Neck Pain, Back Pain, Sciatica and Pregnancy - The Back Pain Complex, Causes and Treatment

By John Zajaros

The back pain complex, to include neck pain, back pain and sciatica, is one of the most common complaints among mothers-to-be during pregnancy. The spine is made up of two primary and two secondary curvatures. The secondary curvature of the lumbar region is most affected during pregnancy. The lumbar curvature, established after birth and responsible for our ability to walk upright, comes under tremendous pressure during pregnancy. Back pain is quite common during pregnancy with as many as 80% of all women experiencing neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica in varying degrees. The back pain complex is expressed from mild to acute and may become chronic if not properly addressed. We will discuss some of the reasons why back pain is so prevalent during pregnancy and offer a few solutions, as well.

While women with previous back problems are at greater risk for neck pain, back pain and sciatica, it is common among all women beginning as early as two months and continuing through, and well after, the completion of the pregnancy. During pregnancy the body produces a number of hormones, some in much higher quantities than typically found. One of the principal hormones having the most dramatic impact during pregnancy is called Relaxin. Relaxin's function it is to make the ligaments associated with birth, and the pelvis aperture itself, softer and more pliable. The reasons for this are obvious, it is vitally important for the baby, particularly the baby's cranium or skull, to be able to pass through the birth canal with relative ease, Relaxin makes this possible. Additionally, as the uterus grows and weight shifts forward, the center of gravity changes and the relaxation of the uterine ligaments impacts the spine and the surrounding musculature. The core muscles, to include key abdominal muscles, spinal muscles, and para-vertebral muscles, are also stretched and taxed beyond normal capabilities. The combination of hormonal and structural factors often contribute to varying degrees of neck pain, back pain, and sciatica.

Obesity, always a significant factor in diagnosing and treating the back pain complex, becomes an even greater issue during pregnancy. Normal weight gain, not to be confused with obesity, may also negatively affect mothers-to-be. The combination of an exaggerated spinal curvature, called lordosis in the lumbar region, a shift in the center of gravity, additional weight carried forward, and a weaker core muscle complex are also contributory factors. The core muscles, as well as other synergistic muscle groups, may be strengthened through a program of exercise and stretching. It must be recognized that back pain during pregnancy is the rule rather than the exception, the challenge is to deal effectively with the underlying cause or causes with an intelligent and individualized treatment program.

Two of the most common back pain expressions during pregnancy, are lumbar pain, centered primarily in the lower back, and posterior pelvic pain, with symptoms very much like those associated with sciatica. The low back or lumbar pain is generally centered in the lower back and may radiate unilaterally, one side, or bilaterally, both sides, across the iliac crest, which is the region to each side of the spine at the upper level of the pelvis. Once again, pain may range from mild to acute and grow increasingly intense the deeper into the pregnancy the mother-to-be is. Back pain in this region is exacerbated by extended periods of standing, particularly in one place, sitting for long periods of time, and by poor posture, as in the old military idea of "stomach and chest out" which simply does not work for obvious reasons. Posterior pelvic pain can be quite severe and may be four to five times more prevalent than any other back pain expression during pregnancy. Posterior pelvic pain, as noted above, may be indistinguishable in its expression from sciatica. Pelvic pain may be felt as a deep ache or even a burning sensation, may radiate across the buttocks and into the legs, unilaterally or bilaterally, and in its worst configuration or state may also be felt in the feet and toes, very much like sciatica. The biggest distinction between posterior pelvic pain and sciatica is that posterior pelvic pain is more commonly experienced bilaterally. Sciatica, on the other hand, is generally a unilateral expression affecting the buttocks, legs, feet, and toes.

While quite common, neck pain, back pain and/or sciatica, including posterior pelvic pain, should not be taken lightly. If the back pain complex is not addressed properly, it may have negative consequences throughout the pregnancy and felt in virtually every aspect of the new mom's life. It is not uncommon for women who experience severe back pain throughout the pregnancy to continue to have problems well into the post partum period. Pregnancy can be, and usually is, a wonderful time in both the family's life and in the life of the mother-to-be. However, if back pain is not addressed it may have a negative impact during and afterwards, in some cases for years after the pregnancy.

