My back hurt so bad I could not sit or stand up without major pain. It's nice to be home but the only way I'm not in pain is to lie on my back with my knees bent up to my chest (not very feasible this pregnant).

It's your lower back that's bothering you? Cashmere's ideas are good but I can check with my yoga teacher friend to see if she has some other good ideas for somebody as pregnant as you.

Stephanie, have you tried lying on your side to stretch your back straight, with a pillow between your knees? That was the most comfortable position for me when my back hurt during pregnancy.

I'm happy to take any suggestions. NOt having to get up and down has helped a lot.

{{{Stephanie}}} I hope the back pain gets better soon.

Does anyone know if I will have trouble shipping packaged food stuff abroad? It turns out that what my friend living in Italy really misses is Tex-Mex style food like she had when she lived in Austin. So, I was thinking I would send her some hot sauce and a few other items in a care package.

I'm happy to take any suggestions. NOt having to get up and down has helped a lot.

she's doing some research now. She suggested a pose, ardha chandrasana or half moon pose, but I can only find pictures of a variation of it where you balance on one leg and I don't know if I'm up to describing how to do the version she recommended. Basically, you are standing up straight and you raise your arms straight over your head and clasp your hands together. Your arms frame your ears (be sure to keep your shoulders down). And then you stretch over to each side making a gentle s-curve with your spine. So, if you are stretching to the right, you want to bring your left hip a bit forward.

It's a great gentle stretch for your lower back and your belly won't impede.

When I took prenatal yoga, it was really nice getting the modified poses--the ones I mentioned were the most comfortable for me.

But nothing beats a good, long back rub, too.

Let me guess, ND--a television blaring Dr. Phil or The Price is Right, loudly, a few people reading novels, some older ladies knitting and chatting? No really comfortable chairs and crappy, crappy coffee?

I have to say, San Francisco's jury waiting room was comfortable, softly lit (okay, a little dim, but in a restful way), and quiet. If I hadn't been there so against my will, I would have enjoyed it.

Cambridge's, however, was the usual municipal-building 70's linoleum floors, folding chairs, and blaring lights.

The one courtroom I was in was really depressing. It was located in a strip mall. It was if they decided to have the cheapest courtroom possible.

DC's jury room is one of the circles of hell. Crowded, not well cleaned (ever), overheated, with multiple TVs blaring (luckily all the same thing), not enough restrooms, etc. The federal court was better ... but still jury duty.

It's a great gentle stretch for your lower back and your belly won't impede.

I will try this. And Cash's stretches helped a lot.

I've never been called for jury duty.