Why Is There Period-like Back Pain In Pregnancy? Know The Reason And The Right Solution

Health desk- Period-like back pain in pregnancy affects about 80 percent of pregnant women. During this, the body of women is getting ready naturally for delivery. Even in the early days of pregnancy, back pain feels like period pain.

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In such a situation, the pain can be reduced by adopting natural remedies. Let us see why there is back pain in pregnancy and what can be the measures to reduce it.

Period-like back pain in pregnancy-

Period-like pain is very common in pregnancy, especially in the early stages. Sometimes the pain becomes so severe that it can interfere with the ability to perform normal activities.

Studies show that lower back pain usually occurs between the fifth and seventh month of pregnancy. However, in some cases it happens as early as eight to twelve weeks. The degree of pain can range from mild to severe.

During pregnancy, your body’s ligaments naturally soften and prepare you for labor. This can put pressure on the joints of your low back and pelvis, which can lead to back pain.

Reasons for period-like back pain in pregnancy-

During pregnancy, women can have period-like pain in the waist due to many reasons. This back pain is either due to physical reasons or it is disease related.

Physical cause-

Some changes in the body cause back pain during pregnancy. As:

1 .Hormonal changes-

During pregnancy, the levels of hormones like relaxin and progesterone increase. Because of this, the ligaments and joints become loose and loose. This change can put additional stress on the lower back and pelvis, which can lead to pregnancy back pain.

2 .Lifestyle factors-

Some lifestyle changes can also cause period-like back pain in pregnancy:

1 .Muscle pressure: Back pain in pregnancy can cause muscle pressure, resulting in pain. This leads to changes in posture, such as hunching over the shoulders, which can also put extra strain on the back muscles.

2 .Weight gain: Women gain weight during pregnancy. This puts an extra arch on their pelvis, which causes period-like back pain in pregnancy.

3 .Bad posture: Your center of gravity gradually shifts forward as your uterus and baby grow. Because of this, pregnant women tend to push their bodies backwards, resulting in a change in posture. Keeping the back of the waist in the same position continuously increases the problem of pain.

3 .Pathological reasons-

There are certain medical conditions that can aggravate back pain during pregnancy. As:

1 .Herniated disc: The expanding uterus puts pressure on the lower back. If you already had a herniated disc before pregnancy, your chances of developing back pain increase.

2 .Sciatica: The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back to the legs. As your baby grows in pregnancy, the extra weight puts pressure on unstable joints and muscles. This causes nerve compression and increases the intensity of back pain.

3 .Degenerative disc disease: Conditions such as osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease can worsen during pregnancy, causing period-like pain in pregnancy.

4 .Abortion: The contraction of the uterus during abortion can cause back pain. It is usually felt in the lower back and the pain can be mild, moderate or severe.

5 .Ectopic pregnancy: Here the embryo does not attach to the uterus, instead it attaches to the fallopian tubes. In this type of pregnancy, there is period-like back pain.

Home remedies for back pain in pregnancy-

With the help of some home remedies, pain in pregnancy can be relieved. As:

1 .Teaching-

Two types of exercises can be done for period-like back pain in pregnancy:

1 .Hot compress: You can compress the waist with a hot water bottle. It should not be done for more than 20 minutes as it will increase the temperature of the stomach which can affect the baby.

2 .Cold compress: By tying a cold water bottle or ice cubes in a thick cloth, compressing the waist can provide relief from back pain.

2 .Massage-

Massage provides relief to sore muscles. This reduces back pain and fatigue in early pregnancy.

3 .Accessories-

Using a maternity belt provides support to the lower back and reduces pressure.

4 .Maternity pillow-

Lying on your side with a wedge-shaped maternity pillow under your belly can help relieve back pain.

Lifestyle changes to treat back pain during pregnancy-

Some lifestyle changes can also reduce back pain during pregnancy. As:

1 .Exercise-

By doing some light exercises during pregnancy, there is no stress on the body and it also gives relief from the problem of back pain. Some of the following exercises pregnant women can do are:

1 .Swimming: Swimming for 15 to 20 minutes daily does not cause sciatic nerve pain. Apart from this, swimming reduces stress and keeps the body fresh.

2 .Cycling: Cycling for half an hour increases flexibility in the body and strengthens bones. It is very beneficial for childbirth.

