Back pain

[CocoPopsAddict]

Hi all,

Am currently 28 weeks pregnant, and within the last week have been getting lower back pain (near to very base of spine, on left-hand side, and it feels like the muscles are knotted there). It comes and goes, but today is particularly bad - I'm finding it hard to move from sitting to standing and vice versa, and walking is not great either.

This probably sounds silly, but I guess I am asking - is this normal, and only to be expected? Am I just making a fuss about something that happens to everyone? I'd rather not go to the doctor if all they are going to do is prescribe me painkillers. I know they'd prescribe ones that are safe during pregnancy, but I'd rather deal with the issue than just numb the pain, iyswim.

What else can I do in the meantime? At the moment have been resting up, trying to sit or lie straight, and taking baths. I've heard of support belts - has anyone found these helpful? Are there any particular exercises that might help?

Many thanks!

Hiya, it might be sciatica or similar- to be honest there are various back pains in later pregnancy because of your changing posture, the extra weight and also the muscles/ligaments relaxing due to pregnancy hormones. (I have suffered too so have read up on it all- can you tell )
Anyway, it is pretty common but not nice at all and some women get it really bad. Do tell your doctor and more importantly tell your midwife, as it can affect birthing positions if it continues.
I paid out to go to an osteopath who specialises in this sort of thing and that really has helped. You might be able to get a physio referral. In the meantime you could try: hot water bottle/warm baths to ease pain, lie on your side with pillow between knees to take strain off lower back, if you have to bend over only bend straight-no twisting as you do so (imagine a robot!), push yourself up on your side using your bottom arm rather than pulling your back when getting up from laying. Also, try not to sit for too long- I do an office job and even with a good chair my back starts to ache if I have been sat for too long.
Hope that's a bit of help x

The GP can also refer you to physio and posisbly hydrotherapy. You should see them.

I get private specialist massage regularly which sorts any muscle tension.

Thank you both. Will definitely speak to my GP then, as am due to go for a check-up next week anyway.