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Left-side pregnancy painMany women experience left side pain during pregnancy. Inital pregnancy pain may be due to your body stretching to make room for your baby or digestive issues. Later pain in pregnancy could be caused by the ligaments in your abdomen stretching, kidney infection or a urinary tract infection (UTI). Many women experience left side pain during pregnancy. Early in your pregnancy, it can be a sign that your body is stretching to make room for your baby, or it can stem from digestive issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or constipation. Later in your pregnancy, it can be caused by the ligaments in your abdomen stretching. It can also be a sign of symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) or pelvic girdle pain (PGP), which is a condition that occurs when the ligaments supporting the pelvic bones relax due to a pregnancy hormone called relaxin. Urinary tract infections (UTI) or kidney infections can cause pain in your left side at any point during your pregnancy. Pregnant women are more likely to develop urinary tract infections due to hormonal and structural changes during pregnancy. Signs and symptoms of left side pain during pregnancyDifferent types of left side pain that can be present in pregnancy include:
Causes of left side pain during pregnancyFirst trimesterLeft side pain in the first trimester is usually caused by normal bodily changes from pregnancy. It may also be related to digestive issues that tend to be worse during pregnancy, such as GERD. Left side pain in early pregnancy may also be caused by miscarriage. The most serious cause of left side pain in early pregnancy is an ectopic pregnancy, which needs emergency treatment. UTIs and kidney infections can cause left side pain at any point during pregnancy. Second trimesterRound ligament pain is the most common cause of pain on either side during the second trimester. The round ligaments support the uterus. They stretch during pregnancy to accommodate your growing baby. This is a sharp pain that’s felt in the abdomen or in the hip area, on either side. Any sudden movement that makes these ligaments retract quickly can cause pain. It only lasts for a few seconds and generally gets better in the third trimester. Third trimesterPelvic girdle pain (PGP), sometimes called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), can occur at any stage in pregnancy but is more common late in pregnancy. The pain may occur in your pubic bone, at approximately the level of your hips, on either side of your lower back, or in the perineum, which is the area between your vagina and anus. It may spread to your thighs as well. You may also have a grinding or clicking feeling in your pubic area. PGP is not harmful to your baby, but it can be very uncomfortable for you. SLIDESHOW16 Early Signs & Symptoms of Pregnancy: Could You Be Pregnant? See SlideshowDiagnosing left side pain during pregnancyYour doctor will take a medical history, listen to your symptoms, and do a physical exam. If necessary, your doctor may order an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the exact cause of your left side pain. They may also order blood or urine tests to check for other issues, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Treatments for left side pain during pregnancyTreatment for your left side pain will depend on the cause. It may include a combination of home treatments, medication, or therapy. Normal changes of pregnancyFor left side pain that is related to normal pregnancy changes, the following may be helpful:
Round ligament painIf your left side pain is caused by round ligament pain, try some of these options:
Pelvic girdle painPelvic girdle pain (PGP) can range from mild to severe. You can try the following options for relief:
Urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney infectionUTIs and kidney infections have similar symptoms, and an untreated UTI can lead to a kidney infection. If your doctor suspects one of these conditions, they may try the following treatments:
Health NewsWhat causes back pain in pregnancy?Low back pain is a common problem reported during pregnancy. More than two-thirds of pregnant women experience this issue. Back pain is usually reported by about 22 weeks into the pregnancy, although some women experience it earlier. During pregnancy, the pain usually occurs in the lumbar region or low back, but it may radiate into the posterior thighs and buttocks for some women. The intensity and duration of low back pain varies, but one study found that about one-third of pregnant women felt low back pain was a significant problem. Fortunately, back pain typically goes away soon after giving birth. Most women don’t experience ongoing issues. That said, there can be other reasons and causes for back pain during pregnancy that require attention from a doctor. Recognizing the common signs and symptoms of back pain in pregnancy can help you determine whether a less common cause, like an infection, may be contributing to your low back pain. Signs and symptoms of back pain in pregnancyFor some women, low back pain may be one of the first signs that they’re pregnant. Other women may not experience this pain until later in their pregnancy. While each woman will experience a different level of pain, the most common signs and symptoms of back pain in pregnancy include:
