Exercise to help the aching?

Hi all!

So in the last week the aching has begun in earnest; lower back, ribs, front, sides. If I stretch I seem to pull something, if I shift positions on the sofa I feel a twinge. I've been staying active by walking about 15/20 minutes every day (and doing reps with two 3lb dumbells), but now when I walk I get a nasty stitch in my side. It happened again last night when I was out with hubby and I really had to stop for a minute. Believe me, this is gentle, flat surface walking, no uphill marathon like I used to do, lol!!

I read somewhere (in a reputable book no less, not a scary google) that walking now can bring on too many BH's and possibly PTL (really? Has anyone heard about that?) and this plus the stitches are making me rethink my form of activity. I thought maybe I was doing too much and tried resting for a day but that left me with Restless Total BODY Syndrome and unable to sleep! I'd like to keep active for as long as I can.


Mommas, does anyone have advice on any form of exercise - or pampering- that helped the aching? Prenatal yoga? Swimming? (I'm not much of a swimmer but open to suggestion). Warm baths? (can we use Epsom Salts while pg?) Did anyone have a prenatal massage and find it beneficial?

(Next OB visit is Tuesday so I'll be sure to tell him about all of these recent developments ... until then, no more walking for me just in case).

TIA and have a great day!!

Molly

 

I am not at all a good swimmer, but the pool saved my life! Floating for about an hour a day did wonders for all the pain and pressure in my ribs, hips and back. I'd do a few kicks - nothing too strenuous. It was only a blow-up pool, so I couldn't really swim, but I got a little exercise and really relished the weighletness .

My big warning -- please be serious about sunscreen. I got the dreaded pregnancy mask and my face will never be the same. I didn't always take the time to slick up and now I really wish I had.

 

Swimming works great for me-helps with swelling also. I used epsom salts all during my last pregnancy and with this one as well but I never even thought to ask my OB so I would be curious to know too. I am having all of those same aches and pains and I can't imagine it is only going to get worse-EEK!

 

I walked 2.5 miles 3 days a week until 34 weeks at which point I woke up that morning and the babies had suddenly gotten heavy. Same with the dumbells but I started sitting while doing weights at some point due to something I read that you bear down when using weights or to prevent hurting your lower back- I can't remember exactly. My doctor said my activity level was fine as long as my heart rate was below 140 and I felt well. I felt that stitch also in my right lower side, i'm pretty sure it's just your body telling you it needs more oxygen so just make sure you're breathing well. Also, there's a normal feeling of pressure on the lower stomach as you get bigger which is just the weight of the babies and don't let it scare you.

 

I definitley agree with the pool/swimming. . .I am currently 22 weeks and experiencing the same as you. . .aches and pains, back pain with sciatica, and many twinges (especially at night). . .I have found the pool is GREAT for exercising! Pelvic rocking (moving your hips side to side), leg lifts, floating and swimming a couple laps not only give me the exercise but the pool also feels great and takes all the pressure off your belly and back etc. . . I would live in the pool if I could~LOL! I have a bad back to begin with (lower disc problems) so this twin pregnancy has been tough on my back but the exercises in the pool seem to really help!!

Good Luck!!

Laura

 

Swimming was a suggestion I got a lot as well, unfortunately I wasn't able to due to a terbutaline pump. But I've heard a lot that it would be helpful.
Also, I spent probably 40 of my last 48 hours before I delivered in the bath tub. It felt so good. So maybe you could try that!

 

totally agree with the swimming. Even if you dun swim, jus walking briskly in the pool helps, esp when the water takes the weight off us and let the aching muscles rest. Swim galore!!

 

I've just started all the same pains since this last weekend as well. They feel so heavy and I've only gained 20 pounds, yikes! My son is coming home from his dads on Friday and I plan to go to the pool with him a lot. I got a really cute bathing suit from target and I really want to use it before I get entirey too big for it.
I love taking baths as well but only right before my DH comes home, that way he can help me out of the tub!
My back has been killing me lately as well and my DH is the worst at massages, can't make it past 3 minutes without stopping and whining about his hands getting sore. I got so upset that I started crying, it hurts sooooo bad! I can't get comfortable at all anymore.

One more thing, anyone have recomendations for a good massager? I thought maybe then DH couldn't complain...

 

About massager, I asked a doctor friend and he recommended seeing a professional physiotherapist who is trained in pre-natal massage. He warned against outside masseur, as they might be inexperienced and does not practice using medical knowledge.

 

I swam four times a week all throughout my pregnancy and loved it. Floating in the pool was the most relaxing time of my whole day. At first I swam laps but then when I got bigger and lazier I would mostly float and propel my giant body around the pool slowly. Warm baths never helped me because I couldn't stretch out fully in our tub and the water never relaxed me. I needed it hot to relax and of course, you can't do that while pregnant.

Pregnancy massage was worth it for me -- but only for a day or two after each massage. I agree with the PP, go to someone who is an expert in prenatal massage, not just the regular massage place down the street that offers every time of massage including prenatal. The final thing that helped me was visiting an osteopath regularly. He stretched my neck and spine and cracked all sorts of places in my body. It really helped with sciatic nerve pain and my general achiness. Best of all - my insurance covered it!