The article has been reviewed by medical expert Margaret Dogwood, BSN, RN
Back pain before BFP is among the most common problems and situations ladies experience when they are first met with a late period. Whether you’re worried about it, if you’re unsure of what it is, or if it’s causing you to be more confused with what’s happening, this guide is for you!
In this article we will be discussing what BFP is, the truth behind back pain happening before you see that green light, what’s causing it to happen, and more!
Commonly, back pain before BFP can caused by hormonal changes, pelvic area transformation, the stretching of the ligaments, implantation, and cramping.
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What is Meant By BFP?
BFP is an acronym that’s actually widely used by expectant mothers and families. It’s the shortened term for “Big Fat Positive” or a positive pregnancy test. This basically means that the home pregnancy test showed and reflected two lines that form a plus sign – or a positive sign.
NOTE: Remember that not all tests show up like this. There are some that will show two parallel lines, and there are tests that will show the word “pregnant” on the screen.
I honestly didn’t know about this either, so, don’t worry if you didn’t get it the first time!
Can Back Pain Be Caused By Early Pregnancy?
If you have been living under a rock, you would know and have an idea about back pain and pregnancy. You’d have the slightest of idea that among the giveaway signs of pregnancy is back discomfort. I mean, can you imagine carrying a cute little angel inside the tummy?
Early in pregnancy, back discomfort is a typical symptom that many women encounter. Even before a woman is aware that she is pregnant, it can happen. Just picture another person forming inside the womb – it’s all magical!
But are back pains in women always pregnancy?
Now that we’re aware of it, let us go ahead and discuss some of the most common and most-experienced causes of women who turns out to be positive that experienced back pain before they found out!
Possible Causes of Back Pain Before BFP: Is Back Pain Among the Signs of Pregnancy?
Experiencing back pain before and during pregnancy is a common feat. As a matter of fact, they are, most of the time, attributed to certain factors that are linked to pregnancy.
In our part, we did due diligence and tried digging deep into finding out what the usual causes and reasons are for the back pain before being final in seeing that Big Fat Positive!
Hormonal Changes
Backaches can be many things – and an early sign of pregnancy is actually among the most common reasons! In case you don’t find it intriguing enough, about 30% of the total pregnant demographic report experiencing pain right after conception due to uterus development and hormonal changes.
Lulu Zhao, M.D., says that the enlargement of the uterus plays a role on why you’re feeling this, too.
Approximately 30% of pregnant women have cramping after conception, which is caused by implantation, which occurs when the fertilized egg adheres to the uterine wall.”
Early pregnancy is heavily influenced by hormonal changes, which can also cause back discomfort. Progesterone, a hormone that lives on during pregnancy, can relax the back’s muscles and ligaments. This unwinding may result in more tension on the back, which might cause discomfort or pain.
Implantation and Implantation Cramps
Following the changes in the hormonal release of the body and it directing to the uterus, implantation is also a culprit of why you’re experiencing back pain even before you find out your pregnancy results.
This happens when a fertilized egg connects to the uterine lining. Although the specific causes are unknown, implantation has been linked to back discomfort in some women.
If you’re one of the people who can’t determine it, there’s actually a way to tell it!
Jingwen Hou, M.D., Ph.D., is an OB-GYN at Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii said that implantation cramps are usually identical to menstrual cramps. However, they’re a bit milder and instead of being piercing, it’s like prickling and tingling.
Implantation cramps might feel quite similar to period cramps, however they are usually less severe. While some women suffer moderate to severe cramping during their period, implantation cramps are rarely as intense.”
Changes in the Pelvic Area
I mean, it could be a lot simpler than we thought! Who knew that all these changes would somehow be interconnected to the growing angel inside your tummy?
2014 research published in the Spine Journal discovered a link between maternal weight increase during pregnancy. So, the chance of having low back pain has been looked at and proven during this time.
The study indicated that gaining more weight was connected with an increased risk of suffering back pain during pregnancy, showing that weight gain plays a role in leading to back discomfort.
Stretching of the Ligaments
Ligament stretching is caused by hormonal changes and the enlarging uterus, putting additional strain on the ligaments that support both the pelvis and spine.
Several ligaments are involved in pregnancy-related back discomfort. A few of the most common ligaments that are stretched and involved in this are round ligaments, flavum, pubic symphysis, and the sacroiliac ligaments.
Cramping
Last but most definitely not least would be the cramping. Back pain or back discomfort can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscular strain, poor posture, injury, or problems unrelated to pregnancy. As a result, for an appropriate diagnosis, it is critical to speak with a healthcare expert.
I mean, we’re here and if we were to dissect it, back pain and cramping have been long in a relationship via early pregnancy cramping, ligament stretching, and more.
These are just possible causes! There are some speculations of why expectants are experiencing back pain before they confirm a big fat positive; this is because most of them have scientifically been tested and proven, but some are just pure speculations!
Upper Back Pain Before BFP vs. Lower Back Pain Before BFP: What Do They Mean?
Pregnancy back pain is actually, unfortunately, extremely common. Cedars-Sinai said that about 50% to 80% of pregnant women experience back pain. This ranges from mild pain with acute activities to wild and chronic pain.
