the volume of blood circulating in the body. The load on the kidneys doubles, which often leads to swelling and congestion. The peristalsis of the intestine, squeezed by the growing uterus, is disturbed, i.e. digestive waste is excreted much more slowly. Due to all these prerequisites, weight increases, and with it, the load on the spine. Scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis and other problems are only getting worse. At the same time, hormones prepare the pelvis for childbirth and soften the ligaments, the cross-iliac joints become mobile, and this only exacerbates the pulling pain in the lower back during pregnancy.


Why does the lower back ache in the later stages?

Many expectant mothers are interested in the question at what stage of pregnancy does the lower back begin to hurt. Firstly, back discomfort is not manifested by everyone. It all depends on the state of health and physical training. If a woman has a normal body mass index, long time played sports in moderation, trained a muscular corset and does not gain excess weight, then until the very birth, she may not notice any problems such as heaviness or aching pain. Those who lead sedentary or, conversely, hyper active image life, low back pain usually appears by the middle of pregnancy. At this time, the coccyx-parietal size of the fetus is rapidly increasing, for the construction of its skeletal system, calcium is taken from the mother's body. In addition, the baby begins to gain subcutaneous fat and gradually becomes heavier. Due to such processes, the center of gravity of the body quickly shifts, the distribution of loads on the spine changes, as a result - pain and fatigue during prolonged walking or sedentary work.

anxiety symptoms

In some cases, low back pain during pregnancy cannot be ignored, attributed to weight gain or fatigue. In order to respond in a timely manner to alarming symptoms, you need to be attentive to your well-being and its changes.

So, if the lower back and lower abdomen hurt during pregnancy for early dates(up to 12 weeks), and the woman notes weakness, palpitations and dizziness, you need to urgently call ambulance. Similar signs can signal detachment and the onset of a miscarriage. In the second trimester, you should be wary of the appearance of girdle pains that radiate to the coccyx, pubis and thighs. If they do not go away when resting in the supine position for 20-30 minutes or become rhythmic (last for the same time and appear at the same intervals), you should also call a doctor. Perhaps such sensations are associated with hypertonicity or the onset of premature labor. The sooner you seek help, the greater the chances of maintaining a pregnancy.

When should you seek help?

Back pain in late pregnancy should also be reported to the gynecologist in a timely manner - in the third trimester, an increase in uterine tone worsens blood flow in the placenta, adversely affects admission nutrients and oxygen to the baby and can lead to fetal hypoxia. There are a number of diseases in which severe back pain occurs during pregnancy.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas is manifested in digestive disorders, deterioration, similar to toxicosis. During pregnancy, the back pain associated with this disease is girdle in nature, localized in the upper abdomen and moving towards the spine during attacks. Such symptoms are a reason for an immediate visit to a doctor, self-medication in these circumstances can be dangerous not only for the course of pregnancy, but also for the health of a woman.

Osteochondrosis, radiculitis, intervertebral hernia

Pinching of the intervertebral discs, salt deposits, inflammatory processes are accompanied by discomfort not only at the site of localization, but throughout the entire musculoskeletal system. So, due to osteochondrosis, sciatica or hernia during pregnancy, the entire back or its large sections hurt. Constant tension can provoke an increase in the tone of the uterus and premature birth. It cannot be left unattended - after consultation with a gynecologist, therapist and surgeon, exercise therapy and treatment methods that alleviate the condition of the expectant mother can be recommended.


Back problems can cause back pain during pregnancy

kidney disease

Glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis usually affect only one kidney at first, respectively, in the case of similar diseases during pregnancy, the back hurts on the right or left. Such problems will not go unnoticed, since violations of the kidneys can be tracked by urinalysis, which a woman regularly takes during observation in the antenatal clinic. Such conditions are treatable, but they cannot be started. Their severe consequences include eclampsia and preeclampsia.

What to do if your lower back hurts during pregnancy?

The first thing to do if your lower back hurts during pregnancy is to go to the doctor. There is no need to run to the consultation at the slightest discomfort in the back. If unpleasant sensations begin to worsen the quality of life - they interfere with sleep, do not go away during rest or after doing relaxing exercises - you should seek advice.

