Pain in the spine during pregnancy what to do. Back pain during pregnancy at different periods: causes, treatment, full description of the problem. What to do for back pain during pregnancy

08.05.2019

Surely every woman who has been pregnant at least once has experienced back pain, especially in the last stages of pregnancy. In general, bearing a child is a very complex process: the body and all organs of a woman are rebuilt and undergo a double load. The digestive, circulatory, respiratory and excretory systems - all of them must now work not only for the woman, but also for her child. This also affected the musculoskeletal.

Thus, back pain during pregnancy is not extraordinary, but quite natural. Let's figure out why this happens and what to do if it hurts badly, and you can't buy traditional pain relievers for a pregnant woman.

In the body of a pregnant woman, from the very first days, changes begin to take place, which in one way or another prepare her for a future joyful event. During pregnancy, throughout its entire period, nature continuously introduces some corrections, especially regarding hormones:

So, the hormone produced relaxin relaxes the ligaments of the sacral and even coccygeal joints. This provides them with the mobility they need during childbirth.
But the stability of the sacral region decreases, and the woman has to strain the muscles of the lower back and abdomen to compensate.
During pregnancy estrogen the woman has almost the entire term reduced, and progesterone increased - this provides optimal conditions for bearing. The inverse ratio (lowered progesterone and high estrogen) can cause uterine bleeding and miscarriage)
Before childbirth, progesterone levels drop sharply and estrogen rises.

The elasticity and tone of the uterus, as well as its ability to contract, depends on estrogen. Thanks to progesterone, the formation of the placenta and the growth of the uterus are ensured throughout the entire period of pregnancy.

With each week, the woman is gaining new kilograms, her belly is rounded and more and more protruding forward. Starting from about the 14th week, such signs are guessed externally, and it is already difficult to hide the pregnancy. The gait and posture of the expectant mother also changes: if you noticed, they all walk with their heads held high and their shoulders turned back. Such a gait is popularly called "proud".

In fact, despite the fact that every woman internally and instinctively, as laid down by nature, is proud of her position, the reason for this posture is very prosaic:

The center of gravity of the pregnant woman shifts forward, the angle of inclination of the pelvis increases, which increases the lumbar lordosis, and in order to maintain balance, the spine in the thoracic region is pulled back along with the shoulders and head

Of course, walking in this position all the time is not easy - the back inevitably begins to hurt, especially in the thoracic and lumbar regions.

Thus, the main causes during pregnancy are physiological and are directly related to the position itself, that is, they are characteristic of any woman during pregnancy. It:

Change of natural and displacement of its center of gravity
Increase the elasticity of the ligaments and the mobility of the joints of the sacral region
Decrease in the amount of estrogen, the main hormone involved in building normal bone structure

Lack of estrogen causes bone fragility and leads to osteoporosis.

Therefore, the important advice that I want to give to future mothers is:

The first thing to do during pregnancy is to ensure a normal daily calcium intake, preferably with vitamin D as one of the most important in the body.
Also, along the way, you must definitely take folic acid, which is very important for the development of the fetus.
Lack of folate can cause your baby to be congenital
During pregnancy, you must also do daily exercises for expectant mothers. Do not be afraid that this could negatively affect your baby or you:
- Your active activities will only benefit your baby, as they will improve his blood circulation, nutrition and even mood.
- For your back, gymnastics will be beneficial, as it will relieve muscle spasm, thanks to which your back hurts, as well as strengthen the musculo-ligamentous system

Additional causes of pregnancy pain

There are also individual causes of pain for each woman:

Presence of dystrophic degenerative processes in the spine even before pregnancy
Uncomfortable shoes, such as too high heels
Other diseases or pathologies
The uterus is in good shape
Prolapse of the uterus

If a woman has a lumbosacral hernia, then she needs to double control over her disease, especially in the second half of pregnancy:
Be sure to visit an orthopedist
Do stretching exercises
Wear a supportive corset

Difficulties of recent months

The last two months before the birth of a baby are the most difficult for a woman:

The weight of the fetus is already quite decent, and it puts more and more pressure on her spine. Back pain can become radicular and radiate to the leg, especially when walking
The uterus begins to descend and press on other pelvic organs, which causes the woman to develop symptoms of cystitis
The load on the kidneys in the third trimester also increases due to the increased volume of fluid circulating through the circulatory system and an increase in fetal waste products.
This can lead to pyelonephritis or even symptoms of kidney failure if the woman has had kidney problems before pregnancy.

Kidney problems can be an additional source of lower back pain in a pregnant woman

Increased tone of the uterus

A common problem during pregnancy is the increased tone of the uterus. In general, this phenomenon is dangerous in the early stages with the threat of miscarriage. In the future, this does not represent any danger for a woman, in addition to unpleasant sensations.

