Backache in pregnancy

Posted by Babeez (308 days ago)

Hi all,

I have just entered my third trimester and my back is really killing me, especially getting up from a seated position. i have tried the tilts but it hasn't helped. I just wondered to what degree is backache normal in pregnancy? The books say that standing too long aggravates it but i am the opposite. I can sit for about 30 minutes and then i feel the pain running down to my legs. From there, the backache lasts for a few hours and it's hard to walk or stand straight. It's almost like a raw nerve. I have kept up some swimming and walk everyday and work part-time but my job requires me to sit. Is this much pain all normal? I have an appointment with my Doc on Tuesday and i have a feeling that he is goign to say it's all normal. Is it really?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Find what you are after in our Hong Kong A-Z Directory

Posted by mucilagineux (308 days ago)

If the pain runs down your legs then the baby probably 'sits' on your sciatic nerve. Your doc will probably tell you that this kind of pain is all normal in pregnancy. I find that gentle yoga exercises help as well as walking. Some women in the same situation prefer to lie down though so see what works best for you. Good luck.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Wheelymate (308 days ago)

I am experiencing backaches alot more with this 2nd pregnancy. I guess not only is the baby weighing down on you, the position of your baby can also aggravate your backache if I am not wrong.

However, I am not sure about your sitting and then having the leg pain as I have not experienced that. What I do experience is not being to get up if I have been lying on the carpet, my husband has to lift me up like a big whale, haha!

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by Babeez (308 days ago)

Getting up for me is hard too...i guess all this is normal then! :)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by sandydee (304 days ago)

try a pregnancy massage at sutherland chan centre Central!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by wasabigizmobunny (304 days ago)

Try the Cat's cradle exercise: http://www.fitpregnancy.com/slideshow/from_article/778?fitness=1
I find that it really helps with backache. I had very mild backaches at around 20 weeks but now at 28 weeks I have NO backache but I've been doing the cat's cradle post on and off so it might have helped. I do find, however, that in certain positions my right legs goes really numb in a matter of minutes (prpbably from the baby pressing against a nerve.)

(I am based in Hong Kong)