Any advice to relieve strained stomach & back muscles?

Since yesterday my poor body has taken a battering. For no reason, I woke up from a nap yesterday and my stomach muscles are killing me. It feels like I have a stitch, but all the time. Now the pain has moved slightly to my side, but feels the same.

I'm not worried for the baby, as the pain is not 'inside' if you know what I mean. Baby is still kicking like a soccer player anyway. It's just a constant pulling and tugging of my muscles.

I get some relief from a heat bag but apart from that I'm out of ideas.

I'm open to taking pain killers, but not sure which are the best / safe during pregnancy. I also liked those heat creams, but I'm not sure if they are safe.

Any suggestions? I couldn't get out of bed to get to work today and that is not a sustainable option!

Cheers,
Fiona

I am so there with you, I could barely move yesterday I was so sore and achy

I ended up having a warm bath for over a hr, then heat pack...also found cause I drank so much water last night I am feeling a lot better today, I did a search yesterday and found not drinking enough water can cause the aches etc

HTH !!! oh I have been using tiger balm my OB said it was ok, just small amounts and to steer clear of anything like volatarin heat gels etc, also emu oil is ok its natural athritic ointment it helped some

:comfort:

It sounds like your ligaments and muscles are being stretched! I used to love having a nice bath to relax my muscles. And having plenty water can help. I know it does mean having to get up a few extra times maybe during the night but that way you physically are getting up and moving around enough so that babe' doesn't "tire out" or stretch the muscle in the one spot for a long perios of time.
And if bab' is uncomfortable they'll try move themselves but might not get it right by themselves hence leaving a bit of a tender spot where they've tried to push against you to try move.
Chat to you doc about pain relief though... Maybe try go for a professional massage too.
If it gets any worse or doesn't ease maybe chat to the hospital midwives or doc.