Back pain in early pregnancy is common and caused by a growing uterus, changes in posture, and surges in hormones. Weight gain and heavy exercise can also contribute. In rare cases, it can be a symptom of sciatica or kidney infection. Stretching, swimming, and low-impact walking can help, but consult a physician first.
There are several causes of back pain in early pregnancy, which up to 75% of pregnant women experience. Some of the more common causes are a growing uterus, changes in posture, and surges in hormones. All of these things are normal and will not affect the fetus or pregnancy. In rare cases, lower back pain can be a symptom of something more serious, such as a kidney infection or sciatica.
The body’s center of gravity changes during pregnancy to accommodate the growing uterus. This usually means a change in posture as the body tries to get comfortable adjusting to a new center of gravity. Adopting a new posture can use back muscles that aren’t often in use, causing muscle pain in the lower back. While many women don’t experience a great deal of weight gain in early pregnancy, those who do can increase back pain as the extra weight works their muscles and joints more than usual.
Hormones also play a role in lower back pain. The increased hormones tend to loosen the joints to make room for the baby and make childbirth physically easier, but this also loosens the joint that connects the pelvis to the spine. Aches and pains in the lower back can be an effect of this loose joint because the pelvis moves more than it did before pregnancy.
In the most extreme cases, back pain in early pregnancy can be a symptom of sciatica or a kidney infection. Only about 1 percent of pregnant women experience sciatica, which is characterized by pain or numbness in the legs that can travel down to the legs and toes. Kidney infections can be identified by pain under the ribs, especially when accompanied by vomiting, fever, or blood in the urine.
Most low back pain occurs in the back of the pelvis or in the lumbar vertebrae of the lower back. Both can be aggravated by heavy exercise, twisting, lifting and climbing. To combat pain in early pregnancy, some medical professionals recommend stretching, swimming, and low-impact walking. A physician should be consulted before a pregnant woman experiencing back pain attempts any of these pain relief methods. It’s also helpful for her to pay attention to proper posture, avoid standing for long periods of time, and wear comfortable shoes.
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