AboutLori Ramsey Expertise I can answer questions about fertility, pregnancy and childbirth.
Experience First I am a 41 year old mother of five (pregnant with number 6). My personal experience alone makes me an expert. I have also researched human reproduction and pregnancy for the past 13 years. I have been writing about the subject for the past 11 years. I have one book on pregnancy published and am working on a book about fertility.
Organizations I am the creator and author of Stages in Pregnancy. I publish articles on preconception (getting pregnant), infertility, pregnancy, childbirth and post partum care.
Publications My book Baby In Me appears on Amazon.com.
Education/Credentials While I'm no medical expert my education comes from life experience.
Expert: Lori Ramsey Date: 7/11/2008 Subject: Back Pain
Question I have a sharp stabbing pain in my upper back between my shoulder blades.
It feels like I'm being stabbed. It leaves me short of breath and feeling like I'm
having a heart attack or something. I am currently 36 weeks pregnant. Do
you have any idea what could be causing this and what I could/should do?
This is only the second time this has happened in my pregnancy. The first
time was a couple of weeks ago in the afternoon. Now it happened around
10pm. I can't think of anything that the two times had in common (such as
food or something like that) other than the pain.
Answer It sounds like nerve/muscle pain - due to the excessive weight that is pulling on your belly. Since it's in your back and not chest - I wouldn't think that it's your heart. But the fact is the weight of pregnancy - and especially in the last month or so - you really can feel all sorts of new aches and pains.
Be aware of your posture when this happens - and try to adjust your posture to see if it will let up. Try laying down on your side to alleviate the pressure on the back altogether.
