Oh My Aching Back!



Having back pain during early pregnancy is completely normal. Even if it is not severe, you may experience some type of back pain. This is nothing to worry about as many other women have had this symptom as well.

Normally back pain during early pregnancy will ease up a bit after twenty weeks or four months. But get ready to experience more back pain as you become larger and the weight of the baby pulls you forward.

Some women may have spasms or back pain during early pregnancy because the muscles are stretching. Other women experience a burning sensation in their back on their right side and this is a sign that supporting ligaments are beginning to soften. Your disks will soften too as a result of a raise in the hormone progesterone.

It Could be a Urinary Tract Infection

Some women are prone to developing UTIs and pregnancy can irritate a sensitive urinary tract system. This in turn can cause back pain during early pregnancy. If you are one of those women, then be sure you drink plenty of fluids such as water to keep your urinary tract healthy. The longer urine stays in the bladder the more bacteria can grow. Be sure that you urinate whenever you feel the need so that you can avoid developing a UTI.

Other Factors that Can Cause Back Pain in Early Pregnancy

During the time a woman is pregnant her center of gravity will shift because of the extra weight she is carrying. If your job demands that you are on your feet for any length of time be sure that you take frequent breaks to rest your back and legs. You may be surprised to learn that one of the best remedies for back pain in early pregnancy is exercise. That is not to say you should participate in a grueling workout, but doing some form of light exercise will help to strengthen your back muscles and alleviate the worst of the pain.

What You Can Do

Many of the medications that target back pain are a no-no during pregnancy. Pelvic rocking and walking are great relievers for back pain in early pregnancy. You can also do mini-crunches as long as your belly allows and you can also lie down and lift your buttocks into the air to help relieve the pain.

Having good posture is also a key factor in avoiding back pain during early pregnancy. If you must sit at a desk at your job for the better part of the day, it may be in your best interest to invest in an ergonomic chair to help you keep the proper body mechanics. You can speak to your boss or office manager to see if the company will pay for it and if not you can purchase one of your own. The cost will be well worth it, especially if you are experiencing back pain during early pregnancy.