backache, fibromyalgia and pregnancy

[vixey]

I've been told by people I work with that back ache is only common at the end of pregnancy and I should be concerned if I'm getting bad back pain at the beginning 😕 I'm 8 weeks + 5 days. I have fibromyalgia so backache and generalised pain isn't exactly new to me, however this is bad, and now I'm worried because I've been told it isn't normal 🤔 I'd presumed until now that it was just my body adjusting but now I'm worried. xxx

Back pain is very normal.
I had it so much throughout the whole pregnancy.

All your ligaments and muscles will be loosening with the hormones ramping up even though it's early, so super normal to get aches and pains in back.

I have physical disabilities including hip dysplasia and scoliosis and have had an increased level of back pain since the start of pregnancy. I figured its normal for me since I get back pain as standard. Comparing myself to a non-disabled pregnant woman is like comparing apples and oranges. I have been having paracetamol, baths and rest that are helping. Chronic pain is my normality so it hasn't actually bothered me, the nausea was harder to deal with as it's new to me.

I have fibromyalgia and suffered horribly with pain in the first trimester. Heat really helped, I would be curled in a ball and text DH to bring me a hot water bottle - usually he would arrive with two, one for my front and one for my back. Then I just had to wait for it to ease off.

I spoke to the midwives who weren't worried as long as I wasn't also bleeding, but they said it was probably round ligament pain. It eased off in the second trimester, I remember 8-10 weeks being the absolute worst of it but it did get better.

I'm currently 35 weeks pregnant with a healthy pregnancy so far!

@planbea
its so nice to hear from someone who also has fibromyalgia and has so far had a successful pregnancy. I have faced alot of criticism from people who thjnk I won't cope with motherhood or being pregnant, which I know is rubbish but it gets to me anyway.
hot water bottles always used to work for me but I was concerned about using them in pregnancy but might actually try it if other people are doing. thanks xxx

@vixey I'm a big believer in doing whatever makes life easier. For example, we tested prams out to see which one I could best use without my crutch but could also lift into the car by myself (ended up with the silver cross pioneer, heavy enough to support me but light enough to lift), got the adapters to raise the seat up higher for less bending over, we got a swivel car seat so I don't need to bend in and out, that kind of thing. I've spent most my pregnancy doing nothing as I'm off my usual painkillers and just taking everything as easy as possible. I've had moments of "am I mad doing this?" but I have a lot of love and nurturing to give, and I have all sorts of coping mechanisms (plus a very supportive husband/family!). Heat is definitely part of my fibro toolkit, so hot water bottles or warm baths have been keeping me going when I'm off my usual painkillers.

Have you got a good GP/have you been referred to pain management? One of the best things I did when I was diagnosed was insist on a pain management clinic referral, and they have been exceptionally helpful in managing my fibro in my changing circumstances over time. I'd recommend asking to see them!

@planbea
Well I've spent today either asleep or in the bath, but it was so needed. this is tough but I need to cope better with it if I've got 9 months to contend with. fingers crossed it isn't this bad through the whole pregnancy xxx

Hi, I have fibro and chronic fatigue syndrome. When I first found out I was pregnant I was quite worried about the levels of pain I would feel. I’m 27 weeks now and I have to say I hadn’t really felt an amount of increased pain, not a lot more than normal, but this last week has been a bit tough. I usually suffer quite bad with hip and shoulder pain but it’s been ok so far. I did have my whooping cough vaccine only a few days ago and side effects can include muscle aches so I don’t know if the increased back pain I’ve had this week has been because of the jab. As others have said a nice warm bath always helps, having my partner rub my back when it feels particularly sore, a heating pad or electric blanket on the affected area, hot water bottles like you’ve said (just make sure you’re not putting it directly on your skin, have it over your top and not too hot), or maybe even a tens machine if you have one or are planning on getting one for your labour, I find my tens machine helps when I’m experiencing bad nerve pain.
Also, how dare people make comments about your ability to be a good mother or being able to cope in pregnancy! I know it’s easier said than done but ignore every comment. You know yourself you will be a good mother and that’s all that matters. The fact you’re fighting fibro in the first place shows how strong you are.
Just take it easy during your pregnancy, try to relax as much as you can and avoid stress if you can, as for me I know stress makes my pain worse.
Wishing you all the best and I hope you can find a nice pain management plan in your pregnancy ☺️

And ignore anyone with a smile whenever they suggest paracetamol 😂

@nam095
thanks for your message. its awful how people feel the need to comment on other people's lives.
I'm feeling a little better today, it's just one big roller coaster isn't it. feel like a im doing is sleeping or resting but today I'm making a conscious effort to go out for a walk with my husband.
thanks for your advice, greatly recieved. xxxxx

Sorry to jump on but I'm 5 weeks today have fibromyalgia and my back feels like it's breaking 😢 is this normal?