23 weeks & back pain

[rainand]

Hi,

I'm 23 weeks and have got bad back pain since two days.

a) is this normal?
b) any suggestions on how to alleviate the pain
c) any suggestions on how to ensure the pain doesn't appear in the 1st place?

Thanks!

Good posture, strong core (Pilates is a great way to develop this), not slumping when you sit, not carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder, not carrying a child on one hip, etc, should help prevent lower back pain. If it's your upper back, trying stretching out your rib cage (which is probably beginning to expand right now).

As to whether it's normal - well, a bit of an aching back isn't unusual I shouldn't have thought. But if you have shooting pains, spasms, or ongoing stiffness that's restricting your movement then no, that's not necessarily 'normal'. Have you ruled out spd/ pelvic girdle pain? Mine first manifested around my buttocks and lower back... If it's that, or bad back pain, see if your mw will refer you for physio (or go and see an osteopath who has experience treating pregnant women).

You could try a warm bath, I've heard that it can sooth a bad back during pregnancy. I had back pain around 23/24 weeks, it was on and off but has passed now. Try sleeping with a pillow under your bump or between your legs to ensure that your bump is not putting strain on your back whilst you sleep. I think a massage could also help! Or a hot water bottle :)

Thank you ladies! :)

The pain isn't really low down so I don't think it is pelvic pain.

I probably do need to work on my posture and start pilates/yoga soon too. Will try sleeping with the pregnancy pillow tonight and see if it makes a difference! Thanks for the recommendations :)

I'm 23 weeks too and I keep getting back and rib ache too. I thought it was just everything moving and changing x