(((((((((((( Moreta ))))))))))))

How wonderful to work towards having a baby! I wish you well!

As far as dealing with pain without meds....there are many things you can do for yourself that may help the level of pain or just getting through it.

I think the most important thing is to breathe! So often when we are in pain, we forget to breathe. We hold our breath and then we end up tensing up more and increasing the pain level. It also helps a lot when we concentrate on something other than the pain...so thinking of your breathing helps in a couple of different ways.

Talk to your dr about anything you can take that will help mitigate the pain and not hurt the baby. I think that tylenol (I may be mistaken) is one thing you can use.

Warm baths and showers may help relax you. Using a heating pad, 10-15 minutes on, 20-30 minutes off might help. Using ice can help reduce inflamation and pain as well.

Excersise is important, for many different reasons. Using the parts that you have arthritis in helps to keep the joints moving so they don't lock up on you so badly. It may be difficult with the lower back pain to do that so maybe using some ice before exercise will be helpful.

Mindfulness.....it works for all kinds of things. Helping to keep yourself thinking about the wonderful outcome you are hoping for....a beautiful and healthy baby can help keep you on track.

I wish you much luck Moreta!