Of 22 Weeks and Back Aches

Today marks the 22nd week of my pregnancy, which means I am little more than halfway trhough my pregnancy! Just the thought of it really makes me excited, as each week draws me nearer to seeing, touching, and smelling my baby! Of course, I still don't know the gender (seriously, I am sooo tempted to have an ultrasound tomorrow!), but it's ok, mama Van can wait right? Once I know though, it would be doubly exciting... Rafael or Eannah? We'll find out really really soon!



22 weeks and counting!

Anyway, on to more serious stuff... For some time now I have been experiencing terrible backaches that wake me up in the wee hours of the morning. The worst I have experienced so far was at 4 a.m. this morning; I almost cried in pain! Well, actually I was crying a bit already. I tried to reposition myself, but to no avail. Since that time I was unable to sleep... Huhuhu.

So today I did a little reseach on pregnancy and back aches, and this was what I have gathered from About.com:


Why Your Back Hurts

When you are pregnant your body produces a variety of hormones. One of these hormones is called Relaxin. Sounds like something really soothing and helpful, which it is, for birth. Relaxin causes the ligaments and the pelvis to soften to allow the baby out through the pelvis. This is also why pregnant women "waddle."

In addition the pelvis relaxing for the upcoming event of birth, your uterus is growing and this does two things:
• Changes your center of gravity
• Relaxing uterine ligaments cause additional strain to be placed on the spine and your surrounding muscles
• Your overstretched abdominal muscles are also not equipped to handle the entire weight of the uterus so your spine and back muscles will bear this extra burden as well.

To ease the back pains, the following should be done:

• Utilize good posture
• Use proper lifting techniques
• Pelvic rocking
• Massage
• Sleep with pillows supporting your legs and back
• Wear flat heeled shoes that offer good support
• Heat (bath, shower, pad, sock)
• Swimming
• Don't move in a jerky fashion
• Stretch daily

Well.. I have done these things, but still my back aches. Probably it's worsened by the fact that I am thin, thus my body is not used to the extra weight/pressure in my abdominal area. Oh well... I wills till continue doing the above, and will consult my OB regarding this. At least I only experience this when I sleep. I hope though that my body will get used to the changes and my back pains will be lessened a bit.