Back pain during early pregnancy is, unfortunately, very common. It can mar the happiness of carrying a new baby, even before he or she arrives. But most pregnant women do indeed experience back pain from time to time, whether or not there is an obvious sign of a bump appearing.
Pain or discomfort in the lower back or abdomen can occur at any time during a woman's pregnancy. In fact, back pain can occur several weeks before a woman gives birth. But for some women, back pain that arises after delivery may occur because the muscles of the pelvic floor have been stretched considerably. This stretching is especially found to occur during the second trimester when a large bump begins to form on the outside of the uterus.
The location of the back pain and its cause are two very different matters. In some cases, the pain is felt along the sides of the thighs and buttocks, in close proximity to where the pubic bone meets the upper torso. On the other hand, the pain may be felt in the lower back or abdomen, further away from the pelvic bone. The location of the pain may also be related to where the lumbar spine meets the ribcage. This means that if the pain occurs near the ribs, it could be due to the ligaments between the spine and ribs, while if it occurs near the lower lumbar spine, it is most likely ribcage pain. Pelvic pain can also be felt along the sides of the pelvis.
Doctors diagnose early pregnancy back pain by asking patients about where they feel the pain and where it is located. X-rays may also be taken to see if there is a bulge in one of the spinal bones. If the pain is found to be associated with inflammation of the spine, the doctor will most likely prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication. The treatment for this type of backache is directed at relieving the inflammation of the spine. In most cases, expectant mothers are instructed to take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen until the inflammation has gone down and the pain has stopped.
Improper posture is a very common reason for early pregnancy back pain. Women who get up on their tummy all the time are most susceptible to backaches. This is because they are carrying extra weight on their stomach and have their back muscles tensed up. Hence, pregnant women are advised to get up and stretch their backs every now and then to relieve the tension. It may sound simple, but it is important for expectant mothers to pay attention to their posture and learn good posture habits.
Pregnant women are also more prone to poor posture if they carry extra weight. Extra weight causes the uterus to expand, which increases the amount of pressure placed on the abdomen. In some cases, pregnant women are also advised to lie on their sides instead of sitting up straight because sitting up straight can aggravate the stomach muscles and cause back pain. As a pregnant woman grows bigger, so does the size of her pelvis and consequently the added pressure on the abdomen.
Heat packs and heat pads are also a great remedy for those expecting mothers. Heat packs are recommended for the first few weeks of pregnancy because it keeps the spine and abdomen warm. Heat pads are placed directly over the spine. These can be used in the mornings and evenings as the only source of heating. Heat packs can also be used on the stomach and buttocks if pain occurs.
Another remedy that many expectant mothers turn to be over-the-counter medications. The main problem with these pain relievers is that they only mask the pain temporarily and do not get to the root of the burning pain. There is one drug, in particular, that is said to be a cure-all in the treatment of back pain and other bodily ailments. This drug is called triptans and is administered by a qualified and licensed healthcare professional. If used, this drug along with the other methods outlined above should reduce or eliminate back pain and any other discomforts associated with pregnancy.