In some cases, an examination is enough for a specialist to determine the cause of the problem, in others it will be necessary to take tests, undergo an ultrasound scan, or consult a doctor in a related field of medicine. Only a comprehensive and qualified approach to diagnosis will allow a pregnant woman to get rid of pain in the lower back and back, or at least reduce it to a possible minimum. It is absolutely impossible to self-medicate. First of all, for different types different methods are intended for pain: heating can aggravate inflammation, and improper exercise therapy can worsen the condition of the hernia. The same applies to ointments, painkillers and folk recipes- the usual and effective means are not always allowed for expectant mothers and can be dangerous for both the baby and the woman herself. In a word, for any problem during the period of bearing a child, the first step should be to consult a doctor.


If your back hurts a lot during pregnancy, you need to coordinate the treatment with your doctor.

Lifestyle

If your back hurts during pregnancy not because of complex diseases, and for physiological reasons, it is worth reconsidering your lifestyle. Those who work in a sitting position for a long time before giving birth should buy a comfortable chair or armchair, take a break every 40-60 minutes - get up, warm up. During work, you should try to keep your back straight: the “curved” spine distributes the load evenly, which increases lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis and other unpleasant problems.

Women who spend a lot of time on their feet - due to the peculiarities professional activity, caring for a second child or household also need breaks. You need to rest, if possible, in a prone or half-sitting position, raising your legs a little or placing pillows under your back so that the lower back is “stretched” and relaxed.

Expectant mothers should sleep only on their side; for greater convenience, you can purchase a pillow for pregnant women or make it yourself from a blanket or blanket. Such a device will help fix the pelvis and shoulders in a comfortable position, eliminate improper loads on different parts of the spine and make rest better. Sleeping on your back from the second trimester is not recommended - a growing and growing uterus puts pressure on the great vena cava, and this is fraught with circulatory disorders, numbness and tiring aching pain in the back after waking up.


Sleeping position should be comfortable and correct

Physical activity

Training before childbirth should be moderate, their task is not sports records, strengthening the body, delicately increasing its endurance without excessive stress, preparing for childbirth and speeding up recovery after them. If your lower back hurts during pregnancy, you need to minimize exercises that involve vertical loads on the spine. To the best options physical activity include:

  • Swimming - immersion in the water mass reduces weight own body, when swimming, they are switched on in turn different groups muscles, i.e. the risk of "overtraining" of some department is excluded. At the same time, such training improves the functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory system, increase adaptive and protective functions body, literally help to relax and relieve stress.
  • Aqua aerobics - group classes in the pool and fitness club are conducted under the guidance of an instructor who, on the side of the pool, shows exercises with different equipment aimed at strengthening the muscle corset, gentle stretching, increasing the elasticity of the ligaments and breathing exercises, which will not only help get rid of lower back pain during pregnancy, but also prepare the body for childbirth.
  • Mom yoga - this yoga format excludes twisting, tilting and inverted poses in classes for beginners, all asanas work to relax different parts of the body, relieve tension from the back and legs, consciously and correct breathing, after class, you feel a surge of strength and increased tone.


Yoga can help with lower back pain during pregnancy

Bandage

Prenatal bandage is an orthopedic product in the form of a belt of variable width. It has adjustable buckles that allow you to change size and wear the same model until the end of the third trimester. Wearing a bandage begins on the recommendation of a doctor, usually from 5-6 months of pregnancy, when the growing uterus begins to put pressure on the organs and shift the center of gravity. The use of such an accessory, if the lower back hurts during pregnancy, will help redistribute the load and reduce discomfort. You need to put on the bandage correctly - in the prone position, securing a wide base under the stomach. The belt will be invisible under clothes, it will not only reduce discomfort in the back, but also serve as a prevention of early stretch marks.

How to relieve back pain during pregnancy: 5 simple recommendations

  • alternate work and rest;
  • wear comfortable shoes with a small heel and a comfortable shoe;
  • swim in the pool without high loads;
  • sleep in the correct position;
  • do not neglect the bandage in the second trimester.

Maria Sokolova


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Even the happiest and most long-awaited pregnancy is overshadowed by back pain. Sometimes - immediately in the early stages, sometimes - closer to childbirth, and someone at all - the entire period. It should be noted that almost all mothers (74% according to statistics) complain of such pains, including those who are completely healthy and do not have problems with the spine.

