QuestionI have been having really bad upper back pain. It feels like my ribs are going back to the place they were before I was pregnant. I am due in oct. but the pain is unbareable. I am afriad to ask my doctor because I feel like I am bothering him. I have been having bad pains in my whole body for about 1 week now.
AnswerHi Melissa ..
First of all, If you have concern about your health during pregnancy, Never ever feel bad about contacting your doctor ..this is their job ..and if you have concern then you call and report your concern. Dont ever feel like you are bothering a physician, especially when you have a worry, or unsure of something you may be feeling.
The latter part of pregnancy can be extremely uncomfortable, and painful. The last couple of months of both my pregnancies, were terribly uncomfortable.
Your abdomonal muscles are stretched to the max, to accomdate your baby. Keep in mind, that your organs are pushed right up against your lungs. Sometimes leaving you short of breath, but yes that will will certainly give you the rib sensation you speak of. This is completely normal, and the pressure that it puts on the upper half of your body can be very uncomfortable ..Again, this is normal.
Also, our bodies produce a hormone in extremely high levels called relaxin. Relaxin, keeps muscles relaxed in the pelvis area. Unfotuantly, because its levels can be extremely high during pregnancy, it will often cause pain, and inflamation in other joints in our body.
When the baby drops into the pelvis, you may feel sharp pains on the left and right side of your lower abdomen. Again, the round ligamants (the ligaments that support your uterus) Are stretched to the max as your baby grows. Also, its not uncommon to have groin aches and pains when walking or standing because of the pressure.
When you have this pressure on the pelvis, its not uncommon for pressure to also be applied on the lower spine. This making it possible for lower back pain, but also it can radiate throughout your whole back as well.
I can sympathize with you, because all the symptoms I have mentioned, I suffered, and its not fun. I clearly remember a few times, I actually just fell apart in tears, because I was so uncomfortable, and simply had enough.
However, I did take regular strength tylonol to help take the edge off. I got the okay from my doctor to do this, and I highly suggest getting the o.k from your doctor before taking any kind of medication.
Warm baths, and showers, and heating pads, took the edge off as well ..
Sitting down, and keeping your feet elevated, will also help. Infact, staying off your feet for long periods of times will probably make a noticable difference for you. Have your partner, give you a gentle back massage, just to loosen those muscles, and to relax you ..
So just know, as frustrating as it is ..what you are experiencing is normal ..
But you are due in October ..so not long to go.
Hang in there ..you will be okay. Just relax, and pamper yourself as much as you can ..
Take care, and Good Luck ..
-Kristy
