what can i do about these back aches!!!

[ccasanova]

I'm 18 wks. along so i'm sure they're not from the baby's weight. but they are so bothersome! i know i'm supposed to keep good posture in every position i'm in, but that is so difficult to remember, especiall when tired. I've heard about the heating pads but is they're any exercises other then pelvic tilts and cat stretches that will help? my back mainly hurts when i bend over to pick something up and then when i'm getting up again. I'm trying to remember to bend at knees and not from my waist, but then i staart getting left knee pain from having to bend down to the floor and putting so much pressure on the knees! :( This is no fun. (the pain i mean) Does anyone know if those thermacare patches are ok to wear during pregnancy? you know, the ones that you wrap around and wearfor 8 hrs? just for the back not the stomach cramp ones. tHanks for any suggestions!

[LizaBear]

No idea about the heating pads or patches, but what I've found very helpful this time around is sitting on an excersice ball as often as I can.

It kind of forces you to have better posture, and in turn strenthens the back muscles. Stronger back muscles hold you up easier, and are less painful.

But it wasn't a quick fix - took weeks of sitting on this ball as often as I could.

Oh - and I cajole my hubby into massaging my back almost nightly too, which feels really good. As does a visit to my chiropractor.

[TRIBE]

I only used the heatwrap in labor. They are ok to use but you need to watch that you don't get too warm, just like with a too hot bath.

And definetly try the excercise ball, it does wonders for your back!

Oh and HI Cynthia--its Jennie from the sweetnappies co-op :)

[guerrillamama]

i started a yoga class at about 20 weeks and it was GREAT for my back pain in all its many forms. i did have really bad pelvic pain, tho, and for that i made my own heat pad: poured rice into a big old sock, sewed up the end, microwaved it for about 4 min.... it was the best.