What is the reason, and how can you help yourself?

The nature and main causes of back pain during early and late pregnancy

Unfortunately, it is impossible to say unequivocally why the back hurts. There can be many reasons for the occurrence - both the most primitive ( long term, load on the lower back), and indicating serious health problems.

It is important to understand the nature of the pain, and not to miss the moment when you need to see a doctor.

  • "Pulling in the lower back." The uterus begins its active growth around the 16th week of pregnancy. Due to the increase, compression of the nerve endings, as well as the blood vessels surrounding the spine, occurs, as a result of which this pulling pain occurs in the very bottom of the back.
  • Irregular and non-intense "aching" in the lower back. Pain of this nature, subsiding after a quiet rest in the "lying" position, usually occurs after the 20th week. The reason is simple - a shift in the center of gravity in an enlarged tummy. The back in the lumbar region has to bend more and more, and as a result, the load is unevenly distributed to the spine. The lion's share of the load is taken by the lumbar region.
  • Prolonged and frequent (permanent) pain, localized in the sacrum. They can appear even at night, dooming the expectant mother to insomnia, and rest simply does not give any relief. Under the influence of the hormone relaxin, the pubic joint is stretched and the joints of the bones of the small / pelvis are softened - the body is preparing for early delivery. That is, the pelvis "diverges" that at the right time to freely let the baby into the light. Immediately before childbirth, this hormone "helps" in opening the cervix.
  • Pain that begins after the 37th week with a certain frequency. Don't be scared - it is. In addition, the pressure of the baby's head on the mother's spine also falls on the 3rd trimester.
  • Exacerbation of pain, if there were already certain problems with the spine. For example, with bruises, with injuries or with chronic diseases musculoskeletal system. It will also make itself felt with pain and flat feet if the expectant mother continues to run in high heels or in other shoes not intended to be worn during pregnancy.
  • Shooting in the back. Similar, more often unilateral and sudden, similar to "electric shock" pains can occur with osteochondrosis, with herniated intervertebral discs and sciatica, with scoliosis and other diseases. May be accompanied by leg numbness or a tingling sensation. The pain subsides when holding the breath or stopping the movement with the body tilted forward.
  • Unilateral back pain. In this case, there may be problems with the kidneys (comorbidities / symptoms - colic, cloudy urine, sharp pain when urinating) or pinching of the nerve / root of the spinal cord. The 1st diagnosis is checked with the help of ultrasound and tests, the 2nd - with the help of MRI.
  • Lower back pain with bloody discharge and pulling sensations in the lower abdomen. These signs (note - in the 1st trimester) require urgent medical attention and most often speak of a threatened miscarriage. As for the 3rd trimester, such symptoms usually indicate the opening of the uterine os.
  • Back pain can also be noted in case of uterine tone. Naturally, you need to contact a gynecologist and undergo an ultrasound.

Remember, a consultation with a doctor is required if, in addition to back pain, you notice the following symptoms:

  • Pain that resembles contractions.
  • Pain when urinating.
  • Cloudy or foamy urine.
  • Feeling of increased tone of the uterus (approx. - the tummy “swells up and becomes hard like a ball”, there is a strong tension in the abdomen).
  • Bloody issues.
  • Minor/significant rise in temperature.

What should a pregnant woman do if her back hurts - how to relieve back pain?

With prolonged and severe pain with additional symptoms, of course, you should contact your gynecologist.

If the expectant mother is worried about the nature of the pain, you should not wait for improvement by self-medicating, a timely visit to the doctor will save her and the unborn baby from danger.

In the absence of alarming symptoms, the pain can be removed independently using the following means, rules and methods:

