Coping with Back Pain Whilst Pregnant

If you follow me on social media you may have seen me occasionally moan about my back. This little boy has certainly given me a few aches and pains along the way, and now with only five weeks left to go I have been getting (at times) unbearable back pain. Being unable to turn to the usual oral pain killers, we all know that's a big no no when pregnant, I thought I was going to just have to grin and bare it. Thankfully I was introduced to something that really has helped. The Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patch. 
A recent study from Deep Freeze revealed that 26 per cent of pregnant women exercise twice a week, with a further 16 per cent exercising once a week. However, of the 36 per cent of those who choose not to exercise, 20 per cent choose not to due to back pain. I come under the category of those who have chosen not to do exercise due to back pain, I used to love going on long walks but have been reduced to tears on occasions due to back pain and have had to cut many walks short. It is one of the most frustrating things about pregnancy when you feel like you can't do something you once loved to do. For example on our recent wedding anniversary Hubby surprised me to a trip to Holkham Beach, a place I had wanted to visit for a while, and I just couldn't manage the walk to the sea front, my back pain was just too much. 
I felt so awful that this pain had caused us to cut our trip short, and that has been quite true throughout this pregnancy. It's not nice when you have a little one who is wanting to enjoy the summer and her own mommy can't do the basics like walking or even swimming because of the fear of back pain. 
Anyway, once I was home I opened up a Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patch (which I was very kindly sent) and felt instant relief, my only regret was not taking one with me because I'm sure I would have been able to have continue with our anniversary date. 
One of the main draws to this form of pain relief is that it eliminates the need for ordinary painkillers. The refreshing smell of menthol and the cool relief takes only a few minuets to get working. Menthol apparently helps to reduce further pain signals and by lowering your skin and tissue temperature helps to numb nerve endings, reducing pain and swelling. The adhesive patch is applied easily and can be worn without restricting movement - perfect if you're trying to keep active whilst pregnant. Being heavily pregnant during the summer months has not been particularly pleasant either and so the cooling relief of these patches has been such a blessing - who wants to sit hot a hot water bottle on your back in this heat?!
Of course, as with most things, if your symptoms persist then you should always contact your midwife or gp if you have any concerns. I am now having to see my midwife every week (due to other issues!) and on Monday we had a little chat about these patches and my midwife really praises them and often recommends them to other mums-to-be! 
Have you suffered with back pain whilst pregnant? Has it stopped you from exercise or even daily tasks?
Mummy B xoxox
*I'm working with BritMums and Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patch, writing about pregnancy and muscular back pain. I was provided Deep Freeze Pain Relief Cold Patch and have been compensated for my time. All editorial and opinions are my own. For more information visit http://deepfreeze.co.uk/your-pain/muscular-back-pain-in-pregnancy/