| babyworld

Hello,

I’ve just turned 19 weeks pregnant with my second child, I’ve recently started experiencing really intense back ache, started around 17 weeks and is now a daily irritation! Its crept up into my neck today. The only comfort for it is heat and sitting and resting it. I don’t want to have to stop getting on with my day to day things because of it.

I didn’t suffer with it during my last pregnancy but I was entirely different then, I was in the gym or swimming 3-4 times a week last time. In the last 2 and half years I’ve done no exercise at all, aside from running around after a toddler!

I’m thinking of starting pregnancy yoga purely for the backache, do you think this would be a help? I need to find a resolution as its becoming a real drag!

Thank you

Hi,

Sorry to hear about the backache. This is a common pregnancy complaint, unfortunately. Paracetamol (as per packet instructions) is the only painkiller that can be taken in pregnancy other than on medical advice, so if you wanted to try something stronger, you’d need to see your GP. You might like to have a look at babyworld’s page on backache to see if there’s anything suggested there that might help http://babyworld.co.uk/2011/07/backache-in-pregnancy/.

Have you asked your midwife or GP about being referred to an obstetric physiotherapist? If not, you may want to discuss this with them. Other pregnant women with back pain are helped by osteopathy or chiropractic. You will probably have to pay for this service, but if this is something you choose, make sure you see a practitioner who is properly registered and experienced in the care of pregnant women. I hope you find some relief soon.