save my back!

[shmuf]

Anyone else pregnant and having to still lift a toddler?
I'm 16weeks pregnant with dc2, dd is 16moonths old and rather on the large side.my back is killing me recently,I assume as a combination of pregnancy and having to shlep around dd!any tips to save my back?

Not sure if I will be much help but didn't want to read and run. Can you encourage your dd to climb up on things herself more? Like get into the car seat herself. Switching to a booster seat on a normal chair or one of those posh Tripp trapp highchairs might mean she can climb in herself.

My dcs are a bit older so it is less of a problem but I have basically just told them that I have a poorly back and can't lift them. Been doing this since I found out I was pregnant and has definitely helped. As has swimming once a week just to loosen all the joints and take the weight off for an hour or so.

Can't think of anything else at the mo but I am sure others will have some good advice.

Hi, I really sympathise with you Shmuf. I had a back problem before I got pregnant the first time and it got worse with the pregnancy, I also had SPD and a HUGE baby, so could barely walk most of the time. Cranial osteopathy and a support belt from the maternity physio saved my life.

This time round my DS was 18 months when I got pregnant (I'm 35 weeks now), but since I already had a back problem I had taught him from as soon as he was able to walk that he had to be independent and climb in and out of his pram, carseat, highchair etc. and also to come up to me rather than me lifting him. I think he has just got so used to the fact that I have never been able to lift him as a toddler that he just accepts it as he never asks me to lift or carry him, but he will ask daddy.

My back got really bad at 10 weeks pregnant this time, although I am grateful that up to this point I have not been affected by SPD, despite being told I would get it again by all the health professionals. However I sought help from my cranial osteopath as soon as it began and the regular treatments have not only helped, but I'm actually better now at 35 weeks than I was at 10 weeks.

Things you can try yourself in the meantime are paracetamol, alternating hot and cold packs and perhaps yoga or gentle stretching exercises. Good luck!x

I'm with you, my DS has just turned 2 and I'm 27 weeks. Things that help is encouraging him to walk up/down stairs himself with me holding his hand or guiding him. When lifting I tend to either pick him up and hold him under one arm (like a giant rugby ball) so his legs are behind me and not kicking the bump, or I sort of swing him up (bend knees and lift) and he sits on top of the bump.

When he wants to be lifted I tell him mummy cant because it hurts but do go down to his level if he just wants a cuddle.

Also, get yourself to physio (may need a gp referral) and they will be able to help you with ways to do things to help protect your back, and give you a support belt also.

Otherwise as one of the other posters says hot water bottle on your back and paracetamol as required. And rest whenever you can, and just because you have to lift a toddler occasionally doesn't mean you must feel like you have to lift other things (heavy shopping bags, washing basket etc) - delegate as much as possible.