  • Pillow for pregnant women. If the pain is caused by the usual physiological changes characteristic of expectant mothers, such a pillow will help in normalizing sleep, support the mother's tummy and partially unload the back, taking on its tension. Mom can choose any pillow shape, if necessary - in the form of a boomerang, just a roller, U-shaped, in the shape of the letter “C”, “G”, “U”, etc. Note: a pillow in the shape of “C” after childbirth can be use as a temporary arena, and the roller is an excellent device for eliminating leg fatigue.
  • . It may be useful after the 20th week. The purpose is to support the tummy and relieve the load from the spine. True, it is not recommended to wear it for more than 4 hours, and, of course, you cannot sleep in it.
  • Swimming pool, yoga, water aerobics, etc. In general, such restorative procedures for the expectant mother are extremely useful. Especially the pool. In the absence of contraindications, do not waste time - help your body in such a difficult period.
  • Light massage. Do not rush to the first "manualist" that comes across. Remember that massage during this period, in the absence of proper qualifications from the "specialist", can significantly harm both mother and her baby. But a light massage from a professional with relevant experience is welcome. It will help to relax the muscles of the back and facilitate the general condition.
  • Pose, posture. Be sure to pay attention to how and where you sit. most time. You can not overload the spine. A chair (chair) should be comfortable with an optimal height to support the back, and a stand will not interfere with the legs (by the way, it will come in handy later for feeding the baby). Crossing your legs is also not recommended. Also change your posture more often and remember to take breaks for light stretching or walking.
  • Fitball. Use the ball to unload the muscles of the back through the "unstable support". You should sit on the ball with your legs slightly apart (choose a comfortable position!). then turn the body left / right 5-6 times. Another useful exercise- Rolling from a "sitting" position to a "lying on your back" position. With it, the spine is stretched, the back is arched, and the back muscles are relaxed. Naturally, the exercise should be performed only with the help and under the control of the spouse.
  • No weights! Ask your spouse and relatives, if you need something to lift, move, convey. In case you had to lift something yourself, get down on one knee with a straight back, without slouching, and lift the thing with the strength of your legs, and not an already overloaded back.
  • Watch your nutrition. Lack of calcium (its "washout" during pregnancy) and minerals, as you know, can also be reflected in pain. Now, more than ever, a balanced and proper diet is needed.
  • Choose the right footwear. Set aside hairpins, high heels, tight ballet flats for a while in the closet. Now you need shoes with a small heel and (highly recommended!) With orthopedic insoles that reduce the load on the spine and protect the back from the development of osteochondrosis, etc.
  • Orthopedic mattress. Also extremely useful thing to recuperate overnight and during daytime rest. Do not spare money on such a mattress, it will greatly simplify your life. Pick up an orthopedic pillow for him.
  • Physical exercises. Discuss with your doctor what exercises will help relieve stress from your back and strengthen your general condition. One of the most popular exercises during this period is the "kitty" with the arch of the back in the "on all fours" position. Regularly performing this exercise, you will make it easier for yourself and the process of childbirth.
  • Warm bath and contrast shower in the lumbar region. Do not overdo it with a contrast shower, and the bath water should be exceptionally warm.

Treatment of back pain in pregnant women - what can a doctor prescribe?

First of all, if you suspect the development of any disease (and not with the pains characteristic of pregnancy), they seek advice from gynecologist and neurologist, orthopedist and surgeon, as well as a nephrologist .

According to the results of the examination, treatment is prescribed

  • With pain caused by renal spasms, no-shpu can be prescribed. Most drugs with the function of eliminating spasms and pain, as you know, are prohibited during pregnancy. The doctor prescribes treatment based on overall picture illness and, of course, possible harm for the fetus.
  • Behind the lumbar pain with the presence of spotting, there may be a threat of miscarriage. In this case, hospitalization, complete rest and bed rest are usually indicated. Of the drugs, as a rule, Magnesia, Duphaston or Utrozhestan are prescribed. , and other means to reduce the tone of the uterus and maintain pregnancy.
  • For pain associated with disorders of the musculoskeletal system, Menovazin may be prescribed. For example, in the form of an ointment or solution. This drug is considered very effective in case of pinched lumbar nerve. Note: warming ointments during pregnancy are prohibited! They can lead to miscarriage.