As noted above, there may be a myriad of causes and consequences associated with the back pain complex, as it relates to pregnancy. An intelligent, individualized, and medically supervised program of exercise and stretching is not only advisable it is absolutely necessary. Certain exercises, such as the pelvic tilt and crunches, at least until the latter stages of the pregnancy, may be appropriate and advisable. However, it is usually the case that such self-treatment programs of exercise are not only misguided but fail to achieve any real and lasting relief or benefit. Additionally, because of the shift in the center of gravity and the exacerbated lumbar curvature, a complete program focusing on the core muscles may be the best approach. Improper posture, standing for long periods of time, sitting for long periods, and even remaining inactive for extended periods of time may have a negative impact, ultimately leading to even greater pain. Finally, it is advisable for pregnant women, particularly those who work deep into the pregnancy or have other children, to take special care when lifting anything heavy. Because of the number of physiological and anatomical changes that take place during pregnancy, a program that seeks to strengthen the musculature and to improve endurance, so fatigue doesn't lead to other problems and injuries, should be initiated as soon as possible. Only through a comprehensive program of treatment and exercise can a prospective mom hope alleviate or eliminate neck pain, back pain, and sciatica.

For further information and an intelligent program of exercise for mothers-to-be, one that works for neck pain, back pain, sciatica, and posterior pelvic pain, guaranteed, go to: http://www.HowToStopSciatica.com

Don't let the above name fool you, this is a comprehensive program dealing with all aspects of the back pain complex.

For additional information and a link to an excellent resource for additional back treatment and exercise programs; a source for New Balance running shoes, awesome for heel cushioning, necessary for anyone experiencing back pain and sciatica; ice compression braces, for the times when swelling and inflammation are at their worst; orthotics for support and cushioning, great when you are carrying extra weight; and, natural anti-inflammatories, also for joint and bone health: http://www.UltimateBadBackStrategies.com

Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr., The Back Back Guy

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When Does the Pregnancy Test Become Positive?

By Amos Grunebaum

For a pregnancy test to become positive, the fertilized egg has to first implant into the uterus and then send enough amounts of hCG the pregnancy hormone into your blood stream for enough hCG to create a positive pregnancy test.

Implantation, when the fertilized egg implants into the endometrium, happens about a week after ovulation (range: 6-12 days), and it takes another 3-4 days after implantation (9-10 dpo: days after ovulation) for the blood pregnancy test to first become positive.



Blood Pregnancy test: If you are pregnant then the blood pregnancy test is usually positive within 3-4 days after implantation or about 9-10 days after fertilization and ovulation.
Urine (Home HPT) Pregnancy Test: The urine pregnancy test will usually not become positive in most women until a missed period or about a week after implantation. Many manufacturers of urine pregnancy tests want you to believe that the urine test is usually positive before a missed period, but only about 25% of pregnant women will test positive with the HPT 2 days before a missed period, and about 40% the day before the missed period.  The wide variation when the urine pregnancy test becomes positive is due to four variables which determine when the home urine pregnancy test becomes positive:


Timing of Implantation Blood hCG levels Urine hCG level (eg.how concentrated or diluted the urine is) Sensitivity of the pregnancy test
1. Timing of Implantation

A pregnancy test detects the presence of the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) either in the blood or in the urine. The hCG in the urine comes from the hCG in the blood after it was filtered through the kidney. After ovulation, the egg gets fertilized and travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus. This travel takes on average about a week. Implantation, the attachment of the fertilized egg in the lining of the uterus, occurs on average about a week or later after ovulation/fertilization, but it can happen as early as six days and as late as 12 days after fertilization/ovulation. At the time of implantation, the placenta starts making the pregnancy hormone hCG, which then enters the blood stream. hCG can be detected in the blood about three to four days after implantation. Urine hCG can be detected about two to three days after blood hCG can first be seen. Detection of hCG depends on timing of implantation, so hCG can normally be detected in the blood between nine and 16 days after ovulation (HPT: 12-19 days after ovulation).

