Many expectant mothers are surprised with the number of symptoms that they might experience early in their pregnancies. One of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy is back pain, and women can experience this problem long before the stomach begins to expand. Many times, back pain in early pregnancy can cause alarm for the expectant mother, but this symptom is usually perfectly normal, and not a sign that something is wrong. There are a number of reasons that a woman might have back pain in early pregnancy and a number of safe remedies for the problem as well.

Causes of Back Pain

The most common cause of back pain in early pregnancy is the stretching of the ligaments around the abdominal area due to the increase in hormones that pregnancy brings. This stretching helps to prepare the area for the growth that is to come, and is a perfectly natural part of the pregnancy process. However, another common reason for back pain in early pregnancy can also be a urinary tract infection, which is a common occurrence during pregnancy as well, so if you experience any type of back pain early in your pregnancy, it is a good idea to check with your doctor for the cause and possible treatment options.

Treating Back Pain

One of the best ways to prevent and treat back pain in early pregnancy is through exercise. Unless you are having a high risk pregnancy, there is probably no reason why you cannot do some gentle cardiovascular and stretching exercises throughout your entire nine months of pregnancy, but especially in the beginning months before your swollen stomach makes some activities more challenging to complete. There are a number of simple stretching and strengthening exercises that you can do to relieve lower back pain, or to prevent back problems as the pregnancy progresses.

Other effective ways of treating back pain during early pregnancy include watching your posture to ensure that you are sitting and standing straight, and getting plenty of rest. There are medications that you can take to relieve back pain during early pregnancy as well, but it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during this time, even those that are available over the counter. With the proper care and treatment, back pain in early pregnancy does not have to put a damper on this very special time of life. Talk to your doctor today about the best way to treat your back pain during your pregnancy. You will be glad you did.