Lower back pain. 25+4 - short term relief?!

[Emmaemmaemmaemma]

Hi ladies,

I’m 25+4 and about a week ago my lower back above my bum starting hurting and it’s getting worse. Sometimes feels like it’s going into my bum and thigh - it’s a bad ache. It’s worse after being in bed or being sat around - so morning and night. Iv got a dream genni pillow and will start a swim class once a week in January but honestly it’s getting worse. Struggled to walk up the stairs before! Any short term solutions please? I just saw my midwife last week and didn’t mention it and I’m not seeing her for four weeks now Honestly where is this amazing pregnancy I was promised? Il be glad when she’s here! X

Unfortunately back pain is really common in pregnancy. I'm 32 weeks and the only things I have found to offer short term relief are: hot water bottles and having a good soak in the bath. Paracetamol doesn't touch it for me, but could be worth a go. I've also seen people recommend heat pads, back belts and tiger balm.

In terms of things you can do to limit the pain, it will depend on what is causing it. In my case, sitting triggers it. So I now use a standing desk to work and avoid sitting wherever possible. Where I do sit, I've got a special pillow thing to sit on which does sometimes help. I've also worked out that walking up big hills triggers it, as does just 'overdoing it' in general so I've scaled back but stayed active.

If you're worried about it escalating, I'd really recommend going to see a pyhsio who specialises in pregnancy. My one was able to recommend some exercise that do help a bit and also reassure me it wasn't going to turn into PGP or something.

Pregnancy support belt really helps. Look around there ste lots.pain is common as the ligaments stretch. Trying to keep the muscles in the area gently toned is the best strategy pregnancy pilates with an antenatal qualified teacher helps. Slerp in your side with a pillow between your knees so they are completely parallel and hip width apart. In and squeeze your bum cheeks and abdomen inwards yo your spine (imagine you ate anyway) as much ad possible yo help stabilise it does help. Its rotten by you end up with a lovely prize!

You can ring the hospital and explain, they'll book you a physio slot

The cat and cow yoga poses alternately help- I did them at pregnancy yoga. Also found this massage really effective (obviously you need someone to do it on you).

m.youtube.com/watch?v=gAKjosJnkSU

Sorry, for some reason it's not clicky-linking.

Wait, I take that back.

Clearly it did clicky link. I do recommend that massage. Short but effective, doesn't need any specialist equipment.