2. Blood hCG Level

There is a wide normal variation of hCG levels, both in the blood and the urine. If a woman has low blood hCG levels, for example, then it can take several more days for it to show up on a pregnancy test.

3. Urine hCG Level

Urine hCG levels change over the course of the day depending on how much you drink and how diluted or concentrated the urine is. Urine pregnancy testing is best done with more concentrated urine. If you drink a lot of fluid, the urine may be too diluted early on in pregnancy to achieve an hCG concentration adequate enough for a positive test.

4. Sensitivity of Urine Home Pregnancy Test

Different pregnancy tests have different sensitivities. The lower the sensitivity, the earlier a pregnancy test becomes positive. Sensitivities are indicated in mIU/mL, the lowest amount of hCG in the urine that tests positive. A sensitivity of 20 mIU/mL requires one-half the hCG level to be positive when compared with a 40 mIU/mL sensitivity level, and it may become positive several days earlier than the pregnancy test with a higher sensitivity. Make sure you read the package of the pregnancy test to determine your pregnancy test's sensitivity.

Amos Grunebaum, MD is a busy ObGyn doctor in New York who has helped thousands of couples improve their chances getting pregnant http://www.babymed.com http://www.fertilaid.com

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Get Information And Guard Yourself Against Risks And Complications During Pregnancy

By Asheesh Mani

Pregnancy is an amazing yet difficult period in a woman's life. However, there are ways in which we can reduce risks and complications during pregnancy. When we are conscious of the pregnancy risk factors, we may take necessary steps to ward them off to our best ability. We must remember that ignorance is not always bliss.

Risk Factors To Watch Out For During Pregnancy

During pregnancy it is recommended that women do not take any medication even for a fever or a headache without consulting their physician. This precaution is necessary as some drugs have been known to cause birth defects and other pregnancy complications.

It is also suggested that the pregnant woman is not stressed or mentally agitated during pregnancy. This increases the chance of complications during pregnancy due to conditions that may develop as a result of stress such as hypertension, gestational diabetes and depression.

Pregnant women who are alcohol or drug addicts are more susceptible to pregnancy risk factors such as low weight, pre-term babies that may also suffer from some birth defects.

Pregnant women who have diseases of the heart, lung or liver may also have to endure complications during pregnancy on account of their poor health condition. Those who have hypothyroidism and epilepsy have greater chances of pregnancy problems.

Sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infections are other pregnancy risks that may cause complications. UTI has to be treated as otherwise the risk of pre-term labor and low birth weight babies is high.

Those who have genetic defects or those who have had other children with genetic or birth defects are recommended to seek genetic counseling. Adolescent girls below 15 years of age and women above 35 years of age have more chances for complications during pregnancy.

Infections and diseases caused by virus and bacteria, exposure to toxic agents and radiation are some other factors that may affect the normal development of the fetus. Improper nutrition during pregnancy, anemia, Rh factor and multiple pregnancies may increase the chances for a complicated pregnancy.

The expectant mothers have to be free from stress and worry enabling them to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy. They have to maintain an ideal body weight and eat regular nutritious meals. They may benefit by going for regular walks, by doing the exercises recommended by their gynecologist etc. Practicing meditation and yoga is said to improve health, both mental and physical. It also helps them to relax.

Most of the complications during pregnancy can be kept at bay if the mothers take care to follow a healthy lifestyle such as staying away from alcohol/drugs and caffeine. Most risks can be averted if a couple plan a pregnancy as this helps them prepare and welcome it. They may create an atmosphere that is conducive to the proper development of the fetus as well as ensure a happy, healthy pregnancy. Preventive measures can go a long way in ensuring that there are no complications during pregnancy and child birth.

Pregnancy is a source for immense joy and but at times [http://www.pregnancy-period.com/pregnancy-complication.html]complications during pregnancy could dampen the spirit. You can avoid pregnancy risk factors and reduce pregnancy problems, by getting proper education about pregnancy complications. Visit [http://www.pregnancy-period.com/pregnancy_problems.html]Pregnancy Problems for more information on pregnancy risks and complications, [http://www.pregnancy-period.com/]pregnancy symptoms, pregnancy stages, pregnancy exercises, baby shower and almost everything related to pregnancy and childbirth.

