Back pain!! What a pain!!

[eternalEfit]

This is my 2nd pregnancy and I didn't have this nagging back pain with my first (I'm 16 weeks)...does this mean I'll experience back labor? I don't even have a belly yet, I've only gained 7 pounds so far and I feel it's all in my lumbar spine! I thought I was in better shape in this pregnancy since now I teach and have taken better care of myself...what have I done wrong?

I'd love to live in one of those maternity belts from Motherhood Maternity, except they told me you're really not supposed to wear it for extened periods of time...


I'm willing to hear what you've done for relief; maybe I've not thought of it yet


Thanks for the feedback,
Myra

 

[bridge]

My two cents...get in the water. Water aerobics and/or swimming should help.

 

[Hazel]

Well, I'd like to hear the rationale behind not wearing a support belt for extended periods. I wore one A LOT in my first pregnancy and it really helped. Of course, if someone could explain to me why this is a bad idea (I understand that after pregnancy, you don't want to do this because you want to encourage your muscles to start working on their own again) I'll stand corrected. So you have my permission to wear that belt as much as you want!!

And although I did have back labor (which I would not wish on my worst enemy), I don't think that your current complaint is any indication that you'll experience this particular problem. Back labor means that the back of the baby's head is against your spine (they're supposed to be face down). The baby doesn't turn into the head down position (at least not permanently) until very late in the pregnancy. So don't add that to your list of worries just yet.

 

[tchersue]

I don't know of any relationship between back pain and back labor... more likely, either the baby is hanging out in a weird place or you are picking up a younger child (I'm guessing since you didn't say how old your first is).

Is the pain in your lower back and sort of down your butt or into your leg... it could be sciatica.

Another thing than can cause back pain is diastasis recti (abdominal split)... if your abs are compromised (and if you were split last time, this may happen sooner in a 2nd pregnancy), it causes your back to pick up most of the job of supporting your spine.

If it isn't uncomfortable, doing moderate weight training might help... you could also try sitting on a stability ball to keep your spine in alignment while doing free weights. Also, concentrate on your posture when you are doing normal activities like sitting at a desk or walking in the mall.

I had horrible lower back pain in my 5th & 6th mos. when I was pregnant with my son (in my case, it wasn't sciatica), and then it suddenly disappeared at about 6 1/2 mos. There was a PT taking the same prenatal class I was taking, and she recommended putting either a rolled up towel or tennis ball or two between my back and the chair when I was sitting. It helped quite a bit... If nothing else works, you might ask your OB if you can get a referral to a PT.
Hope your pain is temporary!!
Susan
Healthy Moms Certified Perinatal Fitness Instructor