For what reasons is there an increased tone of the uterus? Both the simplest and the scientifically based:

Your baby just kicked you lightly, checking: they didn’t fall asleep, didn’t forget about him, are they ready for his imminent birth
Stress and bad mood tones not only the "fibers of the soul", but also the uterus
Therefore, during pregnancy, you should always try to stay calm and be in a good mood, especially since it is so important for the healthy nervous system of the unborn child.
Tension and abdominal stress is transmitted to the muscles of the uterus
In the later stages, false contractions occur (Braxton Hicks syndrome)
Thus, a "dress rehearsal" of future childbirth is carried out.

What medicines to use during pregnancy

Expectant mothers often face the following problem: they, the poor, cannot use many medicines.

So, we all know non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that we take for back pain are unacceptable for a pregnant woman. Why?

Because they have a lot that are dangerous for ordinary people, and even more so in a situation.

But what to do if a woman gets sick during pregnancy or the back pain is unbearable?

For treatment, you can use decoctions of herbs, bee products.

Medicine no-shpa- antispasmodic, which can be used in position.

You can use homeopathic medicines, which are also completely harmless.

A drug Nux Vomica used:
- With severe back pain, exacerbations of osteochondrosis and hernia, injuries
- Neuralgic problems
- For bowel disorders such as constipation
A drug Sepia:
- For back shots
- For pain that worsens when bending
- With dull aching pain in the lower back and between the shoulder blades
- During depression and emotional depression

If you do everything right and follow these simple recommendations, pregnancy is carried out easily, and the child will be born healthy and cheerful.

If the lower back hurts during pregnancy, the reasons are not always associated with pathology. Pregnancy is a natural state for the female body. And the back aches during this period because the body is "rebuilt", preparing for the changes that are taking place.

Back pain begins to occur during pregnancy at different stages of gestation. It is believed that in the first half of pregnancy, the body is not exposed to increased stress. This is not true. About 30% of women come with complaints that. However, most women suffer from lower back pain during pregnancy closer to the twentieth week. It is often difficult to answer why your back hurts during pregnancy. Lower back pain in pregnant women is sometimes a consequence of obstetric reasons, and can be an independent pathology. Obstetric causes - back pain arising from the normal or pathological course of pregnancy.

Obstetric

Can lower back pain during normal pregnancy? Yes, and this is the most common reason why a pregnant woman's back pulls. In many cases, the onset of pregnancy leads to the fact that the expectant mother has lower back pain. The cause of pain is the rapid enlargement of the uterus, and the tension of its ligaments. These sensations are so common that they are viewed as another sign that a woman has become pregnant.

Hormones and metabolic processes

While waiting for a child, a woman has to face a sharp change in hormonal levels. There is an increased production of estrogen, progesterone and other hormones responsible for the correct course of pregnancy. Relaxin is a common reason why the lower back hurts badly. This hormone helps the ligaments and tendons become more elastic, softens them. Relaxin is necessary to facilitate the appearance of the baby later.

The elements necessary for the formation of the fetus are taken from the mother's body. Therefore, in case of insufficient replenishment of "reserves", the bones of a woman may not receive essential vitamins and minerals, in particular, calcium and phosphorus. As a result, there is a weakening of the pelvic bones and spine, which can cause back pain in pregnant women.

Increased pressure on the pelvis and spine

The safest reason why pregnant women have back pain is the growth of the fetus. The child grows, the pressure on the mother's sacrum increases, which leads to pain in the lumbar region. Also, a completely physiological reason why the back can hurt is increasing weight, leading to increased pressure on the lower back. The center of gravity changes, there is a deflection of the spine in the lumbar spine. Muscles receive excessive stress, leading to pain.

Prolonged standing sometimes leads to the appearance of lower back pain in pregnant women. The uterus presses on the nerves and blood vessels that surround the spine. Because of this, starting from the third trimester. The pain is given to the legs, aggravated by exertion.

In late pregnancy, lower back pain can occur as a result of the pressure of the fetal head on the hip bones. This is accompanied by the occurrence of uterine hypertonicity. Then pains appear at about 38 weeks. If your lower back hurts during pregnancy for this reason, do not worry. Such sensations are completely natural.

Contractions

A few weeks before giving birth, the expectant mother may feel Braxton-Hicks contractions. False contractions prepare the body for subsequent childbirth. In this case, in addition to the pain that radiates to the lumbar region, there is a feeling of a "stony" uterus, it is difficult to inhale, there are pulling pains in the lower abdomen. Then these symptoms disappear. And after a short time, the stomach and back begin to ache again. Such sensations are considered normal, but still require close attention. Sometimes it is not easy to distinguish them from the actual labor that has begun. If the contractions become more frequent, repeated at regular intervals, accompanied by discharge from the genital tract, you should not delay the trip to the hospital.

With pathologies

If during pregnancy, back pain is accompanied by the appearance of discharge and cramping pain in the uterus, then this condition is considered by doctors as a threat of spontaneous abortion or premature birth.

