Back pain during early pregnancy is, unfortunately, extremely common. The joy of carrying a baby can often be marred by it, even during the first trimester before the baby bump starts to show. Why is this, and what can be done to alleviate the pain? Show Mr Bob Chatterjee, an expert Consultant Spinal Surgeon, tells us that “the typical back pain during pregnancy comes in later months, when the baby bump shifts your posture a bit further forward. As you might expect, this would put pressure on the muscles of your back. However, many women do unfortunately experience back pain in early pregnancy as well, before any visible sign of a bump appears.” “Unfortunately we’ve also noticed that avoiding chocolate may help to avoid back pain during early pregnancy.” Back pain often accompanies pregnancy and, as Bob says “this isn’t always easy to treat. It’s fair to say that you should expect some degree of back pain during pregnancy, and one saving grace is the body’s natural painkillers – the endorphins – will kick in and help to relieve it to a degree.” Causes of back pain during early pregnancyOne of the major culprits of back pain during pregnancy is the action of hormones. The function of these hormones in pregnancy is to prepare the ligaments and joints in your pelvis for childbirth, but they can act on any joint in your body too. Bob explains “back pain during early pregnancy is really due to hormonal changes particularly with progesterone and relaxin. Their job is to prepare the pelvic cavity for pregnancy. These hormones help to relax the pelvic muscles and loosen the ligaments and soft tissues, which can lead to the back being overburdened.” For some newly expectant mothers, back pain is an early sign of pregnancy. Early pregnancy back pain can be exacerbated by worries about the baby and the pregnancy and related stress which can increase muscle tension and cause discomfort. Other stresses such as family, work or other issues, coupled with the release of progesterone and relaxin which are helping your joints and ligaments get ready for the process of giving birth, are bound to contribute to an aching back. How to help prevent or alleviate back painIt is estimated that a half to two thirds of all women suffer back pain at some stage during their pregnancy. Bob knows that “Back pain during the early stages of pregnancy is more common than you’d think. The back muscles and joints are overloaded as the pelvic muscles and ligaments are loosened.” “You are very limited in what medication you can take whilst pregnant. However, exercising regularly has been shown to help reduce symptoms of back pain during pregnancy.” Many women will find one particular scientific discovery that helps prevent back pain during pregnancy exceptionally challenging – the link between back pain and chocolate! Bob smiles ruefully: “unfortunately we’ve also noticed that avoiding chocolate may help to avoid back pain during early pregnancy.” Bob suggests that “maintaining good posture also helps, as well as using heat packs on the painful area.”
A final word from Bob on pregnancy and associated back pain, “It’s all part of the journey I’m afraid! It’s something you have to go through for the joys that you get later.” About Bob ChatterjeeMr Bob Chatterjee MBBS MRCS MSc(Dist) FRCS(Tr&Orth) is an Expert Consultant Spinal Surgeon practising in Central London. Bob is a speaker at Oryon Develop, who put on healthcare CPD courses, and also an Oryon Connect Partner. Oryon Connect is a free service that connects patients with trusted specialists in London, who are available for remote or face-to-face consultations. Booking through Oryon Connect ensures an appointment with Bob for just £300, so give us a call today on 020 7042 1881 to discuss your healthcare concerns and the options open to you. Bob is both the Director of Harley Street Spine and the Director of the Spinal Unit at St John and Elizabeth Hospital. He also practices at The London Clinic. Is leg pain in early pregnancy symptoms?Leg cramps are most common in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, not the first. But changing symptoms are a valid reason to wonder if you're pregnant. Some women do report aches and pains during the first trimester. This is likely due to your hormonal changes and your expanding uterus.
How early in pregnancy does your lower back hurt?Studies show that lower back pain usually occurs between the fifth and seventh months of being pregnant, although in some cases it begins as early as eight to 12 weeks. Women with pre-existing lower back problems are at higher risk for back pain, and their back pain can occur earlier in their pregnancy.
Can you get sciatica at 5 weeks pregnant?Sciatica will often develop in the third trimester — though it can occur at any stage of your pregnancy. As your baby grows, the additional weight puts pressure on unstable joints and muscles.
What does very early pregnancy back pain feel like?Lower Back Pain in Pregnancy
Lower back pain symptoms may start at any time during pregnancy. These symptoms may feel like: A dull ache or sharp, burning pain in the lower back area. One-sided pain in the right or left area of the lower and/or mid-back.
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