4 weeks pregnant and back pain: Causes

Congratulations, at just 4 weeks pregnant, you’re at the beginning of this exciting journey! You’re probably wondering when your pregnancy symptoms will begin or whether you’ll have any at all. Some pregnant women might be 4 weeks pregnant with back pain. 

This article includes: 

• Is back pain a sign of pregnancy?
• When does back pain start in pregnancy? 
• 4 weeks pregnant back pain causes 
• When should I worry about back pain in pregnancy? 
• How to relieve back pain at 4 weeks pregnant

Is back pain a sign of pregnancy?

So, you think that you might be expecting a little one? How exciting! There are many 4 weeks pregnant symptoms that you can look out for. 

Some lower back pain could be a sign that you are pregnant. However, the only way to know for sure in the early weeks is to complete a home pregnancy test. 

When does back pain start in pregnancy? 

Pregnancy symptoms are different for everyone. Many women find that during their second pregnancy, their symptoms are similar to the previous pregnancy. While others may find no patterns between the two. 

Some women experience back pain much later in pregnancy, such as in the second trimester. However, it’s not uncommon to experience low back pain in early pregnancy. 

Many women may experience symptoms in early pregnancy, but others may not experience them for a while. At your ultrasound scan, you’ll have a good idea of the pregnancy week you are currently in. It’s a good idea to keep track of your pregnancy symptoms so they can be monitored. 

4 weeks pregnant and back pain causes

If you’re 4 weeks pregnant with back pain, you might be wondering why. In pregnancy, the body undergoes many changes. After all, it’s trying to grow a baby! 

Hormones

Bodily changes in pregnancy are caused mainly by hormones. Some of the main pregnancy hormones include oestrogen, progesterone, relaxin and hCG. Your hormones rise rapidly in the first trimester. Your hCG levels at 4 weeks pregnant are responsible for finding out you’re expecting! 

The hormone relaxin is generally responsible for your lower back pain at 4 weeks pregnant. This is because many changes occur around the back and pelvic area to prepare the body for labour. These hormones cause changes to the ligaments and joints around this area of the body. 

Hormonal changes can also cause breast tenderness, mood swings and morning sickness, but also that lovely pregnancy glow. 

Stress 

Maybe you’re trying to conceive, and back pain is the first sign you’re pregnant, or perhaps you’ve had a positive result. Either way, it can be a stressful time. The back is an area of the body that feels stress heavily. 

Stress-related back pain during pregnancy can occur due to muscle tension, which leads to aches and pains. Therefore, it’s important to try and relieve stress in early pregnancy.

When should I worry about back pain in pregnancy? 

One of the main benefits of tracking your pregnancy symptoms is that you can see if they worsen. In pregnancy, we always advise you to seek medical advice if you feel worried about your symptoms. 

If you have any health conditions that may cause back pain to get worse in pregnancy, speak to your healthcare provider. They can give you the best advice. 

While back pain in early pregnancy is pretty common, there can be accompanying symptoms that may indicate a problem. Here are some signs to look out for:

Vaginal bleeding 

Some light spotting at 4 weeks pregnant could be a sign of implantation bleeding. This occurs as the baby implants itself into the uterine wall, where it can grow safely. In addition to light spotting, this can cause cramping at 4 weeks pregnant. 

Vaginal bleeding may be a worry if it gets heavy or is bright red in colour. Back pain, bleeding, and changes to vaginal discharge could be a sign of preterm labour. 

You may also experience a feeling of tightness in the uterus, which can be a sign of contractions. It’s very important to seek medical advice if you suspect preterm labour. 

Feeling numb 

Sometimes a feeling of numbness is nothing to worry about, but it can be accompanied by sharp pain. These pains typically occur in the legs or back. 

You may also experience pelvic pain at 4 weeks pregnant. Pains in the pelvis can indicate other conditions, such as pelvic girdle pain in early pregnancy. 

If you feel numb, or your pains become worse or more intense, you should get checked out. Even if there is nothing to worry about, it’s better to be safe. A qualified medical professional may be able to offer you support, exercises or stretches to relieve symptoms. 

Aches across the back and stomach 

Stomach pains in the first trimester may be a cause of implantation, but it may also be an early sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI can occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract. There are many common symptoms such as lower back pain, stomach aches, discomfort when urinating, light bleeding in urine and fever. 

An infection of the urinary tract can lead to further complications. Testing for a UTI involves completing a urine sample. Antibiotics will likely be given to treat the infection when the results are confirmed. The doctor may wish to complete further testing to identify the cause of the infection. 

Sudden, intense back pain during pregnancy

If you experience back pain during pregnancy that comes out of nowhere, you should seek medical advice. While it may not be anything to worry about, seeking advice can rule out any issues. A medical professional can perform several tests to assess your pregnancy and ensure everything is okay. 

If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical advice to ensure that you and your baby are safe. There may be other factors causing your back pain during pregnancy, in which case you should get advice. 

How to relieve back pain at 4 weeks pregnant

Your back pain at 4 weeks pregnant may already be causing you discomfort. In that case, you’re probably looking for ways to relieve it and feel more comfortable. 

The first thing you should do is let your midwife know so that they are aware of your symptoms. This allows them to help you monitor them. 

Posture 

Maintaining good posture is essential for your back and should be considered when standing and sitting. For example, you should keep your spine straight when standing. When sitting, you should keep your knees at a right angle. Sitting this way takes the pressure off other areas of the body, such as the back. 

Warm bath 

A warm bath can help to relieve muscle tension in the body. When bathing during pregnancy, you should avoid a hot bath and also staying in for too long. Having a bath after a long day can help you to relax and feel more at ease. So take your favourite book and have a soak. 

Sleep 

Sleep is crucial, not just for your physical well-being but for your mental health too. As your pregnancy progresses, you may find that some sleeping positions become uncomfortable. To relieve this, you may choose to sleep on a more firm mattress. Or, you might want to consider investing in a pregnancy pillow!

Comfortable shoes 

During pregnancy, you should avoid wearing high heels. High heels don’t allow you to distribute your weight evenly, which can cause injury and back pains. Instead, a flat shoe with good arch support will be more comfortable for you while pregnant. These shoes can also help you with maintaining good posture when walking. 

Gentle exercise 

Making some time to complete some light physical activity each week can help strengthen the back muscles. Some pain could be due to weaker back muscles. Some gentle stretches can also have a positive effect on your back. 

Pregnancy yoga is a fun activity to help back pain if you haven’t already thought about it. Not only does it provide physical benefits, but it’s also great for meeting new expecting mothers! You never know; you might make a friend for life to share this incredible journey with!

Some pregnancy symptoms can be very tough to deal with, especially when you don’t know how long they’ll go on. So the best advice we can give is to monitor your symptoms and ensure your midwife is aware. 

Other than that, try to enjoy your pregnancy and prepare for your very exciting arrival! Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy. 

Did you enjoy this article? Why not check out our article Is Sharp Pain in Cervix an Early Pregnancy Symptom?