It is required to immediately see a gynecologist. In some cases, due to exacerbation of existing diseases or with the appearance of a new pathology. Pregnancy is accompanied by natural immune suppression. Such a mechanism is necessary to prevent the rejection of the fetus by the maternal organism as a foreign component. The consequence is the vulnerability of the woman at this time. It happens that a woman is not even aware of the existing pathologies until she becomes pregnant. During pregnancy, pain in the lower back can indicate a fairly serious pathology. And if the gynecologist has ruled out obstetric causes of ailment, you should visit other doctors, namely: a neurologist, urologist or nephrologist and surgeon.

Kidney disease

The kidneys and their diseases are the reason why lower back hurts during pregnancy. Under the influence of hormones, the tone of the ureters changes, urine stagnation occurs, leading to the development of infectious processes. Pyelonephritis is a common complication of pregnancy. There are aching pains on one side of the back, frequent urge to urinate, cramps, the temperature rises to high values. The urine usually becomes cloudy.

If the pain in the lower back during pregnancy is pronounced, it is difficult to find a position in which the pain weakens, the outflow of urine becomes difficult, an admixture of blood appears, perhaps it is renal colic. Such symptoms are an indication for urgent hospitalization.

The diagnosis is made by a doctor, based on ultrasound data and laboratory tests of urine and blood. Treatment is carried out with the appointment of antibiotics, antispasmodic and analgesic drugs, and is mandatory. The disease can lead to serious consequences, including kidney failure.

In rare cases, a pregnant woman may experience pancreatic inflammation. This happens when a diet is not followed during pregnancy, food is consumed with a large amount of fat, alcohol, is a hereditary factor or a consequence of stress. If lower back pain during pregnancy is shingles in nature, occurs after or during meals, is accompanied by fever, nausea or vomiting, disturbed stools, the doctor diagnoses pancreatitis.

The disease is diagnosed using ultrasound, MRI, and is treated in stationary conditions. Medication therapy for low back pain during pregnancy is performed using a number of anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medications. Occasionally, in case of failure of conservative treatment, there is a need for surgical intervention.

Neurology

Backache often hurts during pregnancy due to exacerbation of existing problems with the musculoskeletal system. If a woman was tormented by osteochondrosis or sciatica even before pregnancy, then the changed load will lead to an exacerbation. The source of problems is an insufficiently developed muscular system of the back or a curvature of the spine. A similar diagnosis is indicated by the occurrence of severe back pain during pregnancy in the second trimester or later.

With neurological problems, painful sensations are of a shooting character, decrease in the "lying" position and increase with exertion, a feeling of numbness may occur.

It is very dangerous to self-medicate. Indeed, most of the drugs used in such cases are contraindicated during pregnancy. In exceptional cases, your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever. If the lower back hurts during pregnancy due to neurological problems, the simplest solution is to wear a bandage. A special corset will provide support for the musculoskeletal system without negatively affecting the development of the baby.

Myositis

Being in a draft or hypothermia can lead to inflammation in the muscles of the lower back. Then the pain is characterized by an acute character and limited movement. In addition to the back, the neck and shoulder girdle may hurt. Treatment should be carried out by a doctor who can prescribe drugs that are safe for the child.

Symphysopathy

With low localization of pain in the back and abdomen, symphysitis can be suspected. The disease will be indicated by a changed gait, which acquires the character of a "duck". It occurs due to the divergence of the pubic bones, is inherited. If the reason due to which the back hurts during pregnancy is symphysopathy, the doctor will recommend bed rest and will be monitored throughout the entire period of pregnancy.

If there is a history of spinal injuries or congenital features of the development of the arches of the vertebrae, increased loads can lead to painful sensations in the lower back during pregnancy. The vertebrae can move relative to each other, which will serve as an impetus for severe lower back pain.

In 74% of women throughout pregnancy and even several months after giving birth, back pain is observed.

Causes of back pain

Back pain can occur after long walks, with prolonged sitting or standing, or even with minor physical exertion. By the nature of the pain and some additional analyzes, it is possible to determine the cause of pain in the back.

Drawing pain in the lower back. From about 16 weeks of gestation, the uterus grows actively. As the uterus enlarges, it can compress the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the spine, causing pain in the lower back.

Aching, low back pain that subside after resting in a horizontal position. With an increase in the size of the tummy, the center of gravity shifts. Most often, after the 20th week of pregnancy, women experience back pain for the first time. 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, and therefore painful sensations appear in the back.

Sacral pain, more persistent and prolonged(rest does not give relief, pain can appear at night, preventing the expectant mother from falling asleep). The corpus luteum of 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 are "softened" and the pubic joint is stretched. This is how the female body is prepared for childbirth: the pelvis is distributed, giving the child the opportunity to pass through the birth canal in due time and please the mother with his birth.

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

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

Further, its action is aimed at "softening" the joints and ligaments of the small pelvis of a woman, so that in the future the baby can easily pass through the birth canal. And before the birth itself, it contributes to the opening of the cervical pharynx, that is, the onset of labor.

Recurrent low back pain that first appears after 37 weeks of gestation... These are the so-called Braxton-Hicks training contractions that occur in late pregnancy. Also in the third trimester, back pain occurs and with pressure from the fetal head on the spine of the expectant mother.

