How To Help Prevent Or Alleviate Back Pain
It 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 youd 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 weve 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.
- Standing and walking posture There is no doubt that slouching puts a strain on your spine. Try to keep your back straight when walking or standing. Keep your chin held in and your head up straight. Dont lock your knees.
- Sleeping posture Try sleeping on your side on a firm mattress. If you dont have a firm mattress, then place a board underneath it to give added support. Place a pillow in between your knees or underneath your bump to take any strain off your back. Ensure you sleep with your head, not your shoulders, on your pillow
- Footwear
Lower Left Pregnancy Pain Caused By Urinary Tract Infections
Being pregnant also increases your chance of contracting a urinary tract infection which can cause cramping in the lower abdomen or back.
According to urologist Dr. Emilie Katherine Johnson, urinary tract infections are the most common type of bacterial infection during pregnancy. Some of the symptoms of a UTI while pregnant are flank pain, tenderness in the left abdominal area or right-hand side, nausea, vomiting, and a fever.8
UTIs can affect the health of both mother and baby, therefore, its important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you have a urinary tract infection.
Which Pregnancy Books Should I Buy
If you are expecting or trying for a baby, you might want to buy some pregnancy books to help you prepare for motherhood. Weve put together some recommendations below, along with descriptions to help you decide whether or not these books are suitable for you or not.
First-Time Parent: The honest guide to coping brilliantly and staying sane in your babys first year, by Lucy Atkins
This includes surviving the first few days, adapting to your new routine, why your baby is crying, sleep advice, and so much more. Her guide also includes information on single parenting, and on adopted, multiple and special needs babies.
The Modern Midwifes Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, by Marie Louise
Senior Midwife Marie Louise created this book to share up-to-date findings and expert insights into pregnancy, and this book is suitable for any women. Whether youre planning a pregnancy, you are pregnant, or youre well into your third trimester, this book is packed with facts and advice.
From incredible facts about breast milk to educating about labour, Maries guide is designed to help women understand more about their body and their growing baby, and what they can do to support them.
Were Pregnant! The First Time Dads Pregnancy Handbook, by Adrian Kulp
If youre a Dad whos expecting, or someone who wants to prepare their partner for what to expect, then this seems like the book for you.
How to Grow a Baby Journal, by Clemmie Hooper
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Just How Common Is Lower Back Pain
Around 4 out of five individuals have lower back pain at some time in their lives. Its one of the most common factors people see healthcare providers.
Some people are more likely to have lower back pain than others. Risk variables for lower back pain consist of:
Age: Individuals over 30 have a lot more back pain. Disks wear off with age. As the disks weaken as well as wear down, discomfort as well as rigidity can result.
Weight: People that are overweight or lug added weight are more probable to have back pain. Excess weight puts pressure on joints as well as disks. General health: Weakened abdominal muscles cant support the spine, which can result in back strains as well as sprains.
People that smoke, drink alcohol excessively or live an inactive way of living have a higher danger of back pain.
Line of work and lifestyle: Jobs and activities that need heavy training or flexing can raise the threat of a back injury.
Architectural issues: Serious back pain can arise from problems, such as scoliosis, that change spine placement.
Illness: Individuals who have a family history of osteoarthritis, certain types of cancer and various other illness have a higher danger of low back pain. Mental health: Back pain can arise from clinical depression and also stress and anxiety.
Pregnancy: Whats Normal And What’s Not
No one said thered be days like this, when your whole body seems out of control. Is this a normal part of pregnancy? Or should you call the doctor?
You will have some uncomfortable symptoms during pregnancy, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Some are caused by changes in your hormones. Others can be traced to the pressure and weight of your growing baby.
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Thigh Pain In Pregnancy
Temporary compression, pulling, and/or loss of blood supply to a peripheral nerve may occur in the thigh during pregnancy. The swelling of soft tissues and pressure from the growing uterus may add additional pressure on these nerves.
Thigh pain may occur under these circumstances when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve gets compressed. This nerve provides sensation to the waist area and the front and side of the thigh.2
Compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve results in a condition called meralgia paresthetica, which causes one or more of the following symptoms, typically on one side of the body6:
- Burning or achy pain in the outer side and/or front of the thigh
- A cold, icy feeling in different parts of the thigh
- Buzzing or vibrations in the thigh
Meralgia paresthetica pain increases with activity, such as while standing or walking, and alleviates when sitting.6
Persistent Low Back Pain Is Severe
Back pain can draw the happiness out of your days for week, months, also years. It can most definitely be major even when its not unsafe. I have collaborated with several absolutely miserable persistent low back pain individuals, as well as certainly the massive financial expenses of back pain are cited practically anywhere the subject shows up. But your typical case of persistent low back pain, as nasty as it can be, has actually never ever killed anyone. Lower Back Pain Can Be An Early Sign Of Pregnancy
Such reasons are rare, the good news is. But awful things do occur, also the most effective doctors can miss them (as well as different health care professionals are much more likely to Ordinary back pain can be tough & horrible yet not unsafe. Its bark is almost always much louder than its bite.