3 .Walking: This is one exercise that doctors recommend every pregnant woman to do. Daily walking or brisk walk strengthens the back.

2 .Prenatal yoga-

This is a special type of yoga which is made for pregnant women only. With this, along with curing the problem of back pain, women also become mentally and physically ready for delivery. This can be done with the help of a trained yoga guru. It includes light exercises like deep breathing, anulom-vilom, bhramari etc.

3 .Proper posture-

Do not stay in the same posture for a long time. Stand up or sit up straight. In between, lean your back forward as much as is comfortable.

4 .Meditation-

By meditating regularly, you can increase your pain tolerance level. It can come in handy in managing the back pain of pregnancy and dealing with labor and delivery pains.

Treatment of back pain in pregnancy with food and drink

Proper eating habits can also provide relief from back pain during pregnancy. Be sure to include the following:

1 .Consume water: Staying hydrated keeps the joints lubricated and pain can be avoided.

2 .Fruits and Vegetables: Include high fiber and dark colored fruits and vegetables in your diet. If you are already suffering from back pain, constipation can make it worse which can lead to piles in pregnancy.

A healthy dose of fiber in your diet from green leafy vegetables, fruits and whole grains will reduce constipation. Fruits and vegetables such as carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, cherries, berries, grapes, pomegranates, and watermelon are rich in nutrition and will reduce early pregnancy stomach pain by fighting inflammation.

3 .Calcium-rich foods: Getting enough calcium and vitamin D will keep back pain at bay. It helps in maintaining bone mass. Include calcium in natural sources such as yogurt, milk and cheese as well as green leafy vegetables.

4 .Anti-inflammatory spices: Include anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric in your diet. The anti-inflammatory property of turmeric comes from an active ingredient called ‘curcumin’ which inhibits the pathways that trigger inflammation and pain.

5 .Protein-Rich Diet: Your diet also needs adequate protein to promote muscle and bone health. Regular intake of protein rich diet is helpful in reducing the symptoms of lower back pain.

You can include chicken, meat in your diet. If you are a vegetarian, you can include eggs, paneer, tofu, soy milk, almond milk in your regular diet.

6 .Folic acid rich foods: Folic acid is a type of vitamin – B which is important for the proper development of the baby during pregnancy. For women who are experiencing period-like back pain in pregnancy, taking a folic acid supplement may be additionally helpful.

What to do during back pain in pregnancy?

It is important to know what can be done to get relief from period-like back pain during pregnancy. Contains:

1 .Take a balanced diet: If your diet is balanced, then you will get relief from the problem of constipation, it will reduce the back pain to a great extent in your pregnancy.

2 .Wear comfortable shoes: Wear flat shoes to distribute your weight evenly, which will give good support to your waist.

3 .Keep the back straight: Keep your back straight while sitting or standing.

4 .Get enough rest: Getting enough sleep during pregnancy will give your body the time it needs to help your growing baby develop, making you feel better in the process.

5 .Use the right mattress: Use a mattress that gives you proper support so that you do not have the problem of back pain.

6 .Maintain the right weight: If you are overweight, your waistline will be affected further. Because of this, back pain can become acute during pregnancy.

What not to do during back pain during pregnancy?

To prevent back pain, it is important to know what things should be avoided. What not to do during back pain in pregnancy:

1 .Fast food: Fried outside and fast food can aggravate back pain during pregnancy as it is often high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats.
This can contribute to bloating and weight gain. Excess weight can put extra stress on the back and make pain more likely.

2 .Sedentary lifestyle: Avoid sitting for long periods of time. This can put more stress on your back and increase back pain.

3 .Stress: Mental stress can lead to tension in the back muscles, which can be felt as back pain or back spasms.

4 .Smoking and drinking: Both smoking and drinking can have negative effects on the health of a pregnant woman and her fetus.
Smoking can increase inflammation in the body, which can worsen back pain. Consuming alcohol during pregnancy can harm the fetus.
Alcohol can also interfere with the body’s ability to absorb calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and reducing back pain.

5 .Improper lifting of objects: Do not lift heavy objects or objects in the wrong way. This can cause muscle strain. Leaning forward and twisting can cause excessive spasm in the low back and pelvic joints.