Worsening back pain in the presence of problems with the spine before. If a woman has previously suffered from back pain due to an old injury / bruise of the spine or due to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, then during pregnancy, chronic health problems can again make themselves felt.

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

Backache... Sharp sudden (often unilateral) lower back pain occurs in diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as scoliosis, osteochondrosis, sciatica, herniated disc and others. Most often it is a shooting pain (described by patients as "like a lightning / electric shock"), radiating to the leg or buttock. It is also possible a tingling sensation in the fingers or numbness of 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 position" (for example, the back is bent, and the body is slightly tilted forward).

Pain on one side of the back... This nature of pain can speak of pinching of the nerve root of the spinal cord due to displacement of the vertebrae, and of kidney diseases: pyelonephritis, cystitis, urolithiasis, etc. , an additional urine test according to Nechiporenko is prescribed, as well as an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder.

Cramps during urination, renal colic, cloudy urine with an unpleasant odor - all this, as a rule, indicates kidney problems.

Lower back pain, pulling in the lower abdomen, and bleeding is observed... These are common symptoms of threatened miscarriage in early pregnancy. At first, a breakdown can manifest itself only with pulling 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 health, and at the first appearance of a daub, call an ambulance, explaining your fears of losing your child.

Lower back pain in the third trimester can be due to shortening of the cervix and dilatation of the uterine pharynx. If there is a threat of premature birth, the gynecologist will put a special ring (obstetric unloading pessary).
With the tone of the uterus, 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 do an ultrasound of the uterus and appendages (preferably vaginal).

Associated symptoms for problems:

with the cervical spine - women suffer from headaches (gives to the back of the head) and neck pains, insomnia, complain of decreased vision or hearing, nervousness;
in the thoracic region - there may be problems with the heart (for example, arrhythmia), liver and blood clotting;
in the lumbar spine - in patients there is a disturbance of digestion and stool, fatigue and weakness, kidney problems;
in the region of the sacrum - patients also complain of pain in the hip and groin, problems with the female genital organs and the bladder;
with coccyx - periodically there is pain 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.

Pillow for pregnant women. There are many varieties of pillows for "pot-bellied": C-shaped, L-shaped, U-shaped, I-shaped, U-pillow, Boomerang, roller 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.

The roller pillow can be placed under your feet to relieve fatigue and swelling, relieve pain and cramps.

Maternity bandage (after 20th week)... Put it on over underwear / body / tights in a supine position, raising the pelvis, or sitting, leaning back as much as possible. The wide part of the belt should be on the lower back, which helps relieve the load from the spine, and the narrow part under the tummy, which is designed to support it.

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

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

A light massage will help relieve overstrain of the back muscles. As a doctor, I do not recommend manual therapy during pregnancy. It can both help to cope with back pain and harm. You should trust your health only to highly qualified specialists who have already worked with pregnant women several times, because the slightest mistake can lead to an aggravation of the situation, to a violation of the vertebrae, a pinched nerve, loss of sensitivity in some parts of the body, or even to complete paralysis.

A chiropractor, like any other doctor, cannot guarantee that treatment will definitely help, but since it concerns the spinal cord, and as a result of the whole organism, and not a separate area and organ, the risk is not too justified. Therefore, a gentle massage performed by a loving husband will be enough to relax the muscles of the back of the future 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 - to a urologist.

Treatment is prescribed depending on the causes of back discomfort.

During pregnancy, almost all pain relieving drugs are prohibited. To reduce pain in the lower back due to renal spasms (with cystitis, pyelitis, etc.), taking No-shpa (1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day) will help. Be sure to visit a urologist to diagnose and prescribe adequate treatment for the emerging disease of the urinary system.

With a combination of back pain with bleeding from the genital tract, gynecologists usually diagnose a threat of miscarriage with subsequent hospitalization of the pregnant woman. Complete rest is prescribed with adherence to bed rest, a dropper with Magnesia (Papaverine candles or No-shpu in tablets when the patient is at home) and taking Duphaston or Utrozhestan.

Menovazin solution or ointment will help relieve severe back pain in case of problems with the musculoskeletal system (no negative effect on the fetus has been identified in personal practice). This remedy is especially indispensable for pinching the lumbar nerve.

Do not use warming ointments during pregnancy! They cause increased blood circulation, which can lead to miscarriage or premature birth.

In case of problems with the spine, non-medication will help alleviate the condition:

simplified exercise from yoga "Kitty"

Get on all fours with your head parallel to the floor and your eyes pointing downward - this is the starting position. At the same time, bend your back in an arc, like a cat during an outrage or discontent, and lower your head down, pressing your chin to your chest. Freeze in this position for a few seconds.

