Back pain when lifting leg

[westy]

I was getting undressed to have a shower and when i lifted my right leg up to take my shorts off i got the most excruiating pain in my back so much so i could have almost cried. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this happen ? I had a shower and felt ok after standing there with hot water running over my back for what felt like 5 minutes then when i got out and went to get dressed it happened again, no worries with my left leg it's only when i lift my right leg -i'm wondering if it's because bub is laying off to the right and pressing against a nerve or something ????

[Carrie]

Hey there Westy,
It could be the psoas muscle is tight - a muscle which starts at the 12th thoracic vertebrae and attaches at the theigh bone. It is this muscle that helps you lift your leg. There are stretches that you can do for it, or see an osteo and they should be able to help also.
Just google psoas stretch and you should find something with an illustration to help - easier than me trying to explain.

[2CheekyMonkeys]

umm.. not too sure. i had pain around the tail bone kind of area when i lifted my leg etc. physio said to sit down on the bed to put your pants on, that way you arent lifting your leg and having all your weight on one side.

[HotI]

not sure what it is but i get it too when trying to put my pants on. i have found its easier to have the pants low so i only have to lift my foot a little bit, put it in the pants and then lift them up. also sitting to put pants on helps.

[Traveller]

it could also be sciatica, which is excruciating and caused when the sciatic nerve is squashed by the growing baby. I would recommend you mention this to your midwife or go and see a chiro as there are often techniques that can be used to help relieve the pressure and stop the pain.

[Persephone1]

I was going to say sciatica as well. I've had it and it is exactly as you describe. Youch.

I would recommend a visit to a physio or Bowen therapist. Both are safe to do whilst pregnant as long as they're experienced.

If it is sciatica, pilates, yoga and swimming are all good. Sciatica whilst pregnant is not uncommon, but it can usually only be "managed" not cured. After you've had the baby you can strengthen your tummy muscles (including your psoas) which helps support your back.

Good luck!