Bad Thoracic Back pain; Sprog Lying on his side

[highlander]

I'm 34wks. Sprog has been lying on his side for as long as I can remember and recently has started to 'flip' from side to the other. It's very obvious (particularly when I lie down at night) as there is a big hump on one side of my tummy - looks very lop-sided!
I get kicks under my ribs which is pretty uncomfortable and, on the same side, I get bashed around my side but down at my waist. Sometimes I feel like I need to go to the loo all the time and something feels like it's bouncing on top of my bladder.

Anyway, I've started to get really horrible (sharp) back pain, but up high in the thoracic region. I can't sit up for too long. It's not related to BHs.

Is this related to sprog's position or is just normal end of pregnancy stuff?

My goodness - can't believe you are 34 weeks already
You are uncomfortable because you are full of baby, whatever position he/she is. Things will ease as the baby's head goes further into the pelvis although needing the toilet will increase. Make sure you are sitting well supported and if standing, you are not over compensating and arching your back. Lots of pillows are advised to get comfy in bed. Not long now

Hi Highlander

I thought this was what was happening in my first pregnancy i.e. lopsided bump - I later found out that this is actually a BH contraction when the midwife pointed it out, are you sure this isn't what is happening?

I have been having this for weeks and the contractions are quite painful at times - I have actually wondered twice this week if it is the real thing. I also find that my back gets really sore because of the pulling pressure on my bump.

no, the OB says he's definitely on his side. The BHs aren't sore at all, just feel like my tummy is 'firming up'.

I think Mears is right, I'm just all full of baby

Can't believe that I'm not going to even going to get the chance to recover afterwards - all those sleepless nights, sore tits

never, ever doing this again!

You poor thing. Is the pain in between your shoulder blades? As you know, your body has changed shape so much during your pregnancy and with a particular hormone (Relaxin) whizzing around your body, your joints and muscles are under much more strain than normal. Don't underestimate the strain that enlarged breasts aswell as on-the-side babies can put on you thoracic spine either! Try putting an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas!) on the area but for no longer than 10 minutes at a time or you'll get frost bite! If the pain is due to the changes in your body that I've just described, that will help to calm the tissues down and reduce any inflammation that may have built up in the area. If it's unbearable or you would like it looked at, then osteopathic treatment can really help, provided that the pain is of 'mechanical cause'. Emily (Osteopath)