[Lady H]

I am 11 weeks pregnant, my last ultrasound show that everything was fine.. the baby is growing as it should be.. but I am having backache most of the time.. especially when I lay down.. is it normal to have backache during early pregnancy?

[DoulaLC]

Hi Lady H,

Yes, unfortunately backaches can be very common in early pregnancy. There are a number of things that you can try, but posture is going to be an important factor, especially as your pregnancy progresses. Just a few ideas:

* try pelvic rocks... while sitting or standing, rock your lower pelvis forward, pressing out the small of your back
* try a body pillow, or a few regular pillows tuck around you when you are sleeping... one pressed up to the small of your back may be helpful
* look into pregnancy massage now and then
* check the type of shoes you wear during the day... make sure that you have good support. If you wear high heels, limit the time that you wear them as they will through off your posture even more.
* have a warm bath or shower before bedtime
* some women will find relief by wearing a pregnancy belt that helps to support the lower back.
* ask your partner for back rubs or counter pressure... where steady pressure is applied to the area that hurts.
* try not to stand or sit for long periods... if your daily activity requires such, take breaks to walk around
* try a heating pad

[J_9]

Doula's advice is perfect. I would only like to add one thing. Increase your fluid intake. More water, don't chew ice.

During the summer months, pregnant women tend to get dehydrated easily. Muscles, tendons and ligaments need fluid. When dehydrated, even the tiniest but, we tend to have muscle aches. That includes backaches.

[Lady H]

Hi Lady H,

Yes, unfortunately backaches can be very common in early pregnancy. There are a number of things that you can try, but posture is going to be an important factor, especially as your pregnancy progresses. Just a few ideas:

* try pelvic rocks... while sitting or standing, rock your lower pelvis forward, pressing out the small of your back
* try a body pillow, or a few regular pillows tuck around you when you are sleeping... one pressed up to the small of your back may be helpful
* look into pregnancy massage now and then
* check the type of shoes you wear during the day... make sure that you have good support. If you wear high heels, limit the time that you wear them as they will through off your posture even more.
* have a warm bath or shower before bedtime
* some women will find relief by wearing a pregnancy belt that helps to support the lower back.
* ask your partner for back rubs or counter pressure... where steady pressure is applied to the area that hurts.
* try not to stand or sit for long periods... if your daily activity requires such, take breaks to walk around
* try a heating pad

Thank you so much.. this is really helpful...