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Pregnancy Spotting - What Causes Vaginal Spotting During Pregnancy?

By Asheesh Mani

Pregnancy spotting during the first trimester of pregnancy is the most normal sign of pregnancy. Though women tend to worry about the spotting found in vaginal areas, medical professionals advise them not to worry about the condition. Chances of vaginal spotting to appear vary from seven weeks of pregnancy to nine weeks. This vaginal spotting results from the implantation of the embryo in the lining of the uterus. This type of bleeding, which is also an early sign of pregnancy is termed as implantation bleeding. Mild spotting or bleeding from the vagina is not something to be worried about and you need not seek the help of doctors. However, when the bleeding seems to be heavy and accompanies cramping abdominal pain, please your doctor immediately.

What Does Vaginal Spotting Signal In Pregnancy?

Although to an extent, pregnancy spotting is completely normal and harmless in early pregnancy. However, bleeding beyond a level it may signal certain serious problems happening inside the pregnant woman's body. In such cases, the expectant mothers should consider a few pregnancy tests to ascertain that both their and their babies' health is fine and devoid of any possible pregnancy risk. Mainly on observing heavy vaginal bleeding, pregnant women are suggested a screening of their condition through examinations. If you experience heavy bleeding, rush to an emergency clinic or hospital if you cannot contact your gynecologist.

What Causes Vaginal Spotting?

There can be diverse reasons that lead to pregnancy spotting in the early months of pregnancy. This spotting is somewhat different from how normal menstruation appears. Spotting is usually experienced as a light form of vaginal bleeding before the start and end of your menstruation cycle. The main reason why this bleeding occurs is the increase in the supply of blood to the cervix and pelvis area. Spotting differs from the color of normal menstruation. The color of pregnancy spotting can be pink, dark red to brown or resembling the color of dried blood.

So what are the causes of pregnancy spotting in the early stage of pregnancy? Medical experts answers this question taking into account the following factors -

First, is bleeding due to implantation in the uterus. As the embryo is attached to the walls of uterus at about 6 to 7 days after fertilization, bleeding is secreted from the vagina. The fertilized egg by itself is attached to the uterus wall, so slight spotting results from this process of implantation.


Ectopic pregnancy can also be a reason why some women experience pregnancy spotting. Implantation and thereafter, development of the baby outside the uterus can cause vaginal bleeding. Outside the uterus, the embryo mainly begins to develop in the fallopian tube, which is why this ectopic pregnancy is also termed as tubal pregnancy or molar pregnancy. Molar pregnancy marks a diminished chance for the fetus to survive and marks an early termination of pregnancy.

There are other causes of pregnancy spotting too, such as certain infections like vaginal or yeast infections or bacterial infections, sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea, Chlamydia, herpes etc. Stay alert to vaginal spotting and take the right precautions when it occurs. [http://www.pregnancy-period.com/pregnancy-spotting.html]Pregnancy spotting is a generally caused by implantation bleeding and is generally termed as an [http://www.pregnancy-period.com/early-sign-of-pregnancy.html]early sign of pregnancy. However, not all forms of pregnancy spotting is harmless and its better if you contact your doctor to rule out any possibility of pregnancy risks and pregnancy complications. [http://www.pregnancy-period.com]Pregnancy-Period.Com offers information and details about all stages of pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms and almost everything that you need to know about pregnancy and related issues.

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Awareness Of Different Pregnancy Types

By Saurabh K Jain

Pregnancy types vary from woman to woman and it is important for her that she knows about each type. Not all types of pregnancy are normal, and a certain pregnancy type might spell danger and she needs to be alert to it.

