how much pain is too much?

[Kaitlind]

For the past four days I've had really excruciating pain in my lower back and tailbone. It's a constant pain that gets worse when I move. It doesn't hurt so bad when I stand up and stand still, but when I walk, or sit down in a chair, it's unbelievable. When I cough or sneeze I almost pass out, it's like I gasp and then get really light headed and have to stop what I'm doing. My question is: is this normal? I know aches and pains come with the territory, but how much is too much? Can my baby feel the pain too? I'm 18+ 3 AND I haven't gained very much weight, about four pounds, so I know it's not from weight gain. Should I go get checked out? I know I can't take much for it, but I really don't know if I'm supposed to feel like this. Thanks in advance for your answers!

[Kaitlind]

I'm at a pain level where exercise just makes it worse. I'm working on stretching but as soon as my back gets the slightest curve is when the pain is most intense  I just drank water and had a nap, and it feels slightly better, until I sneeze. Oh boy, that is some of the worst pain. But I know the stretches will help in the long run. I just hope it all heals before I go into labor, it's been a long time since I've injured my back, so I don't remember how we'll I'm going to heal.

[Cali_Momma]

I had a horrible time last night I couldn't sleep at all because of the pain I was having on my lower back. I called my Dr first thing in the morning and was told it was my pelvis stretching moving whatever. She only thing I can do is try to exercise to reduce back pain or/and use a heating pad. I just used a heating bad and it def made me feel better!!! Not completely but something at least you know. I'm 22 weeks today.

[Kaitlind]

He also said that baby won't be affected, but if I   start feeling the pain in my stomach then go back.

[Kaitlind]

He said I probably  lifted something too heavy and I sprained my back. Rest, regular strength tylenol and a heating pad was what he prescribed. And no lifting anything heavier then a purse until the pain goes away. These next few weeks are gonna be long!

[Chelsea2510]

Good luck

[Kaitlind]

Didn't even check what I posted last. Definitely not an UTI, there are no other symptoms, just the back pain. I go see the doctor in about an hour so we'll see then

[Kaitlind]

Thanks Chelsea, it might be the disc but defimutely not a iron, no other symptoms present

[Chelsea2510]

Possible slip disc in your back or severe uti they hurt very bad hope u feel better

[Kaitlind]

I understand what you mean. It's hard for me to know what's normal because this is the first pregnancy that's reached this far for me. So it was a case of 'is this supposed to feel like this?' I know some discomfort is to be expected but it's drawing that line that I'm unsure of. Thanks again, I'll make sure to let you know later what he says.

[Ashelen]

Glad you're getting checked :). It's hard to say if it's normal without knowing the cause...lower back pain is normal. Sciatic pain is normal and can even be severe...but since it may be something more serious I hesitate to say it's normal, you know? Hopefully you'll have a quick answer this afternoon!

[Kaitlind]

Thank you Ashelen, I just called and made an appointment for this afternoon with my doctor, just wanted to see if this was normal.

[Ashelen]

When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and get checked out. Baby can't feel the pain BUT when your body is in severe pain, you release a stress hormone called cortisol that isn't good for cell growth. It won't cause deformities or disabilities but it can raise baby's heart rate, not to mention your blood pressure, so it's best when you're having severe pain to get checked out.
Plus severe lower back pain can actually be a type of labor pain and may indicate preterm labor, so I would be seen ASAP.

Most likely it's sciatic pain in my experience, but even if it's nothing more serious you want to be safe rather than sorry, and if it is something musculoskeletal then the doctor can offer relief in the form of physical therapy, chiropracty, acupressure therapy, etc.

Good luck!