Hi there! Im Sara and welcome to my site, 4thicft. As someone who has been suffering from back pain for most of my adult life, I understand what a pain it can be. Thankfully my back feels almost as good as new these days after much trial and error. I am also a big Yoga fan as it has helped with my posture. Hope my site helps!
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Achy Hips Legs And Arms
Yep, its not just your back your hips, legs and even arms may also ache at different times during early pregnancy due to hormone changes.
Yesterday I had a achey left leg and an achey right arm and I was like, Am I falling to pieces? And then this morning I got a BFP . At least I know why! says Sparkling_DiamondButton.
Yes, says Dr Larisa. Its those pregnancy hormones loosening up your ligaments and joints to prepare for accommodating your growing baby.
Tender Tingly Darker More Sticky Out Nipples
Your nipples may also change significantly during the early weeks of pregnancy. Your nipples may begin to ache, tingle or protrude more than usual, says midwife Ellie. The areoles the dark circle around your nipple may also become even darker and larger.
Tender nipples were the first sign for Tamarabell on our forum. I started to get a feeling I was pregnant about 1.5 weeks before I was due on, so pretty early, she says. I had really tender nipples and sort of butterflies in my tummy for a few days. My test came up positive the week before I was due. The doctor didnt believe it and made me do another one. I just sort of knew that something was different!
Whod have thought wed ever get excited about sore/dark nipples! adds lynz_81, whos been pregnant before. Be warned: they will only get bigger and darker now!
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Pain In Lower Abdomen During Pregnancy First Trimester
In the first trimester, lower abdominal pain can have different forms: dull, intense, with cramps or tightness, or acute. The diagnosis can be oriented depending on the kind of pain you experience.
Generally, such pain feels like cramps similar to those seen before periods. Many pregnant women also notice painful pressure or pulling under their umbilicus, this usually happens about a week after conception and lasts a few weeks.
Often, these pains are not pathological and may occur on either side of the lower abdomen. They are mainly related to ligament disorders caused by increased uterus volume.
But no stress: The majority of these symptoms are normal and can be explained by ordinary changes that arise in early pregnancy. A little rest and relaxation usually helped to ease and eliminate the discomforts.
Causes Of Back Pain In Pregnant Women
Pregnancy back pain typically happens where the pelvis meets your spine, at the sacroiliac joint.
There are many possible reasons why it happens. Here are some of the more likely causes:
- Weight gain.During a healthy pregnancy, women typically gain between 25 and 35 pounds. The spine has to support that weight. That can cause lower back pain. The weight of the growingbabyand uterus also puts pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in the pelvis and back.
- Posture changes.Pregnancy shifts your center of gravity. As a result, you may gradually — even without noticing — begin to adjust your posture and the way you move. This may result in back pain or strain.
- Hormone changes.During pregnancy, your body makes a hormone called relaxin that allows ligaments in the pelvic area to relax and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birth process. The same hormone can cause ligaments that support the spine to loosen, leading to instability and pain.
- Muscle separation.As the uterus expands, two parallel sheets of muscles , which run from the rib cage to the pubic bone, may separate along the center seam. This separation may worsen back pain.
- Stress. Emotional stress can cause muscle tension in the back, which may be felt as back pain or back spasms. You may find that you experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy.
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Are Cramps Normal During Early Pregnancy
Stomach cramps during early pregnancy are relatively common. If you get a few stomach cramps during the first trimester of pregnancy, its probably not a cause for alarm. These cramps are typically part of the normal physical changes in the body that occur in preparation for the baby.
Very early in your pregnancy, you may get cramps as well as light bleeding when the embryo is implanted into the wall of the uterus. This process can sometimes lead to implantation cramps and bleeding. As the pregnancy progresses, you may also feel cramping as your uterus changes and stretches to accommodate the baby.
In the following sections, we will talk about the causes of pregnancy cramps and when to call your health care provider.
What Causes Back Pain During Pregnancy
Throughout your pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin is released, causing the ligaments of the otherwise stable joints in your pelvis to loosen up in order to allow easier passage of your baby during delivery.
Add to that the weight of your growing uterus, and your balance gets thrown off as your center of gravity shifts forward.
In turn, your lower back curves more than usual to accommodate the load resulting in strained muscles and, you guessed it, soreness, stiffness and pain.
