Unmedicated Birth

HI - I'm not due for awhile yet but I thought I'd check with you ladies as you are most likely to know the answer to this.

I am 8 weeks along right now and seriously need some help with pain management.

I have chronic pain from a car accident that causes my back to seize up and results in chronic, severe headaches. I was coping with rather large doses of motrin every. single. day.  but now I can't take that and I don't think I will be able to handle this amount of pain for long.

I've arranged for a massage next week and I am really trying to keep up with my physical therapy exercises. I don't have enough money to go to physical therapy or get massages frequently enough to alleveiate the pain - do you gals know of any herbs that are safe to take that will help with muscle tension?

If you know of any good resources please let me know, google is letting me down :(

My thought is to see if you can get your OB or midwife to do a referral for a physical therapist for you, so that it can be paid by your insurance, if they will do that. Most insurances will cover PT, esp. if you get a referral for necessity. The other thing that you might try is a TENS unit--it's a little device that you attach to your back and it gives electrical stimulation that helps with pain. Some people use it for labor. I hope you find some answers!
Good luck-

Annie

So sorry to hear you are in pain. I have chronic hip pain and have been waiting to TTC...If you're looking for herbal treatments, I suggest a consultation with a chinese medicine specialist. Or perhaps your care provider can recommend safe drugs to take during PG.

I know PT can cost a lot, but you might have to put even more costs later if your condition gets worse...Have you thought about swimming? It's very low impact and might make you feel better. Whatever you choose to do, I wish you good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

By the way, I don't see a board for pregnancy with chronic pain, I would love to participate in one! :)

Have you tried Hypnobabies or something similar? After a little practice you can use it while you're completely awake and functioning in every day life. If it works for you, you could also then use it in labor. I've heard stories of women who have delivered unmedicated completely pain free using it.

I think the PPs idea about a referral for a PT would be a good idea too. Have you seen a chiropractor or an acupuncturist? They might be other pregnancy friendly options.

Good luck. I hope you're able to enjoy your pregnancy w/o chronic pain!

 

Make a pregnancy ticker

Thanks ladies - here's a little more info.

I have referrals for pain management, physical therapy and a tens unit. The problem is the the appts are a $25 copay each visit and are really only effective if I go at least twice a week. That's $200 a month, which right now might as well be a million.  The crappy insurance I have won't pay for a Tens unit, I have to shell out several hundred for that.

I'm not as worried about complications as I am about losing my job. I can sit at home all day with an ice pack to manage my headaches but then we would be homeless without my income.

What is hypnobabies? Where can I find a way to learn it? Hypnosis might actually help some - it is mostly muscle tension so if I could get deep relaxation anytime I might get some relief. 

Pretty much any alternative therapy is out - massage, accupuncture, chiropractor - because insurance won't cover it.

I really wish we could have waited to do this when I could afford a massage every week - stupid ovaries!