Backache second trimester

8 replies

AliceinBunniland · 25/01/2021 13:30

I'm nearly 17 weeks pregnant and the past couple of days I'm struggling with back pain.

Last night I couldn't get comfortable to sleep as being on either side hurt (felt like I was on a nerve or something and it almost cause a spasm type pain) but I can't sleep on my back or front. Tried sleep propped up on my back but it was still painful.

I managed to get some sleep and it felt better when I woke up but I'm in pain again now.

I have PGP and diastasis recti (ab separation) from first pregnancy so I think that this could be contributing plus my boobs are massive for my otherwise relatively petite frame. I'm on my mid-30s.

Any advice?

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SamoyedFan123 · 25/01/2021 15:28

No advice really in afraid, but I do sympathise as I'm 16+1 and have also been suffering for the last week. Unlike yours, mine isn't too bad at night when I'm in bed, but during the day it's utterly miserable. Just standing up to do the dishes or cook dinner makes me feel like crying. I've tried getting out walking more as I'm normally very fit and active, but due to bad MS, early bleeding, catching covid and multiple lockdowns I've done very little exercise since getting pregnant, but walking actually makes it ten times worse. My last pregnancy was twins 2 years ago age I don't remember anything like this! I'm genuinely worried about how much worse it's going to get as the months go on. Like you I suspect my twin pregnancy has just ruined my abdominal muscles to the point they're just not supporting the extra weight and size anymore, even though they were actually pretty strong again when I was back to training between pregnancies.

Original poster

AliceinBunniland · 25/01/2021 16:15

Hi SamoyedFan I called midwife earlier as middle back was quite painful. She said doesn't sound like anything to worry about (I am a worrier) but recommended paracetamol, as I thought she would. I try not to take it but I took two at about 2pm and I do feel better now so maybe they helped. She also suggested a hot water bottle.

My ab separation got much better too but has clearly returned as the top of my bump is bigger than the bottom so I think it is lack of support.

At least you can sleep. Mine is worse when I lie down but I think it's cause of the unevenness being on one side. I was active yesterday and today cleaning end tidying so I'm not sure whether being active makes it better or worse but I haven't been that active generally either...

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SamoyedFan123 · 25/01/2021 19:19

@AliceinBunniland I'm glad your MW reassured you. I have my 16w appt on engraver so was going to mention it then, but like you I expect she'll just say to take paracetamol. I really feel for you if it's bad so night too - i just get the odd twinge when I'm lying down it's just when I'm up on my feet that's its constant and miserable. I think the top of my bump is bigger than the bottom too so it's intetesting that you said that!

SamoyedFan123 · 25/01/2021 19:19

On Wednesday * that should have said!

professionalnomad · 25/01/2021 19:22

My back is KILLING ME! And I have massive boobs which doesn't help. My lower back gets so sore its hard for me to stand up or sit down. I also get so stiff I can't walk properly. Have you got a pregnancy pillw to sleep with at night? I find that helpful? And a pregnancy wedge. I've also bought myself an electric back massager. Hot water and yoga help a lot too

Original poster

AliceinBunniland · 25/01/2021 19:23

Yes the midwives are good and sorry I didn't mean to make it sound like that. I just meant it is good you can sleep. I feel better now so I'm hoping it might just have been related to bending down and cleaning but I think I need to find my pregnancy pillow or buy a new one.

I have a physio appointment online for my PGP so I'll mention it to her too and I'll let you know if she has any helpful advice.

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serialplanner · 25/01/2021 19:41

Osteo asap if you can afford it x

Original poster

AliceinBunniland · 25/01/2021 20:22

@professionalnomad sorry I missed your reply before. I have big boobs and I think they are a factor! I have a pregnancy pillow from my first pregnancy but it's in the garage since we moved house over a year ago so I don't know quite where it is and I suspect i might need a new one anyway. I've been sleeping with a pillow in front of me and a pillow behind but nothing would help my back last night. I haven't really seen pregnancy wedges so I'll have to look at those. I am thinking of doing some yoga and stretches too. I hope it eases for us all soon!

@serialplanner Thanks. If it continues I might have to as I really could not lie comfortably in any position last night. I plan to speak to the physio tomorrow as well. I think she may be a pelvic specialist though... x

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