If this is your first pregnancy you may think you know what to expect, but more than likely some signs and symptoms are cropping up that have surprised even the most well read and informed mom.
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.
Hip and Lower Back Pain Tip #1
Back pain is one of the most common forms of bodily pain. It is estimated that eight in ten people will be affected by back pain. Amazingly, back pain is one of the easiest injuries to prevent. |
Hip and Lower Back Pain Tip #2
Believe it or not, cigarette smoking can increase a person�s risk of developing lower back pain and sciatica. What�s more, smoking can prolong the healing process which means that back injuries, surgery and bones will cause pain for a longer period of time. |
Hip and Lower Back Pain Tip #3
The best thing a person can do to keep his or her back healthy is to get regular exercise. In addition to a few muscle specific exercises that can be found by way of a simple web search, it has been proven that exercises geared toward balance and strength (like yoga) can help a person decrease his or her risk of falling and causing injury to the back muscles. |
