Types of back pain in pregnancy
Common types of pain during pregnancy
Back pain is very common in pregnancy. It is estimated
that between 50% and 80% of women experience some form
of back pain during their pregnancy, ranging from mild
pain associated with specific activities to acute back
pain that can become chronic.
Studies show that low back pain usually occurs between
the fifth and seventh month of pregnancy, but can begin
as early as eight to twelve weeks into your pregnancy.
Women with pre-existing low back problems are at higher
risk for back pain, and their back pain can occur earlier
in the pregnancy.
- There are two common types of back pain in pregnancy,
lumbar (lower back) pain, and posterior pelvic pain
(see Figure
1):
Also, for obvious reasons it is useful to know the
difference between the above two types of pain and labor
pain, which is also felt in the back during pregnancy.
Lumbar (low back) pain during
pregnancy
Lumbar pain during pregnancy is generally located
at and above the waist in the center of the back. It
may or may not be concurrent with pain that radiates
into your leg or foot.
In general, lumbar pain during pregnancy is similar
to low back pain experienced by non-pregnant women.
This type of pain typically increases with prolonged
postures (such as sitting, standing, or repetitive
lifting). Tenderness may also be present in the muscles
along the spine during pregnancy.
Posterior pelvic pain during
pregnancy
Posterior pelvic pain (in back of the pelvis) is
four times more prevalent than lumbar pain in pregnancy.
It is a deep pain felt below and to the side at the
waistline, and/or below the waistline on either side
across the tailbone (sacrum). This type of pain may
be experienced on one or both sides.
Posterior pelvic pain during pregnancy can extend
down into the buttock and upper portion of the posterior
(in back of) thighs, and does not usually radiate below
the knees. It can be associated with pubic pain. The
pain does not quickly resolve with rest, and morning
stiffness may also be present.
Posterior pelvic pain during pregnancy can be brought
on or exacerbated by the following activities:
-
Rolling in bed
-
Climbing stairs
-
Sitting and rising from a seated position (such
as getting in and out of cars, bathtubs, bed)
-
Lifting, twisting, bending forward
-
Running and walking
A job that involves prolonged postures at extreme
of ranges (such as sitting at a computer and leaning
forward, standing and leaning over a desk or workstation)
increases the risk of developing posterior pelvic
pain during pregnancy.
Unlike many other forms of low back pain during pregnancy,
a previous high level of fitness does not necessarily
prevent this problem.
Labor pain
It is important to note that labor pain is a different
type of pain. It is similar to an intense menstrual
cramp and has the following characteristics:
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