Reviewed by Traci C. Johnson, MD on June 12, 2020 The good news is, your baby is growing. That's exactly what should be happening -- but it can still be tough on your back. You've got lots of company -- most pregnant women
experience back pain, usually starting in the second half of pregnancy. You should know that there are things you can do to minimize your back pain. Here's what helps. 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:
Treatments for Back Pain in PregnancyMore good news: Unless you had chronic backaches before you got pregnant, your pain will likely ease gradually before you give birth. Meanwhile, there are many things you can do to treat low back pain or make it rarer and milder:
More tips: If your back pain persists, you may want to consult your doctor to see what else you might try. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking pain
medications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe for most women to take during pregnancy.
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or
naproxen (Aleve) are not advised. In some cases, your doctor may recommend other pain medicines or muscle relaxants that are safe during pregnancy. When to Seek Treatment From a DoctorBack pain, by itself, usually is not a reason to call your doctor. But you should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:
In rare cases, severe back pain may be related to problems such as pregnancy-associated osteoporosis, vertebral osteoarthritis, or septic arthritis. Rhythmic pains may be a sign of preterm labor. So if you are experiencing any of these problems, it's important to be checked by your doctor. When should I worry about back pain in pregnancy third trimester?Know when to consult your health care provider
Keep in mind that back pain during pregnancy might be a sign of preterm labor or a urinary tract infection. If you have back pain during pregnancy that's accompanied by vaginal bleeding, fever or burning during urination, contact your health care provider right away.
Why does my right side hurt third trimester?Pain just under the ribs is common in later pregnancy due to the growing baby and uterus pushing up under the ribs. But if this pain is bad or persistent, particularly on the right side, it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy) which affects some pregnant women.
When should I go to the hospital for back pain during pregnancy?If your symptoms are severe, become severe, and are persistent or prolonged, call your doctor right away. You should call your doctor and seek immediate medical care if your back pain is accompanied by: Numbness or weakness: Severe pain, numbness or weakness in the legs may be a sign of a condition called sciatica.
When should I worry about lower right back pain?If the pain lasts four weeks or longer. If the pain keeps getting worse as time goes by. If you are experiencing other symptoms, such as fever, major weight loss or weight gain, loss of function or weakness in extremities, bladder problems, etc.
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