Lower back pain in early pregnancy 2 weeks

If you're pregnant, you're likely paying extra close attention to your body. If you feel a cramp, you may worry that it is a sign of a miscarriage, especially if it is early in your pregnancy.

While the first trimester is the most common time for miscarriages, there are other reasons for cramps. Whether cramping signals a miscarriage depends on when it occurs, severity, and whether you're experiencing other symptoms with it.

Cramping in Early Pregnancy

Having cramps in your lower abdominal area or lower back in early pregnancy (the first trimester) most likely signals one of three things:

• Ectopic pregnancy: Faintness and/or severe abdominal cramping may be a symptom of ectopic pregnancy. This occurs when the egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. While rare, ectopic pregnancies are not viable and can put your life in danger. If you suspect this issue, go to the emergency room right away.
• Miscarriage: When cramping is accompanied by spotting or vaginal bleeding, it can be a sign of miscarriage. Call your doctor for advice; they may suggest testing to determine whether you are having a miscarriage. A miscarriage can occur within the first 20 weeks of gestation, but the risk is higher in the first trimester.
• Normal pains: Cramping without bleeding is usually not a sign of miscarriage. Cramps or short-lived pains in your lower abdomen can happen early in normal pregnancy as your uterus adjusts to the implanted embryo, or even if you have a urinary tract infection. These pains are likely mild and brief. If you feel anything severe and/or prolonged, always call your doctor to be safe.

Symptoms of Miscarriage

Look out for these signs and symptoms of miscarriage in the first trimester.

• Bleeding that is brown or bright red
• Clots of tissue passing from the vagina
• Mild to severe back pain that's worse than normal menstrual cramps
• A sudden decrease in the signs of pregnancy, such as breast tenderness or morning sickness
• Very painful contractions every five to 20 minutes
• Weight loss
• White-pink mucus-like vaginal discharge

Contact your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. Miscarriage is the most common cause of early bleeding in pregnancy.

However, it's important to note that early bleeding could actually be a threatened miscarriage. This is diagnosed when there's uterine bleeding but the cervix is closed and an ultrasound shows that the baby's heart is beating.

Fortunately, threatened miscarriages don't always result in pregnancy loss, even when there's a lot of blood on more than one occasion. If you experience spotting or bleeding that's concerning, your doctor may perform an ultrasound to check on the baby's status.

Cramping in Late Pregnancy

Cramping in the second or third trimester could be harmless or concerning—it depends on the situation.

• Preterm labor: Cramps occurring at regular intervals (try timing them) may indicate preterm labor. More than six cramps or contractions in 1 hour, a change in vaginal discharge such as bright red vaginal bleeding, a sudden gush of clear fluid, a low, dull backache, or intense pelvic pressure are all possible signs. For any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
• Round ligament pain: You may experience shooting pains in the lower abdomen or around your hips due to a phenomenon called round ligament pain, which occurs as your body accommodates your growing uterus. These types of pains are normal and will pass, but you should discuss them with your doctor.

A Word From Verywell

A little bit of anxiety is totally normal in early pregnancy. After all, your life is about to change with the addition of this tiny bundle of joy. Your instinct is to protect your little one and make sure that he or she is as healthy and as safe as possible.

Talk to your doctor whenever you are concerned about any level of cramping during pregnancy. It can be a stressful time, and talking to your doctor about your symptoms can be very reassuring.

By Krissi Danielsson
Krissi Danielsson, MD is a doctor of family medicine and an advocate for those who have experienced miscarriage. 

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Overview

Back pain in pregnancy is very common, affecting an estimated 50 percent to 80 percent of pregnant women.

It can range from mild pain associated with specific activities to acute pain that becomes chronic.

About 10 percent of the time the pain becomes so severe that it can interfere with the ability to work or carry out normal activities during pregnancy.

Studies show that lower back pain usually occurs between the fifth and seventh months of being pregnant, although in some cases it begins as early as eight to 12 weeks.

