Coping with back ache during pregnancy - and a surprise gift!

Don't you just love surprises? I do, but only when it's a proper surprise. When Ian says "I've got you something, but you'll have to wait and see" it drives me potty, I need to know, and I pester him until he tells me. But when you get something unexpected, well that I love! Back in my 16 week pregnancy update I mentioned that I had been getting a bit of an achey back and hips, so imagine my delight when a care package arrived from Deep Freeze with some goodies and gifts to help me through my pregnancy.

The kind folk at Deep Freeze had heard that I was pregnant, and without even knowing whether or not I was suffering from back ache, they sent me a lovely congratulations package full of their Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patches and Cold Gel along with a fitness ball to use for pregnancy exercises (and maybe the birth!) and a "mum-to-be" gift set. It might seem presumptuous to have sent their pain relief products, but apparently 98% of expectant mums end up suffering with back pain at some point during pregnancy. That's nearly all mums! And as it turns out, I was one of them.

So what causes so many of us mums-to-be to suffer? Pregnancy puts enormous strain on our bodies; nine months might seem like a long time but we go through rapid changes and weight gain and the extra strain can lead to health issues like muscular back ache. Most mums will gain somewhere between 22lb-26lb and most of that weight is gained during the second half of pregnancy.

I'm not one to use pain killers often, especially during pregnancy, as even paracetamol should only be used with the lowest dose and for the shortest possible time. We're really limited to what medication we can use during pregnancy, but Deep Freeze is an effective, drug-free alternative that is completely safe for us and our bumps. It's works using by using cooling therapy at the point of the pain, which can decrease blood flow to help minimise swelling and inflammation. It's a bit like using ice for pain, but a lot more convenient. My aching back is very appreciative, and as I keep telling myself, there's not much longer to go now!

The NHS has got lots of advice and tips on how to cope with and prevent back ache during pregnancy. Here are some of their tips:

- avoid lifting heavy objects
- bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting or picking up something from the floor
- move your feet when turning round to avoid twisting your spine
- wear flat shoes as these allow your weight to be evenly distributed (Converse for the win!)
- work at a surface high enough to prevent you stooping
- try to balance the weight between two bags when carrying shopping
- sit with your back straight and well supported
- make sure you get enough rest, particularly later in pregnancy

Did you suffer with back ache during pregnancy? How did you cope?

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