So that the back does not hurt during pregnancy - methods for preventing pain

To reduce the risk of pain and protect your body from overload, you need to take care of yourself in such a difficult period for a woman and, of course, follow certain rules:

  • The growing uterus tends to compress the ureters, resulting in stagnation of urine, and then there is a risk of developing pyeloectasia and, as a result, pyelonephritis. Therefore, it is recommended after the 20th week, stand on all fours twice a day to improve urine flow.
  • Starting at 3-4 months old, get in the habit of lying down (with a special pillow under the tummy) with bent knees on the left side. That is, in the fetal position. As for the pose of the star (on the back), forget about it until the very birth. In extreme cases - reclining and on a hard surface.
  • Don't jump out of bed. Get up by rolling. When picking up something from the floor, first bend your knees. You can not pick up things from the floor, just leaning forward.
  • Eliminate all factors that provoke back pain and increase the load on the spine : do not lift heavy things, sleep in a comfortable bed, wear the right shoes, eat the right foods, sit on chairs with backs, etc.
  • Use a prenatal bandage and

Pregnancy is a long-awaited and unforgettable period in the life of every woman who is looking forward to the birth of a baby. During pregnancy, a woman faces certain difficulties, which often make her worry about her health and the health of the fetus. One of anxiety symptoms during pregnancy is lower back pain, which may appear in the early or late stages, be of different intensity, spread to other parts of the body. There are many reasons why the lower back hurts during pregnancy. Some of them are not at all dangerous for the woman and the fetus and are considered a normal physiological process that every second woman faces. In other cases, lower back pain can be a sign of formidable and dangerous pathologies. Let's try to figure out and consider why the lower back hurts in early and late pregnancy. After all, this question is quite relevant, and how more woman will own the information, the more likely it is that it will respond faster if necessary.

Physiological causes

The spine is the most vulnerable department, because it constantly experiences heavy loads. During pregnancy, such loads increase several times, so this phenomenon in 80% of cases is completely harmless and is a normal physiological process. Low back pain most often appears as the fetus grows, may appear in the 1st trimester of pregnancy and persists until the very birth.

Lower back pain in the early stages, often associated with various hormonal changes in the body, which also do not pose any threat. The cause of pulling pains is the size of the uterus, which, as the fetus grows, begins to increase, rises into the upper abdominal cavity. In addition, in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, the structure of the discs and ligaments that support the spine changes slightly, the production of the hormone progesterone also increases, against which the center of gravity of the abdomen shifts. Such changes often lead to pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. Such pains intensify after a long walk, physical activity.

During pregnancy, the ovaries and placenta produce the hormone relaxin, under the action of which the pelvic bones relax. Such changes greatly facilitate the process of childbirth, but at the same time cause discomfort in the lower back. On the eve of childbirth, in addition to the pain syndrome, it can pull the leg, backaches appear. This condition is completely harmless and indicates that the child has turned his head down and is moving into the small pelvis. To cope with such pain, women take a comfortable position for them or do a back massage. The increase in these symptoms leads to the birth of a baby. If a pregnant woman has a history of spinal diseases or other health problems, then lower back pain will be present throughout pregnancy with varying intensity and additional symptoms. In such cases, the woman must be sure to notify the attending physician.

In late pregnancy, lower back pain is understandable, since during this period the fetus reaches large sizes, begins to put pressure on the spine. In the third trimester, a woman's body prepares itself for the upcoming birth, which can cause false contractions. Physiological lower back pain during pregnancy does not require third-party intervention by doctors. It is enough to follow the doctor's recommendations. In cases where the pain syndrome becomes intolerable, other unpleasant symptoms appear, you need to urgently consult a gynecologist in order to exclude the threat of abortion or the development of diseases that can pose a danger to both the woman herself and the fetus.

Lower back pain during pregnancy: a dangerous sign

Pain in the back is not always harmless and can often indicate possible disorders or pathologies. The pain can have different intensity, be sharp, aching, sharp, pulling or cramping, give to the leg, chest, abdomen. If a woman, in addition to pain, has an increase in body temperature, any discharge from the genital tract, urinary retention, headache, you need to call an ambulance, since such symptoms may indicate a threatened miscarriage or other problems in the development of the fetus and the course of the pregnancy itself. Every woman should remember that pregnancy is a special period during which self-medication is not allowed. A woman is responsible not only for her own health, but also for the health of her unborn child. Therefore, only a periodic consultation with a doctor will help give birth to a healthy and strong baby.

What diseases cause back pain during pregnancy

During pregnancy, immunity is significantly reduced, which makes a woman’s body defenseless against a large number of diseases. Reduced immunity - allows the body not to reject the fetus as a foreign body. Against the background of reduced immunity, not only new diseases can appear, but also old (chronic) ones will become aggravated. Therefore, the expectant mother must necessarily inform the gynecologist about what she was sick before pregnancy. There are many diseases that can develop or worsen during pregnancy and be accompanied by back pain.

