Pregnancy pain relief

[jarbnsnmelts]

Wondering if anyone has any tips for pain relief while pregnant?

I'm currently 6 weeks pregnant and today I've really struggled with pain across my entire back, to the point I've laid in bed sobbing tonight.

My usual go to would be deep heat/voltarol/ibuprofen gel but none are able to be used during pregnancy. I've taken paracetamol but that rarely has any effect anyway. I'm not on any medication and I'm incredibly reluctant to take anything stronger so early in pregnancy. I had a warm bath earlier which helped while I was in but naturally I can't stay in there all night.

I was diagnosed in April this year so I'm still learning about my condition, but this is a whole new hurdle as pregnancy can be hard enough as it is, so any advice would be greatly appreciated 😪

[CM1EDSUK]

Hi jarbnsnmelts - & congratulations on your pregnancy.

Heat does naturally help some of those with fibro or other pain-related disorders, so have you considered the good old-fashioned (& suitably wrapped) hot water bottle? Or a microwaveable heat pad?

Another thing I would recommend is getting the hang of the following breathing 'exercise:' nbt.nhs.uk/sites/default/fi... You should find that it aids relaxation, reduces stress, & can alleviate pain. I now use this daily (for both pain reduction & relaxation), but did use to teach this as a physio in antenatal classes, so it will continue to be helpful as your pregnancy develops.

Do be mindful of your posture (one should always try to have a good posture!) Stand up, & imagine a string on top of your head at the back pulling you upwards. Think about this too when sitting, as a poor posture can make back pain worse.

Try lying on your side with a pillow between your legs at night time as this can also help with back pain. If possible try sleeping on one pillow as this will also help keep your back in a more neutral, so less painful, position.

On a side note, my eldest granddaughter's pregnancy is just a little ahead of yours. She had problems with a rash that spread over her body last week. Like yourself, we all had concerns about her taking any medication so early on. She did see a GP at a walk in clinic. The upshot was she's going to have an early appointment with a midwife. So, it's always important to realise you can discuss your problems with your GP, & perhaps ask to see a midwife as they will be a fount of knowledge too.

[Dizzytwo Moderator in reply to CM1EDSUK]

Excellent reply xx

[Fra22-57]

congratulations to you.I know you can buy those heat pads from chemist but also have you tried a tens machine.my sister used to have one of those years ago and I see you can still get them.Of course your midwife would be able to advise more

[Elizahl]

It's is frustrating but will be worth it in the end when baby arrives. I got a heat belt in lidl might be of benefit as like you I find heat helps. Not sure you can take anything more then paracetamol when pregnant. I think you may be allowed small sparing amounts of gel but check with your doctor not ideal but either is stress if being in pain. Epson salt in Bath helps to. Good luck with the pregnancy you got this just mind yourself and you will get through it and hopefully enjoy it x

[moo196]

Have a chat with your midwife

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

You can find our pregnancy booklet at fmauk.org/publications which may be useful

[jarbnsnmelts]

Thank you everyone for your advice, I do have a wheatbag but I currently can't find it so I may have to buy a new one. I have been ill for the last couple of weeks so coughing and such won't have helped matters. I've just felt very weird the last few days, which I can't explain other than that so I don't know if its the fibro, pregnancy or a combination of both. I've got my first midwife appointment next week so I'll bring it up then too but obviously if things get worse in the meantime I'll contact my EPU/midwife/GP x