Untreated back pain in pregnancy-

It is important to treat period-like back pain symptoms in pregnancy so that they do not affect health and quality of life. Given below are some of the reasons that can happen if it is not treated:

1 .Acute pain: If back pain is not treated during pregnancy, it may worsen over time. Due to which it becomes difficult for the woman to perform daily activities.

2 .Reduced mobility: The discomfort of low back pain can also lead to a decrease in mobility and physical activity, which can make it difficult for a woman to perform her daily activities and potentially lead to further health problems.

3 .Bad posture: Chronic back pain during pregnancy can also lead to poor posture, which can put extra pressure on the back and other parts of the body.

4 .Excess stress on the back: When back pain is left untreated, it can cause additional stress on the back and surrounding muscles, leading to increased pain and discomfort.

5 .Negative impact on mental health: Back pain during pregnancy can have a significant impact on a woman’s daily life and mental health, leading to increased stress and decreased overall well-being.

Back Pain During Pregnancy: 7 Tips for Relief

Back pain during pregnancy is not surprising, but it is still worth noting. Consider seven ways to relieve back pain during pregnancy—from good posture and physical activity to complementary therapies.

Back pain is a common complaint during pregnancy – and it’s no wonder. You’re gaining weight, your center of gravity is shifting, and your hormones are relaxing the ligaments in your pelvic joints. However, you can often prevent or reduce back pain during pregnancy. Consider seven ways to get the boot of pregnancy back pain.

1. Practice good posture-

As your baby grows, your center of gravity moves forward. To avoid falling forward, you may compensate by leaning back – which can strain the muscles in your low back and contribute to back pain during pregnancy. Keep these principles of good posture in mind:

Stand up straight and tall.
Keep your chest high.
Keep your shoulders back and relaxed.
Don’t lock your knees.
When you stand, use a comfortably wide stance for the best support. If you have to stand for long periods of time, put one foot on a low step stool — and take the time to take frequent breaks.
Good posture also means sitting properly. Choose a chair that supports your back, or place a small pillow behind your low back.

2. Get the right gear-

Wear low heels – not flats – shoes with good arch support. Avoid high heels, which can further throw off your balance and cause you to fall.

You might also consider wearing a maternity support belt. Although research on the effectiveness of maternity support belts is limited, some women find the extra support helpful.

3. Lift properly-

When picking up a small object, bend down and pick it up with your feet. Do not bend at the waist or lift on the back. It is also important to know your limits. Ask for help if you need it.

4. Sleep on your side-

Sleep on your side, not your back. Keep one or both knees bent. Consider using pregnancy or supportive pillows between your bent knees, under your abdomen, and behind your back.

5. Try hot, cold or massage-

While evidence to support their effectiveness is limited, massage or applying a heating pad or ice pack to your back may help.

6. Include physical activities in your daily routine-

Regular physical activity can keep your back strong and provide relief from back pain during pregnancy. With your health care provider’s OK, try gentle activities — such as walking or water exercise. A physical therapist can also show you stretches and exercises that may help.

You can also stretch your lower back. Rest on your hands and knees, keeping your head in line with your back. Pull in your stomach, round your back slightly. Hold for several seconds, then relax your abdomen and back – keep your back as flat as possible. Gradually work up to 10 repetitions. Ask your health care provider about other stretching exercises as well.

7. Consider Complementary Therapies-

Some research suggests that acupuncture may provide relief from back pain during pregnancy. Chiropractic treatment may also provide relief for some women. however, further research is needed. If you are considering a complementary therapy, discuss it with your health care provider. Be sure to tell the chiropractor or acupuncturist that you are pregnant.

Know when to consult your healthcare provider-

If you have severe back pain during pregnancy or back pain that lasts longer than two weeks, talk with your health care provider. He may recommend drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other treatments.

Keep in mind that back pain during pregnancy can be a sign of preterm labor or a urinary tract infection. If you have back pain during pregnancy that is accompanied by vaginal bleeding, fever, or burning during urination, contact your health care provider right away.

Summary-

From this article, we understood that period-like back pain in pregnancy can be due to many reasons like hormonal changes, stress and weight gain. In such a situation, to get relief from back pain, some measures like swimming, cycling, yoga, and learning can be done. But before any use take the advice of a qualified doctor. Thank you.

Why is there period-like back pain in pregnancy? Know the reason and the right solution