  • Diseases of the spine. The danger of such pathologies lies in the fact that it is impossible to stop the pain syndrome with anti-inflammatory drugs, which are categorically contraindicated for pregnant women. For the fetus, these pathologies do not pose a particular danger.
  • Inflammatory kidney disease (pyelonephritis). infectious disease, the risk of which to get sick during pregnancy is very high. The cause of the development of pyelonephritis is considered to be pathogenic microorganisms, which, after penetrating the body, most often affect one kidney. Pain in the lower back with pyelonephritis is noted only on one side. In addition to acute pain in the lower back, body temperature rises, swelling, painful urination, and cloudy urine appear. A pregnant woman with a diagnosis of "pyelonephritis" should be hospitalized in a hospital and be under the supervision of doctors for a long time.
  • Hydronephrosis (urinary retention in the kidneys) is a serious complication that can negatively affect the condition of the fetus. Hydronephrosis is diagnosed by ultrasound of the kidneys. Lumbar pain is most often unilateral, and other symptoms are also characteristic of this disease.
  • Spinal injuries that were received before pregnancy.
  • Risk of miscarriage. It is characterized by aching pain in the lower back, lower abdomen, spotting appears. If the back hurts in the lower back in pregnant women, this can be caused by diseases that were present in the anamnesis before the conception of the child. Pathological lower back pain always has accompanying symptoms that are displayed on the health status of a woman.


Every woman should remember that any pain is a signal that some disturbances are occurring in the body. Only a doctor can determine the cause, as well as reduce the risk of complications, after examining the patient.

How to reduce back pain

With the appearance of back pain, a woman should inform the gynecologist who is leading the pregnancy. To determine the cause, the doctor will prescribe an ultrasound of the pregnant woman, also laboratory research urine and blood. The results of the examination will allow the doctor to determine the cause, prescribe the right treatment, or give useful recommendations. If lower back pain does not pose a danger to the health of the woman and the life of the fetus, then the doctor will give useful recommendations about nutrition and lifestyle. In cases where back pain has developed against the background of complex diseases and threatens a pregnant woman, then inpatient treatment is carried out. To relieve back pain, the expectant mother needs to follow some doctor's recommendations:

  • Avoid physical activity.
  • Complete rest, sleep.
  • Follow your posture.
  • Don't lift weights.
  • Include calcium-rich foods in your diet.
  • Do not sit in one position for a long time.
  • Wear comfortable shoes with low heels.
  • Control your weight.


Women who feel pain or discomfort in the lower back are advised to wear a prenatal bandage, it will help reduce the load on the spine. To relieve pain, gymnastics for pregnant women will help. A good effect can be obtained from yoga or swimming. Such exercises will help relax the muscles of the back, reduce pain. If necessary, you can sign up for a back massage. All actions of a pregnant woman must be coordinated with the doctor who leads the pregnancy. In cases where lower back pain is pathological, you should immediately consult a doctor. You may need to be hospitalized with medication. Any medication should be prescribed by a doctor depending on the cause and other characteristics of the female body.

Exercises for pregnant women

Exercise for pregnant women can help reduce back pain. There are a number gymnastic exercises to help prevent or eliminate pain. Consider the simplest ones:

Get on all fours, keep your head straight. Take a deep breath while bending your spine up and down. As you exhale, relax your stomach and back muscles.

Stand up straight, hands on hips, make a few turns to the right, then to the left.

Standing straight, stretch your arms up, take a deep breath, then lower down with an exhalation.

Such exercises should be done daily 5 to 10 times in the morning and in the evening before going to bed.

Prevention of back pain during pregnancy

It is possible to prevent lower back pain during pregnancy or reduce its occurrence, but for this you need to adhere to several simple rules:

  • Lead a healthy and active lifestyle before pregnancy.
  • During pregnancy, avoid eating fatty, spicy, salty foods.
  • Eat as many fortified foods as possible. If necessary, a complex of vitamins for pregnant women.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Be sure to stay away from high heels.
  • Don't lift weights.
  • Every 15 to 20 minutes after sitting, do some physical exercise. It is enough to turn left - right, a little back.
  • Watch the amount of fluid you drink.
  • Watch the pressure.
  • Periodically hand over the analysis of urine, blood.
  • Avoid hypothermia.
  • For sleep, choose a comfortable bed with an orthopedic mattress and an anatomical pillow.
  • It is strictly forbidden to use any medications to reduce pain in the spine.The doctor can prescribe only paracetamol preparations or, but - shpa.


