Right Side Back Pain During Pregnancy

What Is Lumbar Back Pain During Pregnancy

PREGNANCY SCIATICA PAIN Relief | Prenatal Stretches to Relieve Back & Leg Pain

Lumbar pain occurs in the area of the lumbar vertebrae in your lower back, higher on your body than posterior pelvic pain. It probably feels similar to the lower back pain you may have experienced before you were pregnant. You feel it over and around your spine approximately at waist level.

You also might have pain that radiates to your legs. Sitting or standing for long periods of time and lifting usually make it worse, and it tends to be more intense at the end of the day.

Thigh Pain In Pregnancy

Temporary compression, pulling, and/or loss of blood supply to a peripheral nerve may occur in the thigh during pregnancy. The swelling of soft tissues and pressure from the growing uterus may add additional pressure on these nerves.

Thigh pain may occur under these circumstances when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve gets compressed. This nerve provides sensation to the waist area and the front and side of the thigh.2

Compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve results in a condition called meralgia paresthetica, which causes one or more of the following symptoms, typically on one side of the body6:

Burning or achy pain in the outer side and/or front of the thigh
A cold, icy feeling in different parts of the thigh
Buzzing or vibrations in the thigh

Meralgia paresthetica pain increases with activity, such as while standing or walking, and alleviates when sitting.6

Digestive Issues And Right

Certain digestive issues can cause you right-sided pain in your abdomen while you are pregnant.

For example, diverticulitis is inflammation of the colon. According to the journal Gastroenterology Research and Practice, right-sided diverticulitis can cause acute and frequent bouts of right-sided abdominal pain.17

According to doctors from the Mayo Clinic, a buildup of excess gas in your intestines can cause sharp, jabbing abdominal pains on either side of your abdomen.18 In fact, too much intestinal gas can cause chest pains that feel as if they are cardiac-related pains.

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Bleeding And Swollen Gums

Discomfort

The increase in your volume of circulation and supply of certain hormones might cause tenderness, swelling and bleeding of your gums.

Recommendations

Take proper care of your teeth and gums. Brush and floss regularly.
Get a dental checkup early in your pregnancy to make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy. See your dentist if you have a problem.

You Have A Fever And A Dull Ache

Back Rib Pain During Pregnancy: DIY v. Virtual Physical Therapy

A fever, when accompanied by a dull ache across your lower back or along the sides of your back between the ribs and hips, could be a sign of a kidney or bladder infection that needs immediate attention and treatment with antibiotics, Dr. Rosser says.

Keep in mind, though, that as the pregnancy advances, the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, so frequent or urgent urination is common and normal. But if these symptoms also include painful urination, blood in the urine, chills, or fever, these may be signs of kidney or urinary tract issues, and treatment may be needed. In some cases, bladder infections can cause the uterus to contract, so see your doctor for a prompt diagnosis.

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Hip Pain Pregnancy Sleeping

Pregnancy sleeping can be difficult due to the many changes your body is going through. You may find that you are sleeping less, and that you have more hip pain. You can take a few steps to help make sleeping more comfortable.

First, try to get into a routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. This can help your body get into a rhythm and make sleeping easier. Second, try to create a relaxing bedtime routine. This may include reading, taking a bath, or using aromatherapy. Finally, make sure your mattress is comfortable and supportive. If you are finding that you are still having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep.

What Causes Back Pain In Pregnancy

Low back pain is a common problem reported during pregnancy. More than two-thirds of pregnant women experience this issue.

Back pain is usually reported by about 22 weeks into the pregnancy, although some women experience it earlier.

During pregnancy, the pain usually occurs in the lumbar region or low back, but it may radiate into the posterior thighs and buttocks for some women. The intensity and duration of low back pain varies, but one study found that about one-third of pregnant women felt low back pain was a significant problem.

Fortunately, back pain typically goes away soon after giving birth. Most women dont experience ongoing issues. That said, there can be other reasons and causes for back pain during pregnancy that require attention from a doctor. Recognizing the common signs and symptoms of back pain in pregnancy can help you determine whether a less common cause, like an infection, may be contributing to your low back pain.

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Uterus Pains During Pregnancy As Signs Of Miscarriage

Miscarriage can cause sharp abdominal pains in your right abdomen or severe cramping on both sides of your stomach along with vaginal bleeding and/or discharge.

According to Dr. William Blahd on WebMD, light vaginal bleeding or spotting in the first trimester is common among pregnant women and is usually nothing to worry about.13 Doctors from the National Health Service warn that severe cramping in your lower abdomen with vaginal bleeding could be a sign of miscarriage.14

It can be difficult to distinguish between harmless pregnancy cramping and pains that are a sign of miscarriage. According to Dr. Sarah Marshall on WebMD, painful miscarriage symptoms could be pelvic pain, lower stomach pain, or a constant dull ache in your lower back. You may also notice discolored discharge and have light to heavy vaginal bleeding.15

If you have any vaginal bleeding along with abdominal pain in pregnancy, you should seek medical care as soon as possible.

