Back pain in pregnancy: when to see a doctor

In previous articles we have covered many aspects of back pain during pregnancy. And we have given you some useful advice on how to relieve the pain and prevent it. But how do we know when to see a doctor? Some people are overly apprehensive, while others neglect themselves a little too much. Well, in this case too, some advice may be useful for all mothers-to-be!

When is it advisable to consult a doctor?

Let’s start by saying that in most cases back pain during pregnancy does not make it necessary to see a doctor. But we should not be superficial, because there are some cases in which medical advice is necessary. We are talking about when the pain is excessive and if it persists for too long (two weeks or more). In these cases it is advisable to consult your family doctor so that they can assess whether it is necessary to undergo specific checks or – in the best of cases – to be reassured.

Although the use of medication is not recommended during pregnancy (and in the subsequent phase of breastfeeding), in some cases it may be useful to take painkillers or muscle relaxants. Here again, medical advice is essential, so as not to abuse drugs unnecessarily. Especially as there are some drugs that are strongly discouraged during this period, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. It is not necessary to make a complete list here. For this information we always recommend that you talk to a specialist.

The sign of preterm birth

The onset of back pain, in certain cases, can also be a sign of preterm birth. How to recognise these signs? Back pain usually comes on suddenly and manifests itself as rhythmic cramps that rapidly increase in intensity.
It is important to note that back pain during labour manifests itself in a different kind of pain. It is more similar to a series of menstrual cramps (very intense) and has specific characteristics: a persistent pain that increases in intensity and frequency in a very short time. These pains are not conditioned by the activities performed (unlike classic pregnancy-induced back pain).

The advice of a specialist can help in many cases

We cannot – and should not – think that we can solve every health problem on our own, which is why we always recommend seeking medical advice if we have particular symptoms. What should be monitored? For example, if you experience severe back pain during pregnancy, associated with vaginal bleeding or burning when urinating, there may be a problem that needs medical attention (usually there is also an onset of fever).

Of course, there may also be more serious cases associated with specific disorders such as osteoporosis, spinal arthritis or septic arthritis. These problems are fortunately not so frequent, but they must be addressed with the professionalism that the problem deserves.

Regular check-ups are now easier than in the past because new technologies allow us to carry out non-invasive analyses. If you need information, do not hesitate to contact us. Our specialists are always available to answer any questions you may have. Your health is our priority. In maximum safety.

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