Tips on relieving discomfort when sat at a desk all day?

[MummyBear405]

Hello lovely mums and mums-to-be!

I'm 22 weeks pregnant and I work in an office. This past week I've been getting aches in my lower back if I'm sat at my desk for any more than an hour and I'm not sure how to deal with it.

I have a pillow on my chair which helps and my back support is adjustable (it feels comfortable most of the time), someone suggested I should get a foot rest?

Does having a foot rest make a difference? Has anyone got experience of other things that help ease the discomfort?

TIA xx

I found sitting at my desk really hard last pregnancy yet I felt awful complaining as it must be so much worse in a job on your feet all day!

I found my footrest a little helpful.. for me it was mostly just continually changing position. I’d start upright, then relax my chair back, then stand up, walk, use my footrest, not use my footrest.. it’s not a fun game. I also used a microwaveable hot cushion on my back (not too hot obvs). Do you have any option to work from home? My manager let me work from home one day a week from 25 weeks so I could be more comfortable for one day! I used to surround myself with pillows on the sofa!

I was so glad to go off on maternity at 34 weeks as I was up & down like a yo-yo and driving my co-workers insane I think!

I got a birthing/yoga/gym ball to sit on at my desk. I found that it helped as it kept my back/pelvis mobile. I switched between that and a chair depending on what felt more comfortable. May be worth a try if your workplace let you - they aren't expensive and you may want one for home anyway (just check the sizing as it can differ depending on your height and how you're using it.)

Thanks for the replies ladies

@Bol87 I might ask for one of those adjustable footrests so I can change the position of my legs frequently even when sat down but I agree moving around seems to be the only way! I have a hot water bottle in my desk draw but it's been far too warm to use it the past few weeks, actually looking forward to the colder weather now! Yes there is the option to work from home but my manager has to justify it to senior management in order to get me a laptop etc. I think it will come but probably not until I'm really struggling!

@Potatopia a friend gave me her one at the weekend so I haven't use it much but had a little go on it at home and I can already tell it's going to be a life saver, it's worth asking if I can bring it into the office!

Have you had a full pregnancy risk assessment too?