Ectopic And Lupus Pregnancy

Of all the pregnancy types, lupus pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy are the most dangerous. Lupus is an immunity related disease affecting a woman. It can lead to miscarriage and still birth. If a woman suffers miscarriage for no apparent reason, she should consult her gynaecologist before conceiving again. Proper treatment can help her become a mother but she has to take extra care and make sure that the hospital she is going to deliver has an emergency neo-natal unit.

Ectopic pregnancy on the other hand has no proven medical reason. It happens when the foetus implantation occurs in any other body part instead of the uterus. It inevitably results in miscarriage and can be deadly for the mother if medical attention is delayed. Symptoms of  such a pregnancy are abdominal pain, dizziness and low blood pressure in the first few weeks after conception.

New And Second Pregnancy

New pregnancy makes a mother out of a woman. It is a new sensation that her body undergoes. She changes everyday; each new day brings new joy and challenge. In early pregnancy stages, she may feel morning sickness, nausea vomiting tendency, fatigue and lethargy. As her pregnancy progresses, she may need to go to the bathroom frequently and back aches may cause a major problem.
All these symptoms may be lower in intensity during her second pregnancy. But that does not mean that she has it easy. For now in addition to the child inside her, she has to take care of her older baby. Still second pregnancy is a bit more enjoyable than first pregnancy as the mother now understands every change her body undergoes.

Twin Pregnancies

Lucky is the woman who undergoes nine months of labour instead of eighteen to have two babies. Twin pregnancy is common in woman with prior family history of twins but nowadays due to fertility treatment, many more woman are having multiple pregnancies. It is also a risky affair as the woman needs special care and attention while carrying two foetuses. Most of the time twins are born prematurely with low birth weight. So this kind of pregnancy type needs regular check ups, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Teen Pregnancy

Though a woman's body is theoretically ready for motherhood with the arrival of puberty, but biologically or emotionally, she is not ready in her teens to be a mother. Of the pregnancy types, this one should be avoided at all cost. But sadly, with puberty setting early and average age of sexually active youngsters going down, teen pregnancy is a problem in modern society. A teen mother gives birth to undernourished babies, become victims in domestic life and sometimes neglects and abandons the child. Spread of sex education and availability of contraception can reduce this pregnancy type.

So, if you are a mature woman who can provide an environment where a child can grow safely and happily, there is no greater joy than motherhood. Have knowledge of [http://www.pregnancy-period.com/pregnancy_types.html]pregnancy types, avoid the [http://www.pregnancy-period.com/pregnancy-risk.html]pregnancy risk factors and enjoy the road to [http://www.pregnancy-period.com]Pregnancy Period for a blissful motherhood.

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Rh - Is Rh Good Or Bad?

Rh Factor - Is Rh Good Or Bad?By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Constance_Matter]

Constance Matter
Rh is short for 'Rhesus'. Rhesus is a type of monkey that was used during the blood transfusion experiment where they discovered that there can be a problem when you get a blood transfusion.

Getting Some Things Straight
Every human either does of does not have the Rh factor in their blood.
The majority of us do have the Rh factor. If you have this component attached to your blood cell, then you are A+, B+, etc. You are considered Rh Positive (Rh+).
If you do not have the Rh factor, then you are considered Rh negative (Rh-) and your blood type is A-, O-, etc.

The REAL Danger Of Rh
The concern is when you are Rh- and get a blood transfusion with Rh+
OR If you become pregnant AND IF you are Rh-.
Then, your doctor will tell you that you have no option, but will have to get a antibody shot (RhoGAM is a common one used) to protect you from your baby.
Why do you need to be protected from your baby?

Your baby might be Rh+. That fact alone is perfectly fine. BUT if your babies blood mixes with your blood, then you your body might start creating antibodies. This will NOT affect your current pregnancy/baby. If your body does create the antibody, then a future Rh- baby will most likely be 'attacked' by your body.

Before you blindly receive the antibody shot to prevent your body creating those antibodies let's find out some your options.
A Few Options
* Find out what the baby father's blood type is.
* Prevent your babies blood mixing with yours during labor and delivery.
* Find out at birth the baby's blood type.

