Bad back, pregnancy, wheelchair,

[lizziebell88]

Ok so I am 23 and in my 3rd trimester. I have been diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy type 2 @ 18 months old. I had harrington rods placed in my back when i was 12 for scoliosis. I also have damage from a car accident in 2006. My baby tends to stay more on the right side of my tummy and its the right side of my lower back, into my hip and down that leg that is really starting to cause pain. I have been taking pain meds throughout my pregnancy because it was best for me. But its getting really bad. I dont know what to do or how to relax my back. what can i do?

[lizziebell88]

i wish it was that easy, i've been thinking and figured i was 87 pounds before pregnancy and now i weigh 110 - 115. the doctors estimated me to weigh around 116 to 123 at the time of delivery. i just want to know if there is a safe method to soothe the back. i.e. heat, massage?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

I am not sure about the weeks of pregnancy, but stress on the spine is greatest around 35-37 weeks; after 37 weeks the stress may be slightly relieved with descent of the foetus. At this stage you could try exercises like swimming, specific physical therapy or pre-natal yoga and see if these may seem to help.
Hopefully things should be better with time.

Take care!