Due in April, in absolute agony :-(

[ap1984]

I am due in April and at work sat at my desk for 8 hours a day I am in absolute agony to the point where I really could cry

I work with all men, i'm the only woman and I don't want to start having days off and them thinking i'm taking the mick - id rather be at work anyway but i'm in serious agony sat here every day

Shooting pains in my ribs and back, as soon as I stand up to walk around it eases off but once I sit down again its there and i can't seem to concentrate on anything but the pain

I know its quite common but what can I do - is there anything I can use at work which will help?

It isn't taking the mick at all!

If you need time off then you need time off and there is no need to worry about what other people are thinking.

The pain you are having sounds like it is caused by sitting on your bum for too long at once. Get up for a few minutes every half an hour and find a job to do that involves walking around for a couple of minutes. If you try not to sit down for too long at once it might seem better.

A wedge cushion might also help. Either behind your back or under your bum, depending on where the pain is exactly.

If you are wearing trousers and are not in view of the general public, sitting backwards on a chair might help - I find it takes some of the weight off.

Speak to your midwife about referral to antenatal physio.

Have you had a workstation assessment done? Your employer has a duty to provide one and make reasonable adjustments.