Smoothly return to the starting position, and then slowly bend your back, as a cat does after sleeping (do some kind of sweet cat "pulling"), 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 with your legs slightly apart for a comfortable and stable posture. Take turns of the body alternately 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 hedge the woman in case of difficulty in performing 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 position. So 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 done systematically, even when the pain subsides.

back muscle relaxation exercise

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

A similar exercise can be done with a fitball. Kneel down in front of the ball and lie on it with your chest. Hug the ball or put your hands on it in a different way, and hold in this position for 10-15 seconds, try to relax.

In conclusion, I note that most doctors, with an unclear cause of back pain, talk about the washing out and "borrowing" of calcium from the woman's skeletal system by the fetus, as a common occurrence during pregnancy, prescribing calcium in tablets.

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

It is not recommended to get involved in taking, for example, Calcium-D3 Nycomed. An excess amount of calcium is deposited in the placenta, aging it and making it unsuitable for long-term bearing of a child, which is excluded when using "natural" calcium.

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

Prevention of back pain

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

Also, from the second trimester, get used to lying on your left side with your legs bent at the knees, it is better to put a special pillow under your stomach. And about the pose "on the back" until the end of pregnancy should be forgotten. Only the "reclining" position is considered an acceptable position on the back, and the surface must be hard and covered with soft pillows on top.

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

At the workplace, place a pillow or fabric roller under the lower back in the area of \ u200b \ u200bthe bend of the back, and place a small stool or special support under your feet. Avoid heels and tight wedges. Watch your weight and kidney function. Fulfillment of all these requirements can relieve a pregnant woman from back pain and swelling of the legs.

Pregnancy is an exciting and exciting period in the life of every woman. However, there is always a fly in the ointment in every barrel of honey. Sometimes pregnancy proceeds with various complications. Back pain during pregnancy is far from the worst of them. But the phenomenon itself is unpleasant and occurs in almost all women during this period. Why does this happen and what measures should be taken to relieve pain syndromes and, if possible, prevent discomfort?

From the moment of conception, colossal changes begin in a woman's body, in response to which her back can hurt at any time. There may be a lot of reasons, here are just a few:

Hormonal adjustment. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin begins to be produced. It forms the birth canal to prepare the expectant mother for childbirth, relaxes the ligaments of the pelvic bones closer to childbirth, reduces the tone of the uterus and opens its cervix during childbirth. Under its influence, the pelvic joints and intervertebral ligaments, previously immobile, can move and expand, thereby causing back pain.
Weakening of the abdominal muscles. Pain in the lumbar part of the back can be caused by the fact that the abs work less and less with the growth of the abdomen. As a result, the lower back has a double load, because it is she who takes on its function.
Displacement of the center of gravity as the abdomen grows. Again, the load on the back muscles increases, the larger the belly, the stronger.
Curvature of posture due to a large abdomen. As a result, in order to compensate for the shifted center of gravity, the woman is forced to bend backward, arching her back. This position is not correct and can also cause back pain.
Growth of the uterus. During pregnancy, the uterus increases more than 500 times! In the later stages, it has such dimensions that it begins to press on the nerve endings located close to the spine. The result is pain in this area.
Weight gain. On average, a woman should gain about 10 kg during her entire pregnancy. This is a very heavy load on the legs and back. And there are many women who do not control this parameter and allow themselves to gain up to 30 kg! Back pain is the lesser of the evils that can arise as a consequence.
Long stay in one position. If you have a sedentary job, your back pain will be 100%, because none of us are able to sit properly during the average eight-hour workday. What can we say about pregnant women! So the decree is not given in vain. We must try to get up, go out, breathe fresh air more often. And you can put a pillow under the lower back, which will reduce the load and relieve the pain syndrome a little.
Aggravation of old sores. During pregnancy, all latent diseases become aggravated, weak points become even more vulnerable. If in the past you have been diagnosed with sciatica, hernia, curvature of the spine, and so on, the doctor will put you at risk and provide constant monitoring.
Hypothermia, muscle inflammation.
Kidney disease (pyelonephritis).
Uncomfortable shoes with heels. No wonder everyone, without exception, advises to give preference to flat-soled shoes during pregnancy! Otherwise, the loads on the legs and lower back are great, which will immediately affect acute pain in these areas.

Back hurts during pregnancy

So, there can be a lot of causes of pain. It can occur at any stage of pregnancy. At the very beginning, it can even be a sign of pregnancy. It appears due to the growth of the uterus and pressure on the nerve endings. In later stages, pain can serve as harbingers of the onset of labor. If you are expecting childbirth from day to day, your stomach and back hurt (they seemed to be pulled together by a ring), and the pain itself is periodic, then it's time to go to the hospital.

Based on practice, it is rare when back pain may require medication. Usually, preventive measures, special gymnastics and a course of massage are enough to combat it. In addition, doctors recommend wearing a special prenatal brace in late pregnancy. He will take the weight of the tummy on himself, thereby reducing the load on the lower back. However, you should not abuse it. If you wear it constantly, then accidentally forget to wear it, there will be a great risk of stretch marks from such an unexpected load on the skin. In addition, the press is already losing its shape, but without a bandage, he at least somehow participates in the work to support the abdomen. With the bandage, he relaxes, loses his shape and after childbirth it is harder to make him work. Therefore, the bandage should be worn, but only periodically, for example, during long walks. Also, unpleasant syndromes will help remove the pool. When immersed in water, all objects become lighter. The same goes for a large, heavy tummy. Water will remove all pain syndromes and help you feel in an already forgotten light state.

Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of the pain. For example, pyelonephritis or kidney disease. No massage will help here, only taking special medicines compatible with pregnancy. Usually, in addition to pain in this case, women have increased sensitivity when urinating, the smell of urine changes, its color becomes cloudy. The pain in this case can be localized to the right or left, depending on which kidney is affected.

If you have chronic diseases, one way or another associated with the back, the use of most of the usual ointments is strictly prohibited! They may contain substances hazardous to the child. Therefore, before use, you should carefully read the instructions, and even better go to the doctor.

Banal hypothermia can be the cause of back pain. It is very important for women from childhood to monitor their backs, especially the area of the shoulders, neck and lower back. Without opening them in the wind, wrapping them in a warm scarf and avoiding gatherings on a cold one. Moreover, you should be very, very careful during pregnancy. In addition to serious consequences, back pain is in itself an unpleasant thing that does not go away in one day, even with timely intervention.

It is always better to prevent than to cure! The best time to start is, of course, during the pregnancy planning phase. The back hurts in almost all pregnant women, and therefore it is better to protect yourself as much as possible from unpleasant sensations.

Everyone always needs sports. Even if there are contraindications, you can always find exactly the kind of sport or exactly those exercises that suit you. The main thing is to look for them together with a doctor and an experienced instructor. With their help, you can strengthen the muscle corset, focusing on the muscles of the press, back and legs. If gymnastics is not abandoned during pregnancy, by switching to special exercises, then the chances of feeling a sore back will significantly decrease.

It is also recommended to undergo a full course of massage to strengthen the back before pregnancy. Combined with the right exercises, this will help your back become stronger, more resilient and ready for serious stress in the near future.

Gymnastics during pregnancy, like the pool, is designed to strengthen the muscle corset, relieve pain syndromes and prepare the muscles for the process of labor.

We remind you that before starting any exercise, you need to consult a doctor.

The most correct approach is to buy a subscription to a proven gym, where there are special classes for pregnant women. They are usually carried out both on land and in water. It is important to attend such classes regularly, and ideally it is good to add personal training with an instructor to them. This is necessary so that you do only those exercises that are allowed for you for your specific period. A personal lesson with a trainer means that 100% of his attention will be focused only on you and on the technique of the exercise you are doing. What is also important, because it is better for women in position not to do the exercise at all than to do it wrong. Such sports are harmful!

The model described above is ideal, but not everyone has the time and financial resources for gym membership. In this case, it is still worth signing up for the pool (it is much cheaper and less time-consuming). It is necessary to devote enough time to walking, while not forgetting to put on a bandage. And simple exercises can be done at home on your own.

If possible, you need to acquire sports equipment that is used in fitness centers. This is a sports mat, fitball, light dumbbells. If you can't buy everything, buy at least just a fitball! This is a wonderful thing for gymnastics during pregnancy, and for rocking a newborn baby, and for charging mom and baby after childbirth. And instead of a sports mat, you can purchase a children's puzzle mat. Double benefit - before giving birth, you will work out yourself, and after that you will play on it with the baby, and in the breaks you will do it again.

Here are some examples of fitball exercises.

EXERCISE 1. To strengthen the muscles of the lower back, you need to sit on the fitball and swing the pelvis in a circle, then in one direction, then in the other direction, you can alternately make rotational movements. In this case, if possible, you should try to do this without support and with a straight back (not arched, but straight, even). Exercise contributes to a faster opening of the uterus and facilitates the process of contractions itself, therefore it will certainly come in handy in the hospital. Moreover, today fitballs are available in almost all maternity hospitals.

EXERCISE 2. Sitting on a fitball, you need to spread your legs wide. With a straight back, we alternately stretch our left hand to the right toe and vice versa. This exercise helps to stretch the muscles in your hips and back.

EXERCISE 3. Position - sitting on a fitball with slightly spread legs. The back is straight, we make turns to the left / right. Turns should not be sharp, and the position should be stable!

If for some reason you have not purchased a fitball, try this exercise.

EXERCISE 4. You need to get on all fours, align - the head should be on the same level with the spine. You need to inhale, while pulling the stomach into yourself (as far as possible, you should not overextend yourself), while the spine bends upward in an arc. You need to stay in this position for a few seconds, then return to the starting position.

At the end of the article, you will find a video of back exercises during pregnancy.

If you decide to do gymnastics yourself, try to have someone close to you at home. The body of a pregnant woman is extremely unpredictable. And if you perform physical activity uncontrollably, it is also possibly wrong, who knows what the consequences may be. Also, you should not walk long distances alone. This is an important period in your life, take it seriously and responsibly!