QUESTIONThe first sign of pregnancy is most often: See AnswerCauses of back pain in pregnancyWomen’s bodies undergo multiple changes throughout their pregnancy. Several of these changes can contribute to low back pain at different times. Women who’ve experienced back pain in a previous pregnancy are likely to have back pain in future pregnancies as well. Women with chronic back pain or who have a less active lifestyle before becoming pregnant are also at increased risk of low back pain. Other common causes of back pain during pregnancy include: Hormone changesProgesterone levels slowly rise from the 9th week until the 32nd week of pregnancy. This hormone relaxes the muscles and ligaments near your pelvis. Another hormone called relaxin, which is produced by the ovary and placenta during pregnancy, also impacts the joints and ligaments in your pelvis to make them more flexible for childbirth. These changes can contribute to low back pain. Changes in the abdominal musclesYour abdominal muscles help stabilize your spine and support your back. Pregnancy can cause these muscles to stretch and sometimes separate, called diastasis recti, due to the pressure that the growing fetus places on the abdominal muscles. The muscles become weaker as they stretch or separate, which puts the woman at increased risk of low back pain. Posture changesThe changes in your uterus and the growing baby can change your body’s center of gravity. As a result, most women change their posture. Often, pregnant women lean backward, which can put extra strain on the back muscles, causing muscle stiffness and low back pain. When to see a doctor for back pain in pregnancyDiscuss any low or moderate back pain at your regular doctor appointments. If you’re experiencing severe or unusual back pain, or pain that lasts for more than two weeks, you should call your doctor’s office immediately. Severe or unusual back pain can be a sign of preterm labor or a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can be serious, especially when pregnant, and need to be treated by your doctor. Signs of a UTI can include:
Subscribe to MedicineNet's Pregnancy & Newborns NewsletterBy clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time. Diagnosing back pain in pregnancyDiagnosis of back pain in pregnancy is primarily based on reported symptoms. Your doctor will take a detailed history of your symptoms and then perform a physical exam to assess how well your spinal muscles, joints, and nerves are functioning. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, are typically avoided when possible. Treatments for back pain in pregnancyMost women will experience some back pain in pregnancy. Fortunately, there are effective methods that can help prevent and manage the pain. Some common treatments include: Maintain a good postureSince your center of gravity will change as your baby grows, you’ll need to pay more attention to your posture and how you’re standing. While leaning backward is common, it can strain your back muscles. Instead, try standing and sitting up straight, using a comfortable wide stance when standing, and keeping your shoulders back and relaxed. Wear supportive gearTo help manage low back pain, try to wear supportive, low-heeled shoes with arch support. You may want to avoid high-heeled shoes since these can cause additional changes to your center of gravity. Some women wear a maternity support belt, but there’s limited research on its effectiveness. Talk to your doctor to see if a maternity support belt may be a good choice for you. Sleep on your sideTry sleeping on your side, with one or both knees bent. You may also want to place a pillow behind your back for additional support. Incorporate gentle physical activityTalk with your medical provider about what kind of physical activity is right for you and your developing baby. If approved by your doctor, gentle regular physical activity can help you keep your back strong and prevent or minimize low back pain. Use heat or cold packsA hot or cold pack may help ease the pain and relax your muscles. FromMedically Reviewed on 2/25/2022 References American Pregnancy Association: "Round Ligament Pain During Pregnancy." Insights Into Imaging: "Imaging for Acute Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy." Merck Manual: "Pelvic Pain During Early Pregnancy." Office of Research on Women's Health: "Pregnancy Complications." Pelvic Obstetric & Gynaecological Physiotherapy: "Pregnancy-related Pelvic Girdle Pain." StatPearls: "Urinary Tract Infections in Pregnancy." Urology Health: "What is Kidney (Renal) Infection - Pyelonephritis?" Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: "Interventions for preventing and treating pelvic and back pain in pregnancy." Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine: "Pregnancy and low back pain." Journal of Physical Therapy Science: "Impact of pregnancy on back pain and body posture in women." Scandinavian Journal of Public Health: "Previous physical activity decreases the risk of low back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy." Spine: "Low back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy: prevalence and risk factors." Spine: "Low back pain in pregnancy." Spine: "Prevalence of back pain in pregnancy." Spine: "Previous back pain and risk of developing back pain in a future pregnancy." StatPearls: "Urinary tract infection in pregnancy." University of Rochester Medical Center: "Progesterone." Victoria State Government Better Health Channel: "Abdominal muscles." What causes pain in the left side of the uterus?In some people, pelvic pain may signify menstrual cramps, ovulation, or a gastrointestinal issue, such as food intolerance. It can also develop due to a more serious problem. Sometimes, pelvic pain indicates an infection or issue with the reproductive system or other organs in the area.
Why do I have pain in my left ovary?What causes pain in the ovaries? There are many reasons someone may experience ovary pain, including ovarian cysts, ovulation pain, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or ovarian cancer.
When should I worry about uterus pain?Sudden and severe pelvic pain could be a medical emergency. Seek prompt medical attention. Be sure to get pelvic pain checked by your doctor if it's new, it disrupts your daily life, or it gets worse over time.
Why do I have a sharp pain in my lower left uterus?Sudden onset pelvic pain that is sharp or stabbing
Pelvic pain that is sudden and severe may be a sign of a ruptured ovarian cyst, an ectopic pregnancy or an infection. All of these medical conditions must be treated urgently at a hospital or medical clinic.
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