Women with pre-existing lower back problems are at higher risk for back pain, and their back pain can occur earlier in their pregnancy.

Symptoms

Lumbar pain during pregnancy is generally located at and above the waist in the center of the back, and it may be concurrent with pain that radiates into the woman's leg or foot.

Posterior pelvic pain (in the back of the pelvis) is four times more prevalent than lumbar pain in pregnancy. It is a deep pain felt below the waistline, on one or both sides or across the tailbone.

Causes and Risk Factors

Increase of hormones — Hormones released during pregnancy allow pelvic-area ligaments to soften and joints to loosen in preparation for the birthing process. This change may affect the support your back normally experiences.

Center of gravity — Your center of gravity will gradually move forward as your uterus and baby grow, which causes your posture to change.

Additional weight — Your developing pregnancy and baby create additional weight that your back must support.

Posture or position — Poor posture, excessive standing and bending over can trigger or escalate back pain.

Stress — Stress usually accumulates in weak areas of the body. Because of the changes in your pelvic area, you may experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of back pain during pregnancy is based on a review of the patient’s medical history, a physical examination and possibly an MRI, to rule out a herniated disk. No X-ray or CT scan will be performed because these procedures use radiation.

Treatment

Watch your posture when you are sitting. Lounging in a chair all day puts more strain on your spine than anything else. At home and at work, make sure the chairs you use most provide good support, preferably with a straight back, arms and a firm cushion. Use a footrest to elevate your feet slightly, and don't cross your legs. That can cause your pelvis to tilt forward, exacerbating those strained back muscles.

Take breaks. Walk or stand and stretch at least once an hour. Sitting too long can make your back hurt even more. Try not to stand too long either. If you work on your feet, try to place one foot on a low stool to take some pressure off your lower back.

Avoid lifting heavy loads. If you must, do it slowly. Stabilize yourself by assuming a wide stance; bend at the knees, not at the waist; and lift with your arms and legs, not your back.

Watch your weight.

Wear the right shoes. Extremely high heels are out, as are completely flat ones. Experts recommend a 2-inch heel to keep your body in proper alignment.

No reaching. Use a low, stable step stool to get items from high places and you’ll avoid additional strain.

Think happy thoughts. A calm mind leads to a looser back. You can also try some prenatal yoga, which will relax both your mind and your back.

Physiotherapy, yoga, exercise (walking, biking and swimming) are all considered safe for most pregnant women and can be performed for 20 to 45 minutes, three to five days a week. Pregnant women should take care to exercise at a mild to moderate level, but not to the point of exhaustion.

Strengthen your stomach. Do pelvic tilts to strengthen your abs, which in turn support your back. Or sit on an exercise ball and rock back and forth.

Go hot and cold. Soothe sore muscles by applying cold compresses, then warm compresses in 15-minute intervals.

Take a warm bath. Or turn the showerhead to pulsating to massage your back.

Get a massage. Wait until after the first trimester to get one. Go to a masseuse who knows you’re pregnant and is trained in the art of prenatal massage.

Always Talk to Your OB

Sometimes back pain is a red flag that something serious is going on. Among the most worrisome causes of pregnancy back pain is preterm labor. Women should watch for pain that is new and cyclical — which could be a sign of uterine contractions — along with vaginal bleeding or any change in vaginal discharge that could indicate a placental issue or an early rupture of your waters.

If you experience numbness, tingling or a sharp, shooting pain in your buttocks, legs or feet, call your doctor to make sure there are no serious conditions. Even though the cause of numbness is usually not a more worrisome condition, such as preterm labor, it could signify compression of the sciatic nerve or other nerves that connect your spine to the lower body and pelvic area.

Pregnant women should always consult with their healthcare professional before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine. Women taking pain medicines who are considering becoming pregnant should also consult with their healthcare professionals to discuss the risks and benefits of pain medicine. Healthcare professionals should continue to follow the recommendations on the drug labels when prescribing pain medicines to pregnant patients.

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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