Experiencing persistent back pain on the right side during pregnancy? Here's what you should understand.

Pregnancy-induced lower back pain on the right side: Essential information to understand

Right Side Back Pain During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief

Pregnancy can be a joyous time, but it can also come with its share of discomforts, one of which is right side back pain. This article aims to shed light on the causes, symptoms, and potential relief for this common pregnancy ailment.

Causes

The growing uterus shifts a person's center of gravity and adjusts their posture, increasing the risk of developing back pain. As the uterus grows, it can weaken and stretch out the muscles of the abdomen, potentially leading to a condition known as diastasis recti. This can cause a bulge or "pooch" that gets worse with more abdominal pressure, and it can also increase the risk of a pregnant person hurting their back during exercise.

A 2022 study suggests that the risk of soft tissue injuries might be higher when a person works out during pregnancy. Hormonal loosening of ligaments and reduced joint stability, especially in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ), can lead to misalignments or strain in these tissues, causing right-sided back pain.

Symptoms

Back pain due to a growing uterus will often be worse later on in pregnancy, when the uterus has reached its largest size. However, it's important to note that some pregnancy complications, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and preterm labor, can also cause back pain.

If right side back pain during pregnancy is severe, accompanied by symptoms such as fever, vaginal bleeding, pain during urination, or rib pain on either side, or during the second or third trimester, it could indicate early labor. It's crucial to contact a doctor in such cases. Preeclampsia may also cause pain just under the ribs on the right side of the abdomen. Other symptoms of preeclampsia include vision problems, a severe headache, and swelling in the face, hands, or feet.

Relief

Several strategies can help alleviate right side back pain during pregnancy. Wearing supportive footwear and clothing, such as maternity pants with a wide elastic band, can help distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on the back. Wearing a form of abdominal support can also provide additional support.

Adopting a more comfortable and supportive posture can help relieve back pain. This includes sitting with knees bent, sleeping on the side with the knees bent, and sitting in supportive chairs or using a pillow against the lower back while sitting down. Avoiding lifting heavy objects or, when lifting is unavoidable, lifting with knees bent can help prevent exacerbating back pain.

Some pain relief medications might be safe depending on the stage of the pregnancy, but it's best to speak with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any pain relief medication for back pain during pregnancy. Using a heating pad to soothe muscle aches can help provide relief from right side back pain during pregnancy.

In all cases, it's best for a person to contact a doctor if they experience back pain during pregnancy. A doctor can determine the cause and advise on suitable treatments to relieve the pain.