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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Back pain - how do I get relief??

13 replies

BigKicker · 14/08/2013 22:18

I seem to be ticking all the boxes of pregnancy and at 28 weeks I've developed back pain like I've never experienced before. Goes all the way from deep lower back up to my shoulder blades and no position gives me comfort. Is this normal or should I be seeing someone about it? Are there any others out there with similar issue?

OP posts:

gallicgirl · 14/08/2013 22:21

Try a yoga ball. I found it helped rather than sitting slumped on sofa.
Also, are you able to self refer to physio? Might be on your pregnancy notes.

Phineyj · 14/08/2013 22:23

Can you look for a pregnancy specific exercise class? In our area NCT run one. I think a large part of preg back pain is stomach muscles being overtaxed, so working on core strength should help. You should probably get checked out by a doctor first. Perhaps a massage would help too?

But unfortunately the not feeling comfy thing is quite normal -- I got really fed up of not being able to sit on the sofa! Your hips need to be higher than your knees so sitting on a ball or upright chair is better.

Gooseysgirl · 14/08/2013 22:27

I had terrible back pain across upper back and the only relief I could get was from applying one of those microwaveable heated bean bag gizmos! I think I got it in Robert Dyas

cravingcake · 14/08/2013 22:35

I would suggest a hot water bottle and maybe going swimming (not at the same time obviously ). Dont do lots of lengths, more just a gentle splash about but bein in water takes the weight off so may help.

Also, look at the way you do things. Carrying a heavy load of washing or the hoover up the stairs could be making it worse. I started getting a really sore back in my last pregnancy & it was caused by my dogs pulling on their leads while i walked them, changed the type of lead i use and now on my second pregnancy no problems.

Some discomfort is normal but the way you describe your pain would suggest that you should probably be checked by your gp or midwife & referred to physio if necessary.

BentleyBelly · 14/08/2013 22:39

I've found pregnancy yoga a real help with my back pain. Also I worked out through trial and error what activities aggravated the pain and stopped doing it...I no longer bend down, I squat to pick things up and I try to sit up and not slump. Sitting on an exercise ball instead of the sofa helps. A hot bean bag thingy and a nice back rub from DH also helps.

EmB1715 · 14/08/2013 23:15

I have the same problem. I'm lucky if I get 4 hours sleep at night! My back is completely tensed up from top to bottom. MW said to see GP to get a referral for physio. Could you do that?

Original poster

BigKicker · 14/08/2013 23:19

Thank you all, I think sitting at my desk all day at work is not helping as it seems worse during the week when I get home. Will mention it at my next doc appointment and will also try some gentle exercise. It can be a struggle to get motivated when you feel a bit poo!

OP posts:

Thesunrising · 14/08/2013 23:33

I'm also 28 weeks with terrible back pain. I've just done my first aqua yoga/Pilates class this evening in a hydrotherapy pool. Was absolute bliss. Very gentle stretching exercises and lots of floating on our backs. Exercises were focused on rounding in the pelvis and stretching out the small of the back. Back felt much more relaxed for a few hours after and I think some of the tension from my shoulders has lifted. Heartily recommend this if you can find somewhere that offers similar sessions.

purplemurple1 · 15/08/2013 07:19

Do get your chair and work station area at work looked at as well, make sure it is adjusted correctly and get a foot rest if needed so you can sit at the correct height to your desk (assuming it doesn't adjust). You could also ask work about sitting on an exercise ball for some/all of the day to help with your back.

Sammi1986 · 15/08/2013 07:28

I was using heat pads for years, but actually ice packs work much better for me.

I hope you get some relief xx

KarmaBiatch · 15/08/2013 13:43

get a belly-band from babies r us.. best thing ever! has stopped my back being sore when worn as it pulls baby out of pelvis and supports your back!

Buchanon08 · 16/08/2013 20:45

I find leaning backwards over my yoga ball really helps stretch my back out but is getting increasingly tricky to balance (am 27 weeks)!

Excited85 · 16/08/2013 20:54

YY to exercise ball. I sit (wriggle around) on an office chair for 10 hours a day and get back ache from it but come home to sit on exercise ball and is sooooo much better! Also if you lean over it forwards (knees on floor) or sit on it and slowly do large hip circles this really helps stretch the lower back x

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