Aches, pains, discomforts, mood swings, anxiety etc are part and parcel of pregnancy. Lower back pain in early pregnancy is one such symptom and not actually a cause for concern. Most women have the pain around waist level at the back or slightly above. Do not mix up this pain with the lower back pain which stretches down your thighs, leg and foot.
The uterus when it expands to accommodate the baby gets support from the pelvic area stretching the ligaments and straining the muscles. The lower back pain in early pregnancy is caused due to this strain and normally disappears when you are into the fifth month of pregnancy.
A gestational period for a normal and healthy pregnancy is 280 days or about 37 weeks or ten lunar months. To support the baby through the term a lot of changes occur in your body. The hormone production by the hormonal glands, placenta and the endocrine system increases to create the changes in the body. Blood flow to the reproductive organs increase and the abdominal area expands.
Causes: Basically lower back pain in early pregnancy is caused due to the production of hormone progesterone. This hormone softens the ligaments and makes the muscles soft to prepare for easy passage of baby. This softness results in decreasing the support of the spinal cord resulting in lower back pain. Sometimes the pain is also accompanied by spasmodic muscle pain or muscle cramps. Sometimes the lower back pain can be due to an infection in the urinary tract.
Remedies: Exercises are the best way to treat lower back pain in early pregnancy. Walking, swimming,mini-crunches and pelvic rocking are the suggested exercises.
Body posture is another important factor which will relieve lower back pain. Be erect while standing and sitting. Do not slouch or lean forward or hunch as these body postures will aggravate lower back pain. During the latter half of the pregnancy the center of gravity will shift forward but correct posture is advised then also.
Take a little nap everyday to refresh yourselves in mind and body. The little lie down will help relieve the lower back pain in early pregnancy. Placing a pillow between your legs while lying down will help further ease the pain.
Do not lift weights when you are pregnant. Heavy weights are a big NO, NO and if by any chance you are lifting a light weight bend at your knees and not at the spinal cord.
Remember that being pregnant does not mean you should follow a sedentary lifestyle unless there is a medical problem. Being active and keeping your body supple and fit is equally important for an easy delivery.
Having said the above let me say that lower back pain in early pregnancy usually subsides by the fifth or sixth month or end of second trimester. However women who undergo continued back pain should consult their doctor or medical care provider.
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