Backache in pregnancy, whine moan groan.

[Ruth_Baldock]

Has anyone used any of those big sausage (mmm, sausages...) like pregnancy pillows for backache? Has it worked?

At 20w, I am HUGE (No, really, it's an eyesore...) and my back is killing me. It gets so bad that it resonates round the front of my bump and to my hips. Hot baths SOMETIMES work, but all the lugging about of buggies and toddlers doesn't help. I'd love to have regular massages, but I don't know if I have the time or ???? to cover it. I am scared of acpuncture (says the Mum with 35+ hours of tattoo work...).

Any other tricks? Crying? Blaming husband? Eating ice-cream and vowing 'Never again...'.

Alternatively, lets all moan about pregnancy aches and pains. I do love a good moan.

[KateW]

Instead of forking out for a pregnancy pillow, I used a rolled up double duvet (tied with ribbons either end) and it worked a treat (same principle/shape as the 'official' ones). Maybe give that a go?

[Ruth_Baldock]

Aha! A plan! We have an abundance of duvets here (Why?! no one ever stays, we don't NEED 4 duvets...).

[Saffron]

Did you try a TENS machine?

Or a float? http://www.floatworks.com/

Or a layer of aloe gel + a layer of white tiger balm?

(Acupuncture is fine, really! Not scary:) )

[Ruth_Baldock]

I like the idea of the tiger balm etc, I'm all for creams and such. The TENS machine doesn't really do much for me, which is odd because it was my best friend when I was in labour!

[kittysailing]

Hi Ruth I moaned about back ache when I was pregnant and dh came back from work with a sausage pillow in his sticky mitt. It really helped me- it's now gathering dust on top of wardrobe you're welcome to use it. I also went to the osteopath he clicked me right up until the day before intact birth (seems to be quite proud of this fact) he's at London bridge if you want his number. X

[Knomester]

Oh Ruth I remember the back ache well... I was already doing pilates at the Sunflower Centre in Brockley (using the machines) before I found out I was pregnant because of spine problems so I carried on until 40 weeks and swear that it was that that kept me moving. I also started pregnancy yoga at King's on a Saturday morning which was great for learning what movements and positions helped alleviate the pain and restlessness.

I did have an array of pillows, cushions, etc but really nighttimes were the worst for me so not sure if the pillows helped or not.

Moaning to husband definitely helps. In fact it's the law that you must moan.

[Moos]

Excellent post, made me smile.

Would you like to borrow my sausage thingy (wahey) to see whether it suits? I use it from time to time but would not miss it for a couple of weeks.

*goes off hastily to wash suspicious reek of elderly baby sick from pillow*

[ryedalema]

Have you got one of those belly brace thingies? They look like some straps of V STURDY elastic with velcro that you secure under bump and over bump - thereby (i think) redistributing the load around the body more. It was a G*d send for me, who managed to get sciatica too (ow ow ow). Mine was made by 3M (so pretty darn industrial!) and I got it at Mothercare at Purley way. (I've already given it to a needy friend otherwise I'd wing it your way). They are ?35 and a v good investment!

[Meathgirl]

I'm not sure you should be using aloe vera gel during pregnancy. I'd also be a bit dubious about tiger balm -- maybe you could check with your midwife before trying them. The list of essential oils and herbal remedies to avoid during pregnancy is surprisingly long. A pillow, on the other hand, won't do any harm

[Ko]

a back support belt is fab - really helped me in my pregnancy. also pilates is great for strengthening muscles and reducing back ache. yes lefting toddler doesn't help so i am still doing pilates now mine is 15mths old, otherwise the backache creeps back! do pilates at push studio who are absolutely lovely!

[Yak]

I'd also recommend using two tennis balls to massage either side of your lower back / sacrum - use them against a wall, if you see what I mean. And an exercise ball to sit on in the evenings is helping (a bit)...

[sarahf]

I also bought an exercise ball and it does help a bit. There are also some good exercises on YouTube - try searching on 'pregnancy sciatica exercises' and 'pregnancy backache exercises'. Reflexology is a less scary alternative to acupuncture - I go to Katie Sedgwick who has also treated my sciatica with craniosacral (sp?) - it makes a huge difference. I also found Amy Eddison through the forum (making the most of first pregnancy and no childcare to juggle!) and she does a wonderful pregnancy massage - affordable too. I hope that you find something that works.

[lillyanginger]

Ahh...this takes me back years.... Ruth, I went to see an Osteopath for my pregnancy related back ache and it worked very very well. Have a look at the 'British School of Osteopathy' on Borough High Street (I think). You do not need a referral and they were very good. I hope you find a remedy soon.

[esme]

Pilates excellent, acupuncture not remotely scary - go to essential therapia website, Tracey Goulden is excellent, lovely and will put you at your ease, explain the process and so on... Hope it eases x