Why Do I Experience Lumbago in the Later Stages of Pregnancy?

Update Date: 2024-05-15 Source: Network

Low back pain during the late stages of pregnancy is primarily related to the downward shift of the fetus's center of gravity. This shift increases pressure on the lumbar and sacral nerves, leading to compression and discomfort. Furthermore, as the fetus enters the pelvis, the symptoms of low back pain become more pronounced. Pregnant women are advised to rest frequently, engage in appropriate walking, and adjust their sleeping and sitting positions to alleviate the discomfort. Back massages may also be beneficial. Additionally, hormonal changes within the pregnant woman's body can contribute to joint soreness and pain.

If a pregnant woman experiences low back pain during the late stages of pregnancy, it is primarily associated with the widening of joint spaces and the relaxation of ligamentous joint capsules. Here are a few reasons:

1. Hormonal imbalance: As the late stages of pregnancy progress, hormonal imbalances can lead to an increase in joint spaces, facilitating the smooth delivery process. This can result in soreness and pain in the joints, especially in the lumbar region, which is prone to relaxation and subsequent pain.

2. Strain on the lumbar muscles and ligaments: Another consideration is the strain placed on the lumbar muscles, ligaments, and fascia. As the pregnancy progresses, the weight of the pregnant woman gradually increases, leading to sustained and excessive loading on these structures. This can cause strain and, consequently, significant low back pain.

3. Compression of the lumbar and sacral nerves: The enlarged uterus can compress the lumbar and sacral nerves, causing irritation and resulting in low back pain. Additionally, as the fetus enters the pelvis, it may cause the tailbone to lift, further intensifying the symptoms of low back pain. The pain is typically localized to the lumbar and sacral regions. Since this type of pain is generally physiological and cannot be relieved with pain medication, it is recommended to rest as much as possible and apply heat patches to the affected area for relief.