Compliance with simple rules will help to avoid the appearance of back pain or reduce them to a minimum. If the pain is strong, other alarming symptoms appear, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a timely visit to the doctor will allow you to save the pregnancy and feel such a long-awaited feeling of motherhood.

Back pain is a phenomenon that is quite considered common during the period of bearing a child. This is due to the fact that during pregnancy, muscles, joints and ligaments relax under the influence of hormones.

Weight gain occurs, posture changes, which causes additional stress on the back This is why your back hurts during pregnancy.

Low back pain is the most common but can be accompanied by discomfort in the shoulders, upper back, chest and between the breasts.

Some pregnant women may suffer from inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which gives a sharp pain of a shooting character in the legs. In some women, it occurs due to instability hip joint pelvic pain - in the pubic joint.

Back pain during pregnancy can occur if a woman has had problems with the musculoskeletal system:

  • osteochondrosis;
  • rachiocampsis;
  • underdeveloped muscles responsible for tilting the pelvis.

Why does back pain get worse during pregnancy?


In order to understand why the back hurts during pregnancy, it should be taken into account that all the causes that provoke pain are divided into: physiological and pathological.

Physiological causes- occur as a result of pregnancy itself. A woman feels pain that does not harm her health and the baby.

Back pain during childbearing can manifest itself in each woman in different ways: with different intensity and at different times. Someone has pain already in the first half, but 50-70% of women have back pain from the 20th week of pregnancy.

When a woman is already 34-37 weeks pregnant, her back hurts more, as there is not only excess weight, but also the child's pressure on the lumbar region.

It should be highlighted main physiological reasons:

  1. The very first pain in the back is caused by relaxation and softening of the intervertebral ligaments under the influence of the hormone relaxin (from the 20th week of pregnancy).
  2. An increase in the weight of a woman provokes an increased load on the lower back.
  3. The shift of the center of gravity forward, which leads to a change in the woman's posture and back pain.
  4. Prolonged standing.
  5. An increase in the size of the uterus leads to compression of the nerves and blood vessels that surround the spine. (Begins already by the third trimester).
  6. The pressure of the head of the child in the later stages.
  7. When false contractions in a pregnant woman hurt her back from the 38th week of pregnancy. The pain is aching in nature when the uterus comes into tone.

Pancreatitis, pyelonephritis and other causes of back pain


In addition to physiological causes, pathological ones are also distinguished, which are provoked by the development of diseases of other organs and require mandatory treatment.

Among these reasons are:

  1. Drawing pain in the back is felt with kidney disease, but aching - with inflammation of the kidneys (pyelonephritis), but sharp cramping pains occur in the back with renal colic. The back hurts a lot during pregnancy, and it is almost impossible to ease the pain. Cloudy urine (sometimes mixed with blood) is the main symptom of the disease. With pyelonephritis, the temperature rises.
  2. Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) rarely occurs in pregnant women. The disease can be caused by fatty and abundant meat food, non-compliance with the diet, alcohol consumption, stress, heredity and impaired bile outflow.

    The main symptoms of pancreatitis are acute girdle pains in the upper abdomen, lower back, vomiting, low blood pressure, and impaired stool.

  3. Myositis- inflammation of the muscles that occurs after hypothermia or long stay in the draft. The pain is very sharp, and the movements are not easy to carry out.
  4. Urolithiasis disease. When it happens renal colic, sharp pain, nausea, frequent urination or vice versa is felt in the lower back.
  5. Neurological diseases(sciatica, osteochondrosis, herniated discs). Pain is stabbing in nature and can radiate to the leg. Get stronger after a long walk.
  6. Threat of abortion accompanied by pulling cramping pains in the lower back and lower abdomen, the appearance of bloody discharge is likely.

What to do for back pain during pregnancy?