How To Reduce Back Pain

Pregnancy Back Pain Relief (Relieve Backache During Pregnancy)

You can prevent back pain or reduce it by:

wearing comfortable, supportive, low-heeled shoes
not standing for long periods of time
sitting with your bottom against the back of a chair and sitting up tall – put a small cushion at your lower back if needed
tucking your hands under your bump for support if standing for long periods
not lifting heavy objects – if you need to lift anything, bend your knees and keep a straight back
staying active with gentle exercises and stretching
being aware of your posture

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Upper Back Pain During Pregnancy

Anisha NairView more Gynecologist/Obstetrician Our Panel of ExpertsIn this Article

When to Contact Your Doctor

Back pain is something that all expecting mothers experience at some point during their pregnancy. However, most of the back pain that occurs is in the lower back area, near the abdomen and it is due to the additional weight gained during pregnancy.

Upper back pain is not as common as lower back pain, but its effects can be just as unpleasant. The pain can occur at any time during the pregnancy but is more common in the third trimester. Upper back pain usually occurs because the weight distribution of the body changes when the pregnancy progresses, and the back has to cope with all the additional weight. It can also occur as a result of the ligaments and the muscles of the back loosening up as labour approaches, which reduces the inherent stability of the body. Either way, upper back pain during pregnancy is just as big a problem as lower back pain, so care must be taken to alleviate the pain for the comfort of the mother.

Diagnosing Back Pain In Pregnancy

Diagnosis of back pain in pregnancy is primarily based on reported symptoms. Your doctor will take a detailed history of your symptoms and then perform a physical exam to assess how well your spinal muscles, joints, and nerves are functioning. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, are typically avoided when possible.

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Changing The Size Of The Uterus:

This is one of the obvious reasons to feel cramps and pressure in the lower abdominal area. After conception, the size of the uterus starts increasing creating lesser space for other organs. This way the expanding uterus causes displacement of other intra-abdominal organs and keeps shifting the location of the pain.

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Reasons For Upper Back Pain During Pregnancy

Heres what causes upper back pain during pregnancy.

Change in Balance: The uterus expands throughout the pregnancy, so the mother is forced to stretch the muscles of her neck and pull her shoulders for prolonged periods to maintain balance. This causes a strain on the spine and results in upper back pain in the expecting mothers body.

Size of the Uterus: The size of the uterus keeps growing throughout pregnancy, which puts pressure on its surroundings. The nerve endings and the blood vessels surrounding the spine are most affected, resulting in back pain. This gets especially pronounced if the mother lies on her back in the third trimester.

A Shift in the Centre of Gravity: As your pregnancy progresses, you will find your bodys centre of gravity gradually shifting to the front. This can induce back pain as your back muscles are not used to holding so much weight.

Incorrect Posture: Incorrect posture can place unnecessary stress on the back and the spine, which directly results in upper back pain. A mother gains around ten to fifteen kilograms over the course of her pregnancy, so even standing upright for a long time can result in upper back pain. High heels also have a detrimental effect on your spinal column.

Symphysopathy: Symphysopathy is a hereditary condition where the pubic articulation and the pelvic area of the mother are too soft and overly stretched. This results in haemorrhages in the area, and affected people also have poor coordination of movements.

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Sciatic Nerve Pain During Pregnancy Heres What To Do

Back pain is pretty common during pregnancyyou are, after all, carrying a lot of extra weight on the front of your body. Sciatica is one of the most severe types of back pain you can get, but there are several ways to ease the aches and pains that come with it. Stretches, gentle massage, and other remedies can help.

Types Of Back Pain In Pregnancy

Pregnant women may experience back pain that is localized to the lower back area or radiates into the buttock, thigh, and legs, causing or mimicking sciatica symptoms. The pain may be constant, get worse with activity, interfere with sleep, and/or reduce overall functioning. While the symptoms usually resolve spontaneously after delivery, some conditions may remain as chronic disorders. Women with pre-existing lower back problems are typically at a higher risk of developing pregnancy-related back pain.

During pregnancy, natural anatomic and postural changes cause mechanical challenges to the musculoskeletal system, especially in the lower body. Back pain and pelvic discomfort commonly start between the fifth and seventh month of being pregnant. A small percentage of women may experience pain as early as 4 to 16 weeks.1

How Can Back Pain During Pregnancy Be Treated

Back pain is very common in pregnancy and is usually not serious. While it may not be completely preventable, there are some changes you can make to reduce the severity or frequency of your back pain. Some treatments for back pain include:

While these treatments can help reduce symptoms of back pain, some small changes in your habits can also help prevent triggering or worsening back pain. Some changes are:

If you need to pick something up from the ground, squat down instead of bending over.
Avoid wearing high heels or other shoes that do not provide adequate support.
Avoid sleeping on your back.
Elevate your feet often, especially when sitting for a prolonged period of time.
Wear a support belt or support hose, if needed.