Back massage during pregnancy

Back massage is an excellent solution to relieve pain in this area. It can only be done by a specialist and only as prescribed by your gynecologist. After all, only he knows if you have any contraindications, whether massage can harm your future baby.

Your chosen massage therapist should ideally work in a clinic and have all the appropriate results. He must be warned that you are in a position. After all, the massage of a pregnant woman is significantly different from the massage of all other people. For example, the usual oils may not be suitable in terms of their composition, or even because of their specific smell. After all, it's not a secret for anyone that during pregnancy, the sense of smell can play a cruel joke with the expectant mother!

In the first trimester, massage is never prescribed, since this is the most dangerous period in the life of a future baby. Any careless external influence can lead to miscarriage. That is why in the first three months of pregnancy it is not recommended to do massage, go to the sauna, or take a hot bath.

In the second trimester, as a rule, the threat to the baby's life is over, and the doctor gives permission for such procedures - of course, with a reasonable approach.

Back pain that massage can relieve is usually associated with an increase in the abdomen, a shift in the center of gravity, and increased stress on the spinal muscles. It can start from about 15 weeks. As a rule, it is no longer possible to lie on your stomach for such a period, and therefore back massage is done in a lying position on your side or sitting with a support. If the doctor allowed massage in the early stages, when it is still possible to lie on your stomach, then the massage is done in this position.

If the doctor gives the go-ahead, massage of a sore back is an excellent solution to relieve pain, to eliminate its source and completely heal.

Sleeping on your back during pregnancy

The fact that pregnant women should not sleep on their stomachs is, in principle, clear as day. This position of the body is physically dangerous for the baby's health, and from a certain period of time it is already inconvenient for the expectant mother. But can you sleep on your back during pregnancy?

Doctors answer unequivocally - not like sleeping, lying on your back during pregnancy is prohibited from the third month! Since at this time the uterus begins to grow rapidly and increase in weight, in the supine position it begins to press on the internal organs. If a pregnant woman lies on her back, the pressure is on the spine and large blood vessels. The longer the period, the larger the uterus. The larger the uterus, the stronger the pressure. As discussed above, this can cause severe back pain. But that's not why you shouldn't sleep on your back during pregnancy. In this position, from the middle of the second trimester, the heart may suffer from a lack of blood supply (the vena cava is pinched). There is shortness of breath, a feeling of lack of oxygen, even fainting is possible! If a woman just lies, then this is not so scary, because at any moment you can turn over on its side, and the unpleasant syndromes will disappear. But at night in a dream everything is much more dangerous, because there is no guarantee that she will immediately wake up from bad sensations. But blocking the blood flow to the heart will backfire with poor health not only in the expectant mother, but also in her baby. He will also lack oxygen and nutrients. This is called fetal hypoxia, which is fraught with a delay in its development.

Do not be afraid to accidentally lie on your back in a dream. Nature has foreseen everything - for pregnant women at a later date, this position is uncomfortable! The safest sleeping position is on the left side. For convenience, you can place a blanket or pillow between your legs. By the way, there are special pillows for pregnant women, provided just for such cases.

Let's sum up

If you pull your back during pregnancy, then, most likely, there is nothing terrible in this. At the same time, situations are different, therefore, first of all, a doctor's consultation will not hurt. Especially if the pain is localized to the right or left, is periodic, accompanied by bloody discharge, and so on.

Gymnastics, massage, swimming pool, periodic wearing of a prenatal bandage will significantly relieve pain syndromes, provided that it is used regularly and if the pain is not caused by illness or hypothermia.

Back pain is an extremely unpleasant phenomenon, which is very annoying and darkens the joy of your interesting position. And if it is an infection or disease, then the future baby in the tummy may even suffer. Therefore, it is not worth starting the situation. Better to see your doctor right away and get a detailed treatment plan.

Be healthy!

Video " Back exercises during pregnancy«

Back pain during childbearing usually occurs due to the constantly enlarging uterus, changes in hormonal levels, and a shift in the center of gravity. More often women complain of discomfort, irradiating and buttocks. To eliminate them, you do not need to take pharmacological drugs - doctors recommend resting more and exercising daily.

Physiological causes

While carrying a child, sharp, severe or aching pressing pains may occur in the back. Sometimes the 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 physical activity, an increase in physical activity. To eliminate it, it is enough to exclude the provoking factor - to lie down for a while or sit down.

Regardless of the location of the pain, its severity and duration, you must consult a doctor. He will conduct an examination to determine the cause of the discomfort that has arisen. In most cases, soreness in the back during pregnancy is physiological, due to the preparation of the body for the upcoming birth.

