Being Pregnant
“And Not One of Those Silly Belly Band Things”
11 weeks left, and my lower back is waving the white flag.
I’ve made it to the third trimester, kinda like arriving at third base, with the home plate in sight. For the most part, it’s exciting and I’m really enjoying it.
But not surprising to me at all, my lower back, has, well, you could say hit an all time low. Quick recap: By the end of the day, if I sit down on our sofa or lay down in bed, I actually cannot get up on my own (or without severe pain). I have a horrible “pinching” and “burning” sensation that is so painful, that it makes getting out of my current position, or heaven forbid walk up a flight of stairs (which we have three of in my home), virtually impossible.
Feel free to call me grandma, just don’t mock my walker with tennis balls on its front legs, please.
Anyway, I was at my doctor last week and I casually mentioned my back and the issues I’m having with it.
She replied: “You need a structured back brace, and I’m not talking about one of those silly belly band things either.”
So for the past few days, I’ve been doing a little research. This strong as steel belly band piece of armor thing is going to set me back a pretty penny, that’s for sure. But, given that I still have 11 (or more) weeks of getting bigger (and way bigger), I don’t feel I have much of a choice.
It just looks, um, really uncomfortable for a girl whose wardrobe necessities include leggings, yoga pants, or simply no pants at all.
How about you? Have you ever had to wear a structured back brace before? How was it?
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6 Comments
snakecharmer commented on Oct 26 11 at 11:59 amI’d heard about proper support belts and braces since my mother wore a corset type maternity support for all three of her pregnancies (back in the 70′s) and loved it. I bought two (one medium support and one heavy support) for my first pregnancy and looooooooved them! They saved my back and helped with skin/muscle stretching. I’ve had chronic back issues ever since my late teens and knew that pregnancy would be challenging. I’m doing the same with this second pregnancy and tell other moms out there about it. Gabrialla is the brand that I bought online.
Cheryl commented on Oct 26 11 at 12:00 pmWith my second I had to start wearing a brace at about 23 weeks. It was the only thing that seemed to help with my SI joint and back pain and allowed me to work for another 10 weeks (I do a lot of lifting and bending at my job). They aren’t the most comfortable, but when they work, worth it.
You’re best to get a brace from a physiotherapist who has experience with pregnancy-related concerns and women’s health. S/he will be able to fit you with the best product for your body and your specific needs. I also found it helpful to try a couple different styles of braces as some did nothing at all and the one I actually purchased worked well. Good luck.
snakecharmer commented on Oct 26 11 at 12:04 pmOh and in terms of comfort, I was willing to sacrifice some stylishness for comfort and low/no backpain so it depends on what you’re willing to do. I found mine not to be too noticeable even under leggings and long tunics.
AmyRenee commented on Oct 26 11 at 1:16 pmIf you have a Flexible Spending or Health Savings Account, ask your doctor to write you a prescription, then go to a medical supply store – a back brace is considered medical equipment and you can use FSA/HSA funds for it. Still not cheap, but probably worth it compared to the cost of dealing with after-the-fact back issues.
Nadia commented on Oct 26 11 at 3:13 pmI need to get me one of those! If I didn’t have two weeks or less left of my pregnancy, I would definitely invest in one. My back is killing me!
http://www.fitandpreggers.com
reebs commented on Oct 28 11 at 8:27 amI’m 30 weeks pregnant and a yoga teacher- please please please try some prenatal yoga! It’s such a relief for back and hip pain and helps strengthen you to be able to take on that belly. I’m not saying don’t work with your doctor, but it could be a great supplement. There are prenatal videos gallore, some even streaming on Netflix, so don’t feel like you even have to spend a lot of money going to a fancy studio. Good luck!
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