When should I worry about back pain in pregnancy? How can you tell if it’s normal and harmless or something to be concerned about?
Back pain is no fun, especially in pregnancy when you’re already feeling so huge and uncomfortable. But back pain doesn’t always mean that something’s wrong. It’s common to have back pain during pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester, due to the weight of your growing baby pressing down on your spine and shifting your center of gravity.
Should you worry about back pain in pregnancy? This kind of back pain is usually harmless and requires no treatment. Still, you should be aware of the signs that suggest that your back pain warrants more than just waiting it out. The key to staying safe during pregnancy is knowing what signs of concern to look out for and when to talk to your doctor about them. Here are some tips on when you should worry about back pain in pregnancy and what you can do about it.
When Should I Worry About Back Pain In Pregnancy?
The following are some causes of when you should worry about back pain in pregnancy:
Severe Back Pain
As we have mentioned above, back pain is common in pregnancy, but you need to be concerned with back pain if it becomes so severe that you cannot function. This is a sign that something is wrong and needs medical attention. Stand up and stretch your lower back if you’re sitting or standing for long periods. Elevate your feet if possible to reduce swelling, avoid lying flat on your stomach when pregnant, drink plenty of fluids, and wear supportive shoes with good arch support.
Difficulty or pain when urinating.
The first sign of urinary tract infection (UTI) is often painful urination. Women with UTIs often feel the need to urinate more frequently and may have an urgent need to go. They may also experience a burning sensation when they urinate. The pain with UTIs can be mild to severe and usually worsens as the day progresses or after sexual intercourse or a bowel movement.
Mild symptoms can include cloudy urine, abdominal cramps, and a fever. Some women with urinary problems have bloody urine. So, if you’ve been having trouble urinating for days, especially if it’s hard to start and stops before you are finished, then see your doctor because there could be something wrong. You may also see small amounts of blood in your urine even though you don’t feel any pain or pressure. Do not ignore these signs!
Pain that lasts more than two weeks
Mild back pain often starts to show up after week 20 and can continue until the day you give birth. However, not all back pain is expected during this time. If your back pain lasts more than two weeks, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like fever or difficulty breathing, you might want to call your doctor immediately. The problem could be as simple as a kidney infection, but it could also signal an issue with the placenta that would need medical attention.
A tingling sensation in the limbs
Some pregnant women report feeling numbness and tingling sensations in their back during pregnancy. Most of the time, this sensation will go away after the baby is born. However, it may be time to speak to your doctor if you have any sharp pain or a tingling sensation that doesn’t go away. They can be the result of conditions that affect the underlying nerves. The leading causes of this type of pain can be infections, fibromyalgia, spinal injuries, and vascular malformations.
Rhythmic cramping
Another symptom that needs special attention is rhythmic cramps, which occur at regular intervals and gradually intensify. Rhythmic pains in pregnancy may be a sign of preterm labor (opening of the cervix after week 20 and before week 37 of your pregnancy). Consult your doctor if you have unusual symptoms during your pregnancy.
Vaginal bleeding
If you experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, contact your physician or midwife immediately. Bleeding can be a sign of miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, or preeclampsia.
If you are not experiencing any other symptoms and your bleeding is light to moderate and has stopped within an hour of the first time it occurred, it’s likely that the blood came from the vagina and cervix due to hormonal changes. In this case, you don’t need to worry. According to a study, it can occur in about 15 in 100 women in early pregnancy (before 18 weeks).
Fever
If back pain is accompanied by fever in pregnancy, it could be a sign of a kidney or bladder infection or urinary tract issue. Your doctor can determine if your back pain is from a dangerous condition and can offer treatment options for infections and complications. In some cases, doctors recommend antibiotics.
Note: Don’t use any medicine at home before consulting a doctor.
Irregular vaginal discharge
This is a symptom of vaginal infection, and it’s not uncommon. See your doctor if you’re experiencing this symptom, as it may indicate a more severe infection that needs treatment. Vaginal infections can be caused by many different things, from bacteria to yeast overgrowth to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These infections are most common during the reproductive years and are often passed around through sexual contact. Many women with a vaginal infection will have other symptoms besides discharge, like itching or burning during urination or sex.
FAQs
When does back pain start in pregnancy?
Many changes happen to the body during the nine months of pregnancy. One of those changes is a woman’s center of gravity shifts, which can increase the risk of back pain or injury. When does back pain start in pregnancy? Women may experience discomfort as early as five weeks into their pregnancy, but it is most common during the last three months. The lower back muscles and ligaments soften and loosen up to accommodate the baby’s growth, which can cause a woman to lose her balance more quickly.
Is back pain normal in early pregnancy?
Back pain in early pregnancy is normal if you don’t feel any severe symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, fever, heavy vaginal discharge, rhythmic crampings, or pain when urinating.
How do you help back pain in pregnancy?
1. Try heat treatments for back pain
2. Practice good posture
3. Regularly stretching the lower back
4. Wear a maternity belt for extra back and abdominal support
5. Get a back massage with a massage chair
6. Wear comfortable and low-heeled shoes with good arch support
6. Get enough rest and practice meditation, prenatal yoga, and mindfulness techniques
Let’s Sum Up
Back pain is common during pregnancy, but it’s essential to identify the cause and whether or not it needs attention. Minor aches and pains can be managed at home, but if you experience severe or persistent back pain lasting more than a day, call your doctor.
