Back Pain

Back ache can be really painful, here's a couple of things I tried ;

• Support pillow - I bought one from "Mothercare," which is triangular shaped and supports the base of your back - useful in work when you are sitting down. I ended up taking mine in the car and out when we went visiting or out for meals! Doesn't solve the problem, but did help.

• Tens machine - its electrical pulses help back ache and some ladies use it for the first stages of labour, its advised for you to be over the 28 weeks though so just check before using one - I never used one so not sure how good they are! I know our midwives offered them for use for free (if they were available), but plenty of places hire them.

• Swimming - I went swimming a few times, I know how tired you can get after work but it does help support your tummy weight and gives you some relief as well as the obvious exercise.

• Exercise ball - I used one quite a lot! I sat watching television just swaying and gently bouncing, its helps the backache and prepares your pelvis for the labour, it can also encourage the baby to get into the correct position ie. head down!

• Back massage - tell your partner its "for the baby" and a really firm rub at the base of the spine does wonders.

Hope some of the above helps if you are suffering, don't forget most back aches disappear once the baby arrives, so you only have to cope for 9 months :)

--Sarahob (talk) 21:53, 29 April 2013 (UTC)