Unless you experienced chronic back pain prior to pregnancy, your pain will most likely ease gradually before you give birth.

Sciatica Pain During Pregnancy Gender Prediction

Stretching for Back Pain During Pregnancy (The RIGHT Way)

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that sciatica pain during pregnancy can predict the gender of your baby. However, many people believe that if the pain is on the left side, it means youâre carrying a girl, and if the pain is on the right side, it means youâre carrying a boy.

Rather than being distinguished by a single problem, a Sciatica diagnosis entails a group of symptoms. It is possible to have sciatica or to not have it, which can result in pain down the back of your leg. This is not caused by your baby pressing on the nerve instead, it is frequently the result of disc damage. During your pregnancy, your sciatica may still be present to some extent, but it is more likely to be severe when your baby is six months old. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to relieve sciatic pain is sometimes helpful, but your doctor will almost certainly advise you not to use them during pregnancy. Exercise classes can help you improve your general fitness, strength, and flexibility, and consult with your doctor if you want them. If your child is lying on the floor, try to change him or her on a table or a high-rise bed. It is best to keep your back straight while lifting your baby.

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What Is Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatic nerve pain is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve the nerve branches off of your spinal cord in your lower back and runs through your buttocks and down your legs. This very large nerve helps the lower part of your back, legs, and feet feel sensations like pressure, temperatureand yes, pain.

During pregnancy, sciatica can arise if your growing baby and expanding uterus put pressure on your sciatic nerve pressure on this nerve can cause inflammation, irritation, and pain. Youll know its sciatica if youre experiencing shooting pains that start in your lower back, and radiate down your legs. Sciatica is most likely to occur later on in your pregnancy as your baby gets bigger the extra weight puts pressure on the nerve.

Sometimes sciatica is caused by other conditions such as a slipped disk or a spasm of the piriformis muscle deep in your buttocks.

Is It An Emergency

Since lower back pain is so common, many people grapple with whether their pain is severe enough to warrant a visit to the doctors office.

If its not a medical emergency, is it even worth making an appointment with a health care provider?

Sometimes serious conditions wont involve dramatic, alarming symptoms.

If you have back pain and are unsure about whether you need to visit the emergency room, you can connect with a healthcare provider on the phone any time of the day with online urgent care.

Your primary care provider is also a great resource to help decide if your back pain requires a medical visit or can be treated at home.

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What Back Pain Treatment Options Are Available To Me Early Pregnancy Pain On Right Side And Back

There are many methods for treating back pain at home, but only a few of these have been proven to be effective. The most common treatment is rest and applying ice to the painful area. This treatment is very relaxing and should be used for only 10-20 minutes. It should never be applied while you sleep. Also, exercise and stretching exercises are essential for keeping muscles and supporting tissues flexible. While some of these methods may not seem like they are effective for you, they can help you overcome your back pain.

Physical therapy is a good option for treating back pain. It will help you improve your posture and strengthen your core muscles. Massage therapy and acupuncture are other options for relieving tension and reducing joint pain. Some people also find that water therapy improves flexibility and balance, while yoga helps them heal faster from injuries. Proper nutrition and lifestyle changes are also important for treating back pain. It is very important to consult a physician if you are experiencing back pain because it will help you avoid more serious conditions later on.

Stretches For Sciatic Nerve Pain

Light back stretching is a great way to relieve sciatic nerve pain. If youre further along in your pregnancy, remember to avoid any stretches that involve lying on your backthis causes your uterus to press against a large vein that leads to your heart, which can make you feel lightheaded or weak.

Seated Piriformis Stretch

The piriformis muscle is deep in your glutes, and spasms in these muscles can lead to sciatica pain.

Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground
Lift your left leg, and place your left ankle on your right knee
Lean forward slowly, keeping your back straight
Youll start to feel the stretch in your lower back and glutes
Hold the stretch for 30 seconds
Repeat with your right leg

Childs Pose

This yoga pose is popular for a reasonits meant to be restful and restorative, as well as to give your back and thigh muscles a good stretch. Prenatal yoga in general is an excellent, low impact way for you to stay active, and relieve pain, while pregnant.

Kneel on a soft surface, like carpet or a yoga mat
Touch your big toes together and spread your knees apart to make room for your belly
Keep your back straight, and rest your forehead on the floor
Reach your arms out straight, past your head, while you inhale
Sit back on your legs, bringing your bottom towards your heels, while you exhale
Keep taking deep breaths, stretching your arms farther forward with each breath
Walk your hands back slowly to return to a kneeling position

Standing Hamstring Stretch

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