You can eliminate back pain or at least alleviate it with the help of the following recommendations (provided that the pain syndrome is not associated with the threat of miscarriage or diseases of the genitourinary system):


Acupuncture, massage, physiotherapy. Conducted only on doctor's orders. Quite often, such procedures may be contraindicated, although they are suitable for many women. Such procedures should only be performed by qualified personnel.

This video will show you what to do for back pain during pregnancy

It should be remembered that during the bearing of a child, it is advisable to avoid taking medications for pain relief and relieving inflammation. Such drugs are allowed to be used only on the strict prescription of doctors when absolutely necessary.

This video provides some more doctor's advice on how to get rid of back pain during pregnancy

In addition, remember that all of the above recommendations and exercises should be performed not only when pain exists, but also for preventive purposes.

There is no such pregnant woman who would not be familiar with the feeling of how her back hurts during pregnancy. Due to the peculiarities of the process of carrying a baby, every woman at some point necessarily has lower back pain.

Most often, back pain during pregnancy begins to disturb the expectant mother,.

The fact is that by this moment the uterus begins to grow rapidly - as a result, the center of gravity of the body shifts. In this case, the main load when walking "passes" to the lower back.

Does it make sense to be surprised that she begins to whine regularly with a woman in an interesting position - after all, this part of the body is simply not used to such a load.

Obviously, a pregnant woman who has to walk or stand a lot experiences more pain than a woman who has the opportunity to change positions.

Back pain during pregnancy is especially common for expectant mothers, or triplets. The reason is clear - the belly of such women grows much faster, sometimes by 6 months of pregnancy reaching the volume of the pregnant uterus, which "reached" the mark of 9 months.

Please note: if acute pain appears in the lower back, it is better to avoid massage. In some cases (when the pain is not just caused by fatigue), it can aggravate the situation.

  • by all means give up heels, especially if the tummy has already begun to round.

In a pregnant woman already off center gravity, so why would you load your back even more?

In addition, when wearing high stilettos, a pregnant woman can fall at any time. In our position, this is very dangerous, because in some cases, falls lead to detachment of the placenta.

  • start wearing prenatal.

This is truly a magical remedy for those who want to reduce the pain that occurs in the lower back. The fact is that the device supports the stomach, thus very effectively unloading the back.

Before buying it, it is better to consult a doctor in advance: the doctor will tell you about the rules for wearing a bandage and advise “your” model.

Using the device, you will kill two birds with one stone: it will not only save your back, but also help reduce the formation of stretch marks.

In addition to the bandage, you can purchase an orthopedic mattress, which also helps to significantly relieve back pain.

  • a sufficient amount of calcium in food can also reduce pain, so be sure.

Otherwise, the baby will take the valuable trace element for himself, and the mother will live with a calcium deficiency. Then not only your back will bother you, but other parts of the body will also make themselves felt - they may appear in the legs or hands.

We are engaged in prevention

In order not to learn about how it hurts in the lower back during pregnancy, you need to deal with the prevention of such pain.

These tips will help you give birth easily and get back in shape quickly after giving birth.

First of all, it is important to strengthen the back muscles even before pregnancy, so that the increased load does not become a serious stress for them.

Continue to do this when you find out that you will soon become a mother, but moderate your ardor a little and keep in mind that you should be more forgiving.

For example, absolutely all pregnant women, if they do not have various kinds of pathologies, will do water aerobics or swimming.

If you want to exercise on land, then this is quite feasible, because many exercises of various kinds have been invented for pregnant women.

Yoga, with its smooth movements, is also suitable for a pregnant woman - it can be practiced throughout pregnancy.

Be sure to purchase a fitball, which is also incredibly valuable as a projectile for a pregnant woman. And after giving birth, the baby will also be able to practice on it - such exercises can save him from colic and strengthen his back and neck muscles.

Don't ignore the pain

In some cases, the moments when it hurts in the lower back indicate that the pregnant woman has a number of problems. And you need to deal with them, following the recommendations of the doctor.

So, pain in any of the trimesters can occur if the expectant mother has a disease such as osteochondrosis, sciatica, or she has a violation of posture.

It is clear that pregnancy can exacerbate a disease or other problem. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to be treated with the usual methods, since the funds can harm the baby.

Lower back pain can occur if the pregnant woman had pyelonephritis or myositis (inflammation of the muscles) appeared. Then back pain will be accompanied by a number of additional symptoms.