The graph of the dependence of female hormones on the day of the menstrual cycle: 1) During the folliculin phase, one or more follicles mature 2) On the days of ovulation, the domain follicle ruptures and an egg is released from it ready for fertilization 3) In the luteal phase, under the influence of progesterone, changes occur in the endometrium that with the onset of pregnancy, they will help the embryo to gain a foothold in the uterus

First trimester of pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, a woman notices that her gait, posture changes, and 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 bulge is facing anteriorly. The 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 fitness, this leads to an increase in the 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 arise due to the constantly increasing body weight, therefore, it signals the need for rest with pain. Also, physiological causes of back discomfort include:

prolonged standing or sitting. In the early stages of pregnancy, women lead their usual way of life - they work, take long walks, play sports. But temporary changes in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system often do not allow maintaining the previous motor activity;
frequent changes in hormonal levels. Immediately after conception, the level of female sex hormones rises in the body. The ovaries produce estrogens that regulate the formation of bone, cartilaginous tissues and connective tissue structures. But at the same time, relaxin is also produced - a hormone that causes relaxation of the ligaments of the pubic articulation of the pelvic bones.

In the first trimester, women still wear tight, high-heeled shoes. 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 arise due to the strong tension of the muscles of the lower back. To improve your well-being, it is enough to wear shoes with orthopedic insoles with a small heel.

Second and third stages of pregnancy

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

In late pregnancy, back discomfort occurs for other reasons:

periodic appearance of "false contractions" of Braxton-Hicks. In the normal course of pregnancy, they should not be aggravated by other symptoms. The onset of labor is indicated by pulling pressing pains in combination with thick vaginal discharge;
exacerbation of chronic pathologies of inflammatory or degenerative-dystrophic genesis. During the carrying of a child, relapses often occur, intercostal neuralgia,. The leading feature of all is.

Symphysopathy may develop in the third trimester of pregnancy. This is a pathological change in the tissues of the symphysis pubis, diagnosed in almost half of women. Pregnant women complain to the doctor about shooting or pulling superficial pains above the pubis. Their severity increases significantly with physical exertion and even ordinary walking. With symphysopathy, gait often changes, difficulties arise in performing some movements. To eliminate tissue destruction, it is usually enough to wear a bandage, frequent rest, and additional intake of calcium with vitamin D3. All symptoms of pathology disappear 4-6 months after childbirth, but sometimes persist throughout the year.

Pathological causes

During the carrying of a child, pathologies of the musculoskeletal system are not only exacerbated. There were cases of development of diseases during pregnancy, which served as a provoking factor. The likelihood of the occurrence of pathology increases with the existing slight destruction of cartilage or bone tissue. With increasing weight (especially with multiple pregnancies), changes in hormonal levels, the disease began to progress rapidly. The provoking factors are age (from 35 years old), a sedentary or overly active lifestyle.

After the diagnosis is made, therapy is carried out immediately or postponed until the postpartum period. If the doctor decides on immediate treatment, then it will certainly be gentle. A woman is prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures, exercise therapy, massage, a course of taking pharmacological drugs in reduced dosages.

Pathological cause of back pain during pregnancy	Typical clinical manifestations
Renal colic	resulting from a sudden violation of the passage of urine, increased pressure inside the pelvis and renal ischemia. From the lower back, pain radiates to the thighs, rectum, genitals. The attack is accompanied by tachycardia, fever, chills, fever, urge to vomit
Pancreatitis	Progressive inflammatory and destructive damage to the pancreas, as a result of which there is a violation 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 yellowness of the skin
Pyelonephritis	Nonspecific infectious kidney pathology caused by the penetration of microbes into the body or the activation of bacteria belonging to the opportunistic microflora. Typical symptoms are pain in the back on palpation (positive Pasternatsky symptom), increased frequency of 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 movements and palpation. If left untreated, muscle weakness and / or atrophy may occur

How to get rid of pain

Before conception, you could get rid of it by taking a pill. During pregnancy, the use of most drugs with an analgesic effect is strictly prohibited. This is especially true in the third trimester, when all the child's life systems have been formed. In addition, a single pill intake will not solve the problem - many women experience back pain several times a day. Under a categorical ban: Ketorol, Nimesil.

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

Often, women begin to drink infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs to relieve pain syndrome, considering them a worthy, and most importantly, safe alternative to pharmacological drugs. This is a misconception. The chemical composition of "harmless" plants contains a huge amount of biologically active substances, including those with an antispasmodic effect. Therefore, doctors often immediately warn women about the inadmissibility of this method of eliminating pain. To improve your 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, excessive loads on the muscles of the lower back do not occur, and lordosis does not worsen. A woman herself must control her posture - while walking, straighten her back, tighten her buttocks, take 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 firm back. This contributes to an even distribution of loads on all parts of the spine. In addition, there is a desire to change the position of the body, which leads to an improvement in blood circulation. Sitting comfortably in a soft armchair or on a sofa, a woman can be in one position for a long time. No wonder she gets up and feels;
physical activity. Back pain occurs both due to a sedentary lifestyle and as a result of excessive physical exertion. A woman should constantly listen to her feelings. If you feel tired, you need to rest or do the work in slow motion. At least once a day, you should do a warm-up - bend to the sides, rotate the body, walk around the room, raising your knees high. It is advisable to purchase special orthopedic mats. After lying on them for several minutes, you can feel a weakening of painful sensations.

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

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