If the baby's father is also Rh- then the baby will be Rh negative. There is no risk for you, your current baby or the next pregnancy.
How do prevent the blood from mixing?
1. Having a natural birth
2. Don't cut the umbilical cord until the placenta has been born.
3. Let the placenta come on it's own, do not tear it away from the uterus.
If your baby is Rh+, then you must decide if you would like to receive the antibody shot (RhoGAM). You have 72 hours to weigh the risks vs the rewards with receiving RhoGAM. Do your research and be educated.

Good News
If it is Rh- you are perfectly safe. You and your baby have been compatible the whole time and there is no concern for the next pregnancy/baby.
Constance Matter is a natural pregnancy & women's health expert with 30 years of experience in helping mothers design natural, safe, and healthy pregnancies. To learn more about the Rh Factor, see [http://thecontrarianmom.com/2009/06/24/rh-factor-the-truth-about-rh-factor-pregnancy/]The Rh Factor Insider's Guide

To learn more about pregnancy-related topics, see the free [http://thecontrarianmom.com/2009/06/24/rh-factor-the-truth-about-rh-factor-pregnancy/]Thinking Mom's Bible.
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Pregnancy Loss-A Short Note On A Few Eventualities.

Pregnancy Loss - A Short Note On A Few EventualitiesBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anupriya_Jain]Anupriya Jain
40 weeks of week-by-week, pregnancy information is necessary to enlighten women who are pregnant. The privilege of giving birth to a new life cannot perhaps be equaled by any other feeling or event. However, there are some undesired circumstances like false pregnancy or miscarriage pregnancy, which cast a pall on the divine happiness of giving birth. This article sheds light on a few of such specific cases related to pregnancy, which could result in not-so-perfect situations.
1.False Pregnancy – This is a case where there is actually no pregnancy. False pregnancy is in fact a scenario where women facing family troubles, undergoing intense conflict, or experiencing a sharp desire to conceive or any other psychologically disturbing situation, tend to believe that they are pregnant. All apparent symptoms of a true pregnancy for the initial few weeks of false weekly pregnancy are displayed. Yet there is no pregnancy. This actually cannot be really considered as a termination of pregnancy, because in medical sense there is no pregnancy.
2.Miscarriage Pregnancy - Also referred to as spontaneous abortion, this is technically a situation, in which the pregnancy ends on its own within the first 20 weeks. Practically however, miscarriage pregnancy is a turmoil, which leaves the affected in a state of distress and in weak physical health. One of the most common types of pregnancy loss, miscarriage pregnancy can result from a number of reasons including, hormonal changes, maternal trauma, and improper implantation of the egg in the uterus lining and adverse lifestyles.
3.Lupus Pregnancy – Lupus patients have been told since ages that they cannot give birth to healthy children. Advances in medical science have however, proved this assertion a myth. Lupus pregnancies though are high-risk situations. All that is required is close monitoring of both mother’s and child’s health all through the 40 weeks of week by week pregnancy.
4.Termination of Pregnancy – Another situation that leads to pregnancy loss is deliberate termination of pregnancy. It is a course opted for due to various reasons. In a few instances, expected complications in pregnancies lead even the experts to suggest that the pregnancy should be deliberately terminated.
5.Ectopic Pregnancy – It is a medical situation wherein the pregnancy is terminated because the fertilized ovum is implanted anywhere other than the uterine wall. Most of the times, this incorrect implantation occurs in the Fallopian tube, which is why Ectopic pregnancy is also referred to as tubal pregnancy.
The above-mentioned situations, most of which have been well researched by medical sciences, lead to pregnancy loss during the conception period. Only apt medical guidance & extreme caution during the 40 weeks of week-by-week pregnancy can help avoid these pregnancy complications.
Pregnancy week by week information for all weeks of pregnancy helps maintain good health of the mother and the child and prevents [http://www.pregnancy-period.com/pregnancy_problems.html]pregnancy problems as miscarriage pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy and [http://www.pregnancy-period.com/lupus-pregnancy.html]lupus pregnancy. Read more week by week pregnancy information on [http://www.pregnancy-weekbyweek.info]Pregnancy-WeekByWeek.Info
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