Oct 13 2009
Abnormal Pain During Pregnancy
Every woman will experience some pain during pregnancy and most of the time, it is quite normal. However, there are times when pain can signal a more serious complication which could endanger not only you but also the life of your unborn child. Therefore, it is important to recognize what would be considered abnormal pain during pregnancy so that you can seek proper medical treatment quickly.
Minor back pain during pregnancy is quite normal and is often the result of the progesterone hormone and the discs and ligaments softening in anticipation of the extra weight you will be carrying. In addition, as the baby grows in the womb, this will put some pressure on the spine because your center of gravity is changing to accommodate the new life.
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is pregnancy-related and may need to be treated differently from standard back pain. A majority of pregnant women who experience back pain during pregnancy suffer from this ailment.
Pain symptoms located around the area of the pubic bone may signal the onset of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). It is advised to consult a qualified physiotherapist well-versed in the area of women’s health to make a correct diagnosis for these conditions.
During the course of pregnancy, the woman might feel various complications that are considered normal when pregnant. Cramps during pregnancy can be mild to severe, depending on the mother’s health status. During the first trimester, women can experience cramps during implantation, which usually happens from eight to ten days after the ovulation period. Another cause for cramps would be the stretching of the uterus. The woman’s body will prepare for the baby by expanding and stretching the uterus, therefore causing mild cramps. Unfortunately, cramps can be accompanied by bleeding or spotting when there is a possibility of a miscarriage. Other causes of cramping during the first trimester would be due to gas pains and constipation, often leading to feelings of discomfort. In the course of the second and third trimester of pregnancy, cramps can also occur during pre-term labor and during early labor. These cramps are often accompanied by back pain.
Abnormal pain during pregnancy can be the result of a variety of things from premature labor to high blood pressure to preeclampsia. Pre-existing health conditions like obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes can also complicate matters. Bleeding during pregnancy is one of those times which warrant an immediate trip to the doctor or hospital. This bleeding can be an indicator to a whole host of health problems from miscarriage to placenta previa to even an ectopic pregnancy.
Back pain with contractions, dizziness, bleeding, fever, headaches or any other symptoms can signal conditions like placental abruption where the placenta tears away from the uterine wall. Urinary tract infections are not uncommon in pregnant women and may cause pain during pregnancy. Pain while urinating, blood in the urine or even foul smelling discharge can be a sign of an infection that needs treatment before your kidneys shut down.
Keeping a moderate exercise regimen, having the correct posture, refraining from lifting heavy objects, and taking good care of the back can ensure the prevention of pregnancy-related back pain. If lifting is unavoidable, knees should be bent, the back kept straight, and the object held close to the body as possible.
