Second trimester back pain?

[PartridgeJoan]

I'm 15 weeks pregnant (first child) and over the last two days have been experiencing back pain with increased severity. It feels alright when I'm laying down, but it's got to the point where sitting up for long periods of time is unbearable.

It started as a kind of cramp but is now really severe on my right side of my lower back, and the same side of my pelvis is hurting too (feels like I'm being stung weirdly). Has anyone experienced anything like this before? Should I be worried?

I'm off to the docs tomorrow and have booked a pregnancy massage for the afternoon, but in the meantime is there anything I can do to relieve the pain?

Ironically my first trimester was pretty much symptom-free!

Is it a shooting pain or constant?
Is it central or to the middle of your buttock?

Thank you for replying! It's like constant but then shoots as well if that makes sense?! Just above the buttock, centre-right

It could be pelvic pain or it could be sciatica.

Sciatica tends to be a shooting pain, it's a trapped nerve and can be very unpleasant, and will be on one or both sides.
Pelvic pain tends to be a constant pain which could be by your tail bone and basically all the way around.

I personally have sciatica, and I've found that not sitting slouched has helped immeasurably. This unfortunately means not sitting up in bed or even on my sofa.
I have to sit at an absolute right angle or lay down. I've got a TENs machine for the nerve pain as well which has really helped.

I would see your GP, they might have a better idea as to what exactly is causing your pain and you might get referred to a physio.

Also pregnancy yoga and pregnancy swimming classes help.

Heat helps! I've been referred to a physio - so far so good.

I can't help with what it may be but I suffered terribly with my back a month back and I can't tell you how much a hot water bottle helped! It's like magic. Also a warm bath. If it's shooting and you find it starts to go down your leg, I'd second the possibility of sciatica.

Saying that, I had a similar pain on one side in my first pregnancy that became unbearable. It turned out to be a kidney infection as I had a UTI that was somehow missed on a previous urine test so it may be worth popping to your GP if it continues and you're worried.

Thanks everyone! I've got an appointment soon and in the meantime I have a hot water bottle which is making a world of difference! Glad to hear this isn't an unusual symptom!

@PartridgeJoan Hey I know this thread is nearly 2 years old you may not see this! I am experiencing the same really bad lower back pain and nearly 15 weeks. Was everything ok for you in the end? Very worried ! Thanks

Hey @Smartiex. Turns out I had Pelvic Girdle Pain. I spent way too long just dealing with it and should have treated it sooner. I saw a physio every week (private as there was a specialist in my area, but I did get offered an NHS one) which really helped. Also got a support band, did lots of aqua natal, and got lots of rest.

My pain developed into more pelvis area but the back pain was still there when my pelvis hurt. It got worse until I saw a physio, then was just mostly uncomfortable. I gave birth laying down as I found the squatting position uncomfortable, but it was an uncomplicated birth. Hope you’re ok and feel free to message me any time x