Lower Back Pain and Brown Discharge in Early Pregnancy.

For many women, the period of carrying a baby within her womb proved to be a period of joy, while to some, it was downright complex.

In the very early stages, a lot happens to the woman’s body, most of which can create abnormal conditions such as lower back pain or brown discharge. These conditions may seem alarming, but realizing that they are common occurrences during pregnancy is reassuring.

In this blog, we will explore some possible reasons for lower back aches coupled with a brown discharge in early pregnancy, when these symptoms are considered normal, and when you should see a doctor and those that do not. The examination of these signs will allow you to be ready and more relaxed during this important period in your life.

What Causes Lower Back Pain in Early Pregnancy?

It is well-accepted that some lower back pain can occur during the early stages of pregnancy due to a variety of reasons. Let us examine some of the important factors responsible for this.

• Hormonal Changes:
• The body has to produce a specific hormone known as a relaxin during the course of pregnancy. This helps the body prepare for the delivery of the baby by softening the connective tissues of the joints, particularly of the pelvic girdle, enabling the stretching of the joints. However, this process of loosening tends to extend to other parts of the body, especially the lower back, resulting into discomfort and pain.

• Muscle Stretching:
• As the uterus continues to grow in order to carry the baby, it will compress the fibers of the lower back. Due to the demands of the changing body, these muscles may be required to expend additional energy to keep the body supported, and in turn, result in lower back soreness or pain.

Posture Changes:

During pregnancy, a woman’s belly increases in size, and thus, the woman’s center of gravity shifts forward. This shift may cause a woman to lean back a little in order to maintain her balance leading to a strain on the muscles of the lower back.

Most of the time, lower back pain experienced in early pregnancy is mild and short lasting, but it is worth caring your back and looking for ways to make it comfortable.

 Most of the time, lower back pain experienced in early pregnancy is mild and short lasting, but it is worth caring your back and looking for ways to make it comfortable.

What Is Brown Discharge and Is It Normal in Early Pregnancy?

Brown discharge occurs when little blood is added to your normal vaginal discharge giving it a light or dark brown color. It is common to experience brown discharge in early stages of pregnancy.

• Why Does Brown Discharge occur ?:
• Sometimes, brownish color indicates that the blood is old that is why it may not flow out promptly out of the system. There can be a number of these cases and most of them do not pose a threat to health. It is not the same as bright red bleeding which may indicate a higher risk.

• Normal Reasons for Brown Discharge:
• Common Causes of Light Brown Discharge: Brown spotting or discharge like wise may be experienced at the time of implantation of the pregnancy when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterus. Impalement bleeding is what it is referred to. In addition, the changes in hormones brought on by pregnancy may produce slight menstrual looking brown discharge.

Mostly brown discharge should not cause concern. However, observation of the amount of discharge and whether it is accompanied by symptoms like pain or cramping is necessary.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain and Brown Discharge in Early Pregnancy

-After discussing back pain and brown discharge independently, it is essential to note that some causes may make both of these symptoms manifest at the same period.

a. Implantation Bleeding

What is Implantation Bleeding?: This is the spotting that some women may experience in the early stage of pregnancy due to the fertilized egg attaching itself to the uterine lining, which is also referred to as the endometrium. This usually happens around 6 to 12 days post fertilization and may lead to slight bleeding, often characterized by brown discharge.

Why does this cause back pain?: Some women are known to experience cramps or pain at the lower back when this type of early bleeding occurs. This type of cramping is not that intense and lasts only for a day or two.

b. Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy Hormones: Since conception and early stages of pregnancy, levels of progesterone and relaxin are high, which physiologically prepares a woman’s body as though for a baby. Such hormones may lead to loosening of some ligaments which in turn would make the muscles at the lower back region over stretch as resultant pain is prevalent.

Brown Discharge: Such hormonal alterations may also trigger slight bleeding caused by sloughing of the uterine wall, which explains the brown discharge noted.

c. Miscarriage

What is a miscarriage?: Miscarriages refer to spontaneous fetal loss prior to 20 weeks gestation. Sadly, both back pain and brown discharge can be early signs of a forthcoming miscarriage. Nonetheless, they do not all lead to miscarriage, hence back pain accompanied with discharge should be addressed by a physician.

Other signs of miscarriage: In case of the discharge becoming more than spotting and red in color or if sharp pains follow the lower back pains, a doctor should be called immediately. These may be red flags that need medical intervention.

d. Ectopic Pregnancy

What is an ectopic pregnancy?: An ectopic pregnancy occurs as a result of implantation of a fertilized ovum outside the cavity of the uterus, most commonly in A fallopian tube. This condition is fatal

When to See a Doctor

While spotting and back pain are quite normal in the first trimester, there are a few cases where you will need to visit a doctor. Below are some situations in which you should not postpone seeing a physician:

• Heavy bleeding:  If you experience heavy bleeding resulting in red blood clots after brown discharge, inform your doctor. This could be an indication of a different issue.
• Severe back pain: It is common for one to feel some back ache due to pregnancy. Nonetheless, sharp, constant, or excruciating back pain should make you consult your physician.
• Other symptoms: Symptoms such as fever, dizziness, or sharp cramping experienced simultaneously with back pain and discharge should make you look for medical attention immediately.
• If you’re unsure: There is no harm in being cautious. If you are already worried over your symptoms, call the doctor for help.

What to Do if You Experience Lower Back Pain and Brown Discharge

If you experience low back pain with brown discharge, the following measures will help you control the affected areas:

a. Rest

You are advised to rest as much as you can. Do not engage in heavy lifting or any other back straining activities.

b. Monitor Your Symptoms

Note the amount of discharge you have and whether there is an increase in back pain. If the symptoms remain mild and do not escalate, it could just be normal pregnancy ache. However, if they escalate, it is worth visiting the physician.

c. Talk to Your Doctor

It is always advisable to seek a healthcare according to a practitioner, consultation this is so because the symptoms may not be severe. These practitioners can help you appreciate whether those symptoms are associated with normal pregnancy or some other symptoms and there is need for extra care.

How to Stay Healthy During Early Pregnancy

A number of activities may be carried out to promote general body well-being during the first trimester and also to alleviate some discomforts such as backaches and increased discharge.

• Drink plenty of water: Water intake is critical: Hydration is very important for every body system to work as it should and also protect against back pains aggravation that may be caused by dehydration.

• Get enough rest: Getting adequate sleep is important Self-care is necessary for you and the baby within you. Ensure that you are getting proper rest, and also consider sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees to make sure you don’t have back pains.

• Practice good posture: Avoid slouching: You can also attempt encouraging better lower back support by keeping a straight back while you are standing or sitting down. Do not bend forward, and sit in a supportive chair that has back support.

• Exercise gently: Engage in gentle exercises: Simple activities such as taking a walk or doing prenatal yoga are useful as they help in muscle toning and even better, the right posture is attained, hence backache improvement.

• Wear comfortable shoes: Wear appropriate footwear: Pregnant women should refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes since they affect balance and put a lot of pressure on the lower back. Instead, wear well-supported shoes.

Conclusion

Many women experience the combination of lower back pain and brown discharge in early pregnancy. Early on in a pregnancy, such symptoms may be experienced and are often normal, though in some cases it may be an abnormality like a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. It is necessary to know the reasons for such symptoms and when to go to the hospital. Seeking early prenatal care and being mindful of the body will go a long way in ensuring that the pregnancy goes well.