What causes back pain in the third trimester of pregnancy?
Apr 19, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Back pain in the late stages of pregnancy may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as malnutrition and lumbar disc herniation, which require targeted treatment. As the fetus gradually increases in size during late pregnancy, it can exert pressure on the pregnant woman's spine, leading to anterior pelvic tilt and resulting in back pain. This is a normal phenomenon and can be alleviated by avoiding prolonged sitting or lying down.
In general, back pain during the late stages of pregnancy may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as malnutrition or lumbar disc herniation, requiring targeted treatment. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Physiological Causes
As the fetus gradually increases in size during late pregnancy, it can exert pressure on the pregnant woman's spine, leading to anterior pelvic tilt and resulting in back pain. This is considered a normal phenomenon and can be relieved by avoiding prolonged sitting or lying down and through appropriate massage.
2. Pathological Causes
1) Malnutrition
If nutritional intake during pregnancy is insufficient, it may lead to calcium deficiency in the bones of the back due to poor nutrition, causing the aforementioned symptoms. Treatment may include vitamin D2 and calcium phosphate tablets or calcium carbonate D3 granules, taken as directed by a physician.
2) Lumbar Disc Herniation
Prolonged poor posture during pregnancy may cause rupture of the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc, leading to lumbar disc herniation and resulting in back pain. During late pregnancy, pain is typically managed through massage therapy. After delivery, further treatments such as traction or surgery may be considered based on individual circumstances.
In addition, back pain in late pregnancy may also result from pelvic congestion. It is recommended that pregnant women engage in appropriate exercises such as prenatal yoga or prenatal calisthenics to improve physical fitness and emotional well-being.
