Pregnancy warning signs: Back pain - find out more details here
Pregnancy and labor can be challenging periods for women, with various physical changes and discomforts. One common issue that expectant mothers may face is back pain. In this article, we delve into the differences between back pain during pregnancy and labor, and offer some tips for managing discomfort.
Back Pain During Pregnancy
Back pain during pregnancy is often chronic, starting early in pregnancy and intensifying as the weeks progress, particularly in the third trimester. The pain is usually localized to the lower back or sacroiliac joint, and is caused by hormonal changes and postural adjustments due to a growing belly and weight gain.
Hormonal changes, such as the release of relaxin, which makes joints more flexible but less stable, contribute to this pain. Pregnancy hormones, increased body weight, and an expanding uterus put pressure on the lower back, causing discomfort.
Back Pain During Labor
Back pain during labor is a different story. It is often acute, occurring with contractions and cervical changes. Unlike pregnancy back pain, labor-related back pain can be constant or intermittent and is typically described as a steady ache or pressure that correlates with contractions as the body prepares for delivery.
This type of pain may feel more intense and persistent than typical pregnancy back pain and may require different positioning or interventions to alleviate discomfort during labor. A person might feel that the fetus has dropped lower in the pelvis during labor, which can also contribute to back pain.
Managing Labor Pain
Managing labor pain can involve a variety of techniques, such as taking a warm shower or bath, trying different positions, walking during labor, using breathing techniques, massaging the back, using essential oils, calming techniques, and leaning over sturdy objects while standing.
It is important to remember that everyone's experience with labor is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it is crucial to communicate with your healthcare provider about any pain you are experiencing and discuss potential pain management strategies.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If a person experiences severe pain with minimal relief between contractions, fetal movement is less frequent, the water has broken, and no contractions are occurring, there is heavy vaginal bleeding, or they experience severe pain, they should go to the hospital immediately.
Additional signs that may indicate labor include irregular contractions that feel like menstrual cramps and vary in intensity and duration, lower back pain that may come and go, pelvic pressure as the baby moves down into the pelvis, and changes in vaginal discharge that can be clear, pink, or slightly bloody.
If a person notices new onset back pain and cramping that occurs about every 10 minutes and lasts for 40-50 seconds, they should call their obstetric care provider. Underlying health conditions such as scoliosis, exaggerated swayback (lordosis), and a small waist can exacerbate back pain during labor.
In conclusion, while back pain during pregnancy and labor is unavoidable for many women, there are ways to manage discomfort. Leaning over sturdy objects while standing and avoiding crossed legs while sitting can help reduce discomfort during pregnancy. During labor, it is crucial to communicate with your healthcare provider about any pain you are experiencing and discuss potential pain management strategies.
[1] American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Back Pain During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/back-pain-during-pregnancy/ [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021, January 27). Back pain during pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/back-pain/art-20046080 [3] March of Dimes. (2021). Labor signs and symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/labor-signs-and-symptoms.aspx [4] WebMD. (2021, January 26). Back Pain During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/baby/back-pain-during-pregnancy-causes-symptoms-treatments
- Pregnancy and labor can trigger a range of physical changes and discomforts, including back pain.
- Back pain during pregnancy is frequently chronic, beginning early in pregnancy and intensifying as the weeks progress, particularly during the third trimester.
- Hormones, increased body weight, and an expanding uterus put pressure on the lower back, causing this pain.
- Relaxin, a hormone released during pregnancy, makes joints more flexible but less stable, contributing to the pain.
- Back pain during labor is often acute, occurring with contractions and cervical changes.
- Labor-related back pain may be constant or intermittent, and can feel like a steady ache or pressure.
- Managing labor pain can involve a variety of techniques, such as taking a warm shower or bath, trying different positions, walking during labor, using breathing techniques, massaging the back, using essential oils, calming techniques, and leaning over sturdy objects while standing.
- Everyone's experience with labor is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.
- If a person experiences severe pain with minimal relief between contractions, fetal movement is less frequent, the water has broken, and no contractions are occurring, heavy vaginal bleeding, or severe pain, they should go to the hospital immediately.
- New onset back pain and cramping that occur about every 10 minutes and last for 40-50 seconds should be reported to the obstetric care provider.
- Underlying health conditions such as scoliosis, exaggerated swayback (lordosis), and a small waist can exacerbate back pain during labor.
- Leaning over sturdy objects while standing and avoiding crossed legs while sitting can help reduce discomfort during pregnancy.
- In addition to back pain, various other conditions such as psoriasis, bipolar, HIV, Alzheimer's, cancer, colitis, psoriatic arthritis, macular degeneration, multiple sclerosis, obesity, dry eyes, dry skin (dermatitis), atopic dermatitis, lung diseases like COPD or asthma, and health-and-wellness issues like obesity and diabetes need to be addressed through appropriate science and preventative measures.
