Back pain at 6 weeks - what helps? Any tips?

[Angelico]

Hi,

I'm only 6 weeks in and already getting some back pain and a touch of sciatica-like pain. Don't know if it's the whole softening ligaments thing. Did anyone else get this? If so what helped? Thanks!

I did, don't know why really, can only assume like you it was the ligaments softening as bump wasn't big enough to be causing it by sheer weight/size.

I got myself doing tummy exercises as I had Guide to Pregnancy book which showed some. Involved things like

kneeling on all fours and arching your back and holding

putting shoulders and bottom against wall and pulling belly button towards spine to flatten back against wall both of which uses tummy muscles and strengthening those is support for your skeleton when the ligaments don't provide as much.

Obviously you would need to find full instructions for those to do them properly.

It did help quite a bit for me I believe, so you could do a lot worse than go down that road anyway as even if it was another reason it will help your body cope as you get bigger anyway.

Congratulations and hope it all goes really well - so exciting!

Thanks for that Snowbeetle :) That sounds like pilates basic exercises so might head back to someone who does the pregnancy pilates. And thanks for good wishes! :o x

Hi Angelico - I had the same in my first pregnancy - like you, not really sure why. I am about six weeks pregnant again now, and getting the same thing on and off. Anyway, I have a 14mo DS now so I don't think it's anything to worry about!!

The exercises recommended are really good, and useful for later in your pregnancy too. It is also helpful to lie flat on your back with your knees bent up (i.e. feet flat on floor) and pull your stomach in, similar to the one against the wall.

Make sure you watch your posture all the time - I find myself slouching a lot without noticing, and this is especially the case if you have an office job.

Hot water bottles... help so much.

Best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy!

Thanks Coco - will try all your tips. My posture is pretty atrocious... Thanks for good wishes and advice :o x

I had this and it subsided after a week or so only to return a few weeks ago now I am 25weeks gone.