But, if you come to look at it, upper back pain and lower back pain aren’t caused by just a single thing, nor do they have similar effects and results! Here’s a quick table of differentiating upper and lower back pain before BFP!
| Upper Back Pain Before BFP | Lower Back Pain Before BFP |
| Less common in pregnant women than lower back pain. | Lower back pain is more common and occurs more. |
| The growing baby shifts the center of gravity, putting pressure on the upper back muscles. | Sign of changing hormones and weakened abdominal muscles. |
| Increased demand in the muscles in preparation for labor. | Shifting of the uterus (enlarging and expanding of the uterus). |
| Persistent and straight mild to severe pain on the upper back. | Sharp radiating feeling in the lower back. |
REMEMBER: Not all back pain is related to pregnancy! Sometimes, lifting and carrying heavy objects can also be a reason why an expectant mother is experiencing back pain.
Is Lower Back Pain Before Period the Same as For BFP?
Yes, suffering from lower back pain is one of the clearer and more evident signs of early pregnancy as the reasons for it point towards a big fat positive check on that pregnancy test. The reasons vary, but the most common would be the expansion and shifting of the uterus, a more weakened abdominal muscles, and changing hormones.
What Are Ways To Relieve and Remedy Severe Back Pain Before BFP?
Good news, though! Back pain whether it is a sign of early pregnancy or not, can actually be alleviated and relieved with proper discipline and attitude.
Dr. Tham Metz, M.D., an OB-GYN for Health Central said that there are few things that pregnant women can do to help themselves relieve several of the symptoms of it.
Core strengthening exercises and/or acupuncture can also help reduce back discomfort. It’s also important to stay active and gain a healthy amount of weight.”
Rest and Proper Posture
The first thing you want to do is take breaks – big or small! If your job or habit demands you to sit or stand for lengthy periods of time, try to take regular pauses to rest and change postures. This is a red flag even for men and women who are in the same scenario, too!
When relaxing or sleeping, use pillows to support your back and keep it in perfect alignment. You’ll find tons of pregnancy pillows you can use and take advantage of to help you get more comfortable.
Sitting ergonomics and correct lifting techniques play a crucial role, too!
Exercise and Stretching
Another healthy thing for a pregnant woman to do would be to stretch and exercise. I mean, no need for exercises that can be extremely tedious or if it requires you to perform big movements.
Appropriate workouts and stretching regimens can aid in the relief of back discomfort prior to a BFP. Before beginning any workout regimen, it is critical to contact with a healthcare physician.
Pelvic tilts can help strengthen the muscles that support the lower back and improve posture. Tighten your abdominal muscles and press the small of your back on the wall while standing with your back against a wall.
Prenatal yoga sessions or specialized yoga poses adjusted for pregnancy can develop flexibility, improve posture, and give back pain alleviation.
Heat and Cold Therapy
I don’t know about you, but heat and cold compress has been one of the best and most effective natural treatments for muscles and pains. Let’s try and discuss each of them separately so you know about them better.
Heat Treatment
- For 15-20 minutes at a time, apply a warm compress or heating pad to the uncomfortable region.
- To minimize overheating, use a low or medium heat setting.
- Heat should not be applied directly to the abdomen or for lengthy periods of time.
Now, let’s head on over to cold treatment or cold compress!
Cold Treatment
- For 10-15 minutes at a time, apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel to the afflicted region.
- To avoid direct contact, place a barrier (such as a towel) between the ice pack and your skin.
- To minimize overexposure to cold, keep cold treatment sessions to a minimum.
Alternative Therapies
Other than the given factors above, you will also be able to find alternative or other therapies, and they are prenatal massage and acupuncture.
Prenatal Massage: A qualified therapist can help reduce muscular tension, increase circulation, and relieve back discomfort throughout pregnancy. However, ensure that the massage therapist has prenatal massage expertise and training.
Acupuncture: It is the insertion of tiny needles into particular places on the body to relieve pain. Acupuncture can help some women with back discomfort.
FAQs
If you’re still unsure of a couple of information about the back pain you’re experiencing before a positive pregnancy test, we gathered some of the most asked questions about it!
Can You Get Back Pain Before A Positive Pregnancy Test?
Yes. Back pain is not always caused by pregnancy. So, what you’re experiencing and feeling now could be because of other reasons and not pregnancy. However, during the early stage of pregnancy, your body could recognize and adjust to the changes more, which can cause backaches.
How Accurate Are Pregnancy Tests 7 Days Past Ovulation?
It may not be as accurate as you think it might be. UTSW Med says that hCG levels are the most accurate eight days after ovulation.
What Does 14 DPO Lower Back Pain Before BFP Mean?
DPO, short for days past ovulation, is one of the common signs of tracking your period. Feeling or experiencing back pain two weeks after your ovulation could mean two things: menstrual cramping or early pregnancy back pain.
What Does Kidney Pain Before BFP Mean?
Sometimes, people feel like their kidneys are the ones in trouble when they’re experiencing back pain. And seldomly, they’re right.
Don’t be alarmed, though, because in most cases, it’s just a series of minor cramps that transcend and become the subtly more serious cramps – they can be due to hormonal changes (pregnancy or menstruation). Have yourself checked though as it can also possibly be with your urinary tract.
What Kind Of Back Pain Indicates Early Pregnancy?
Early pregnancy back pain is a lot of things. However, Cedars-Sinai said that feeling it deep within the waistline where it radiates across the pelvic ligaments is one of the surer signs of early pregnancy.
Final Verdict
Whether the back pain before BFP is killing you or if you are just more mindful of whatever’s happening to your body, don’t overthink! It’s typically something that symbolizes the weight and value of you carrying and bearing a little angel to this world.
