9 months pregnant, hideous back pain - any advice?

[Flowerface]

I am 38 weeks preg.

I have had an intermittent bad back for ages - it's made worse by lugging DD (2.5) around, and sometimes it just goes into spasm for a couple of days and I am basically immobile and in pain all the time.

It's not caused by being preg, though I don't suppose that helps. I went to the doctor about it in early preg and she said she couldn't refer me to physio because I was pregnant (which sounds like bollocks to me, but there we are).

Basically, I am terrified about going into labour while in this agonised and immobile condition. I had planned a home birth but think that back pain + labour combo would have me beating down the door of the hospital and demanding an epidural pretty sharpish!

So: Does anyone have any advice for dealing with back pain in late preg? DH thinks I should ask the MW for advice but I am convinced they won't be very interested - as they weren't when I asked their advice about SPD. I can't fully rest because of DD, and in any case am not convinced that would help...

Thanks!!

Sorry this is happening, it sounds shit. My only recommendation (from previous similar experience during my first pregnancy) is to either see a physio privately or an osteopath, or both. There are physios and osteopaths who specialise in treating women during pregnancy.

No experience, but how about an osteopath? You would need to find one used to treating pg patients though.

Should I speak to the MW first, though?

I was referred to the practice physio when pregnant, can you speak to another doctor? It was the midwife who referred me though .

I am currently under an osteopath for my back - not caused by pregnancy - just a flare up of an existing condition while I happen to be pregnant if that makes sense.

My gp offered me physio or osteo so it must depend on the gp.

The referral would have taken ages so am paying a private osteopath and it is working wonders. All registered osteopaths registered/licensed by the professional osteo council can treat you whilst pregnant so you don't have to find a pregnancy specialist, you might prefer to though.

I saw a great improvement after the first gentle session so I'd get seen asap if you can. If it makes you feel better ring your midwife and double check first...

Definitely get a pool for your homebirth - will help you keep pain minimum, keep mobile and in control.

IME epidurals, flat on back and continuous monitoring for women with existing back problems makes labour long and can exacerbate the back issues postnatally.

Wishing you the best

Oh and plus you can use pool now to relieve pain and immobility!

Thanks everyone. I do have a birth pool - we did an experimental inflate last night and it is enormous, so can't really leave it inflated otherwise we would have no sitting room! I did quite want to get in it, though...

I am going to ring an osteopath and ask if they think they can help.

I went to an osteopath. She was a god send. I had spd but also a really bad back, she really helped with both. good luck!

You can definitely see a physio or osteopath. You do need to make sure that they are willing to treat a pregnant person, especially a heavily pregnant one. IME, most are quite cautious so will tell you if they're not happy to carry out the treatment but it may be worth getting a recommendation from your GP as that should reduce the chances of coming across a cowboy physio.

Otherwise, have you considered acupuncture? When my back used to spasm, my physio used a combo of both normal physio & acupuncture to relieve the spasms. Again, you can have acupuncture in pregnancy provided the practitioner knows what they're doing.

flowerface i have had chronic back pain for the last 5 years. after having DS i was told i was to have no more children. I couldnt bare DS being only child so went on to have DD. her pregnancy was very tough, i seen alo of different physios and consultants and nothing helped and ended up with PSD that never went away after the birth. I am currently 27 weeks pregnant and am finding it so so hard so really feel for you. A warm very warm bath helps but thats about it. Never seem to stp as have 2 DC who keep me on my toes.only thing keepin me sane at the minute is knowing that i have only 13 weeks left of intense pain and then i can take my medication again.
its tough but kiddies are worth it :)

We live in a tiny town - there are only two osteopaths here. I have made an appointment with one recommended by a friend for next Wed, so will just have to survive until then! I have a girdle which is a bit helpful and will carry on having several baths per day... I am just worried about going through labour with my back muscles so tight that I can't stand evenly on two feet...

Also I found a hot water bottle really helped to warm up my back - in fact it works quicker than the bath for me...