Back ache!

[smile123]

Hi everyone,

I'm 35 weeks and really beginning to struggle. My back is so sore everyday and I've still got 3 weeks left of work before mat leave starts.

Anyone else suffering with backache?

Tips on how to relieve some of the pain would also be gratefully received!

[Hidden]

Try using deep heat patches or deep heat balm to gently rub on your skin "if possible"

It just offers you a guaranteed few hours of relief (at least until your on mat leave)

& shouldnt harm the baby in any way.

xx

[Allyemo1985 in reply to Hidden]

Deep heat balm life saver great tip worked for me, also rest slow down a little you need it now

[dons88]

Backache really is rubbish, I'm only 15 weeks with my second and am already starting to get the familiar twinges! I'm 5'1 and my first baby was big (8lb 9oz) so I was big, my midwife said that shorter ladies often feel the strain in their backs.

My best tip is a birthing ball - I bought one at about 32 weeks and didn't sit on anything else for the rest of the pregnancy! It really helps your posture and is particularly good for sitting on in front of your other half on the sofa so he can give you a rub! Plus it will help baby engage.

I also treated myself to a pregnancy massage which was lovely, and always felt better after a swim too.

If it's severe do ring your midwife though, they might suggest physio or something if there's an underlying reason.

Keep comfy, not long now

[ritz21]

did you called the Physio. they are not the quickest one in giving you appointments, but its always good to ask for one. The sooner you do the better. Also in my area they have a helpline, where they tell you some exercise on phone (my doctor recently gave the number). Try them, maybe they can access you remotely and suggest something

[hyawoffa]

I constantly got a hot water bottle on my back and im only 8 weeks im so dreading gettin further on...

[mumofone2009]

I have been advised by my GP,Consultant and midwife to use a hot water bottle on my lower back or the heat pads if I am out and about and only take paracetamol. I am currently 35 weeks +2 days pregnant and the gp has said it is not worth me being sent to see a physio specialist as my baby has turned and just waiting and ready to make his big entrance so I will be feeling even more pressure and pain on my lower back. if your not sure what to use call your midwife and have a chat with her or ask DrFluffy who is on here.

[Skyblueboston in reply to mumofone2009]

I was referred to physio for my back, very helpful exercises, just to say there were ladies in my class at 37 weeks pregnant, the physio said making your back strong for labour is a good idea! I would ask to be referred again

[dons88 in reply to Skyblueboston]

Hi SBB,

Did you get referred 'just' because you were feeling in pain and uncomfortable or did they suspect that something else was causing your pain?

I only ask as I've got a suspicion that back pain might become more of an issue for me as this pregnancy continues so wonder if physio might be an option later on. Thanks in advance

[Preggers304]

I'm now 40 wks and waiting for baba now. I've had the same prob on and off throughout my pregnancy but I got a referral to physio at 35wks when I asked. Funny thing is as soon as the referral was made I was fine and have been fine since. Also consider your job; as depending on the type of work you're doing cld be having an impact. I'm a teacher, my boss was splendid, we had a meeting and put together a risk assessment of the things that could be causing it. She took me off certain duties and made others such as sitting arrangements more comfy for me. Maybe discuss with your employer how things cld be made easier for you over the next couple of wks, this is your statutory right by the way.

Good luck I hope this helps.

Julie

[KatieKrinklebum]

Everyone's been saying apply heat, but I've been told put ice on it. Mind you, that's when I've pulled it, which I keep repeatedly doing (usually when making the bed!), and my back ache is post-partum unlike you. I think locally applied heat or ice are probably equally good as the idea is basically to stimulate circulation to my understanding of it. The main thing though, is to keep moving. Are you sat down a lot at work? You need to adjust your chair to the right hight, if possible, or else simply get a cusion to sit on - your bum mustn't be lower than your knees. I liked the suggestion of an excercise ball. I have one and it really helps. Make sure you get one your size, otherwise you won't get the effect because you'll be in the wrong posture when you sit on it. It might be worth seeing a private physio to nip it in the bud, rather than waiting for one on the NHS while the problem escalates. They're not that expensive. But make sure they're experienced in pregnancy treatment. One last thing, tens machine. Wasn't much help in labour, but has worked wonders on my back.

[smile123]

I'm a teacher in a Primary school and therefore I'm on my feet unite a lot but I do get the opportunity now and again to sit down...problem is nothing is comfortable at the moment, sitting or standing!

Thanks for all your tips, going to think about contacting physio. I just want the next 5 weeks over with, I'm so ready to meet this wee baby now. As you all are too with your little ones I'm sure!

[riajserrano]

Hi, you do hot compress it will help reduce the pain a lot.. just wanna share i am on my 8 weeks but on my 7th weeks i had neck and shoulder cramps my doctor said it was because of my pregnancy I lack of calcium, she just advised me hot compress and it felt a lot better.

[Hidden]

I am 19 weeks tomorrow and when at work where I am on my feet my back hurts a lot already, they say apply some form of heat but obviously not too hot, I have one of those wheat bags u can put in microwave for couple of minutes and lay on it. I am also going swimming a couple of times a week just to get the muscles feeling a bit more relaxed. I think u have done really well to get to 35 weeks with not much back pain till now, hope it gets better soon.

[Hidden]

Perhaps try some gentle stretching exercises, whenever you can..? I'm a fitness trainer & yoga teacher. Heavily pregnant clients I've had in the past say that Cat Backs feel really good:

1) Kneel on all-4's, with knees hip distance apart & hands shoulder width apart

2) Breathe in to prepare & then exhale whilst rounding the back, tucking chin in & tailbone under. Think about drawing your baby in towards you.

3) As you inhale, relax back to a flat/neutral position

4) Repeat 10 times

Then you could also try Child's Pose:

1) From above position, bring big toes together & knees wider

2) Breathe in to prepare, then exhale & sit back over heels with arms outstretched along the floor in front of you. Press the hands firmly into the floor - stretching out the upper & sides of back.

3) Relax here, perhaps with your forehead resting on a cushion rather than the floor.

Having said all this, I am nearly 17 weeks pregnant, am still very active, however in the last couple of days, the back of my hips have felt a little twingy, which I'm surprised about so early on, especially considering I don't have a bump yet! I know that Relaxin is flooding through my body softening my ligaments, but I didn't expect to feel the effects just yet. The above stretches as well as others definitely help though - it tends to be when I've been sat down (i.e.slumped!) for a while & then get up again that I need to have a good stretch before I crack on with other things... A fitball is a good idea - I must dig mine out from the loft..!!

Good luck everyone :o)