Husaini and Julie’s 5th baby, Aleyna
3 months ago she looked like this, isn’t she gorgeous?
Now for something completely unrelated. I have been struggling with back pain for the last 2 weeks. And it feels like so much longer. I’m not sure what exactly caused the pain, I don’t think there was any one factor involved. Perhaps its the 10kg I have gained, considering I’m going to gain an estimated 450g per week from now on, I hope my back starts getting accustomed to the weight. Perhaps it was working in the stroke unit. I did not have a house officer assigned to the unit so I was taking all the bloods and setting all the lines. Which is a 45 angle bend at the waist for a period of time setting the IV or taking the blood. I’m too big to kneel on the floor (which was what I used to do when I was on call as a house officerand there’s no time to think, u just do) besides it makes me light headed so I resorted to pulling chairs and sitting by the bed which ended up in lifting a couple of heavy chairs. Heavy lifting didn’t help my back.
Perhaps it was doing neurological examinations on adults most of which were twice my size at least 10 times a day. I was pulling and pushing on their limbs assessing their strength after the stroke. With the N95 mask that is compulsory, I was breathless and in pain. Perhaps its the lack of exercise since I had that cold and my gynae advised rest. The pain stops me from sleeping thru the night and when its bad during the day, every single step is excrutiating. I’ve been getting by without painkillers and back rubs by H in the evenings. But we’ve had less meals at home because I can’t bear the standing by the stove. We’ve also spent many weekends and evenings just lounging around. Mostly to rest my back and also because H isn’t comfortable with the flu situation.
The good news is that I’m rostered to the clinic this whole month of July so I’ve been sitting down the whole day these past few days. My back pain had dramatically improved! I’m still rostered to the weekend round though so I went to work and rounded today (ie stand for 3 hours) and the pain came back with a vengeance and much worse than before. I had to sleep it off in the middle of the afternoon as it was getting so bad. So now, it got me thinking, should I request for clinic rotations for the next few months? Does this also mean I can’t stand for prolonged periods or walk for long periods till I deliver due to this niggling back pain? Or is this a temporary back strain? Do all pregnant people go thru this period of pain? Any ideas, anyone?
And ps. since I’ve been doing less baking and cooking, I’ve been sooo restless and decided to pull out my old craft box after not doing any craft for the longest time. I’ve created some handmade easy baby toys and some fun food packaging. Can’t wait to share it with you!
Some pretty pics from Martha Stewart
oh no.. that must really hurt, especially with all the walking around..
maybe you should just request for easier rotations at work till you deliver? hopefully they will allow for that..
Ouch. That sounds really painful!
I hope work and the pregnancy starts going easy on you soon. By the way, when are you due? I’m sooo excited for you and H!
yes, i agree with hanna! my heart goes out to you – there’s so much standing and bending on the job, really no good for a pregnant lady. have you tried those tummy support belts? they might help… hope you get as much rest and massages and deep heat rubs as possible in between!
oh, yes, btw aleyna IS gorgeous!
Aleyna’s gorgeous! Just out of curiosity, is she of mixed parentage?
Go for a prenatal massage. Absolutely divine. You’ll so fall asleep. I recommend Marlene from Physio Solutions. 63331211. She’s so well trained and it’s not just like relaxing, but also gets you feeling better, since they use principles of physiotherapy there. She will also recommend exercises to do to ease the pain. Try it please.
Hanna: I feel like it! Just a little concerned about all the sitting in clinic tho, will it make labour more difficult? I’m confused between people who ask me to be more active and those who say I should just rest!
Elia: I have a belt Yati n Mel gave me as a early mummy to be gift. I’m just worried bout the heat cos I’m sweating enough with just normal clothes and that N95!
Anon: Aleyna is 100% Singaporean, born in NZ and think she probably has a mix of indian, chinese and caucasian
Azreen: thanks so much for the recommendation! It looks good and the prices on the website look quite reasonable too. I’ll check it out!
Oh dear, that sounds horrid! Do try to take plenty of rest, and take care. And yes, the prenatal massage sounds like a good plan; I hope you’ll feel better soon *hugs*
Looking forward to see the craft posts!
Maybe you have pelvic girdle pain, something that can happen during pregnancy. I had it a little bit during pregnancy. Adjusting your activities helps (try doing things sitting down instead of standing, don’t lift sideways, hold in your belly when lifting, don’t lift heavy things in general, don’t stand for too long…in sum try avoiding the things that makes it hurt). I really made an effort to avoid the above things and it helped a lot).
a link to the pelvic girdle pain: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelvic_girdle_pain
Hope your back is feeling better (even if it’s a little bit)!
thanks LInda.. the pain is gone now and replaced by bad stretching rib pain! Btw, I would love to see more photos of ur adorable little new addition! and congrats on the successful move!