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Warning Signs/ Symptoms For A Sharp Pain During Pregnancy
Despite the fact that sharp pain can be the result of normal pregnancy change, there are some warning signs that you need to watch out for in case the sharp pain is the result of a complication.
- If pain is accompanied by vomiting, fever, chills, heavy bleeding/blood flow, or change in vaginal discharge
- If the sharp pain is continual after resting or adjusting
- If the pain makes it difficult to breathe, walk or speak
If you experience any of the above symptoms contact your healthcare provider immediately.
More Hungry Or More Thirsty
While some mums-to-be suddenly cant bear the thought of eating, others suddenly find theyre so ravenous, eating is all they can think about.
For forum mum MsDodger, her appetite went through the roof. I eat a lot normally but this it was a massive leap, she says. I could not stop snacking all day and eating large meals.
And this ravenous urge can apply to drinking as well, as eating, as bleurgh discovered. Thirst! I wondered how much I could actually drink before drowning myself. Even my hubby said he nearly asked if I was drinking for two before I tested.
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How To Manage Uterus Pain In Early Pregnancy
Treatment for uterine pains depends on your symptoms. Mild uterine pain that goes away after a few minutes or hours is likely nothing to worry about.
You can treat mild uterine discomfort at home by taking a warm shower or bath, resting, and drinking plenty of water and other fluids. Tell your doctor about your symptoms, as they may recommend another form of treatment thats safe for your pregnancy.
Sharp, stabbing, or chronic pain along with symptoms like bleeding, shortness of breath, or fever or chills likely requires emergency medical care.
Let medical staff know youre pregnant and report any symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or faintness right away. The medical staff will assess your symptoms and may perform an ultrasound.
Seek help if youre experiencing sharp or chronic uterine pain along with other symptoms like:
- vaginal bleeding
- high fever
- chills
If the pain goes away on its own, it likely isnt a reason for concern, but you should still let your doctor know.
You should also let your doctor know about any mild uterine pain during pregnancy. They can decide if you need to be seen right away or if you can wait until your next scheduled prenatal appointment.
Also, tell your doctor if youre experiencing uterine pain along with spotting or bleeding. These may be symptoms of a miscarriage. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and determine next steps.
Not Sure If Hungry Or Sick
Oh dear, our appetite really can be a bit of a rollercoaster in early pregnancy. It can be a confusing time when youre not sure if youre feeling sick because you need to eat or youre feeling sick because youve got morning sickness and eating will make it worse.
Forum mum-to-be katie4matthew sums it all up when she says, I cant tell the difference between feeling sick and hungry at the moment. Im so confused!
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Change In Cervical Mucus
Some of our forum mums find their cervical mucus changes and they seem to have more mucus than usual.
In very early pregnancy, your mucus may seem to be thinnish and slippery for longer than usual and it will then thicken due to the increase in progesterone.
For forum mum Blue_Gecko, this thickened mucus was one of the clearest early signs she was pregnant. The cervical mucus was creamy and quite heavy, she recalls. It felt quite moist down there.
Cervical mucus is usually a pale white/yellow colour but dont worry if you see a brownish discharge: this is also common. Its usually harmless, but if youre worried, have a chat with your GP.
How Do I Know Am One Week Pregnant
Pregnancy symptoms in week 1
According to the Office on Womens Health, the most common first sign of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period. Other early pregnancy symptoms include: nausea with or without vomiting. breast changes including tenderness, swelling, or tingling feeling, or noticeable blue veins.
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Braxton Hicks Contractions And Left Side Abdominal Pain During Pregnancy
Braxton Hicks contractions are one reason for left side pain during pregnancy in the third trimester.
Many pregnant women easily mistake these uncomfortable cramping aches as the start of labor. According to Dr. Melissa Conrad Stöppler on MedicineNet, Braxton Hicks contractions are harmless causes of pregnancy pain. The painful contractions occur in the uterus at irregular intervals and will cause your groin to feel tight.5
The abdominal pain caused by Braxton Hicks contractions is sometimes referred to as false labor.
You can tell Braxton Hicks contractions apart from the start of labor by the type and intensity of the squeezing uterus pain. For example, unlike labor pains, Braxton Hicks contractions are not as sore and dont become more intense over time. Also, Braxton Hicks contractions dont come at regular intervals.
You may find that towards the end of pregnancy, Braxton Hicks contractions become more frequent. The American Pregnancy Association reports that touching the abdomen, having a full bladder, being dehydrated, or being active can trigger Braxton Hicks contractions. Sometimes, taking a warm bath or having a few glasses of water are enough to get relief from the cramping pains in late pregnancy.6
