Pelvic Girdle Pain

RunningOnWontons

Hi there,

I'm in my 33rd week of pregnancy and am really struggling with pain in the front of my pelvis...at times it makes even walking extremely painful. I had been jogging and walking quite a bit up to the beginning of my third trimester, until this issue started to arise, and I'm finding my current inability to even WALK for exercise pretty emotionally tough to deal with. I haven't yet talked to my midwife about this (well, not really, anyway...I did mention it briefly at my last visit but it kind of got dismissed as one of those normal pregnancy aches/pains). I'll bring it up again when I see her again on Thursday...I've been on crutches for two days since straining myself attempting a simple neighborhood walk this weekend.

My question is, have any of you experienced this? If you're a veteran momma, did you find the pain/instability to go away quickly following the birth? (And did it make for any complications during birth?) Have any kind of exercises, physical therapy, or even chiropractor visits helped? Basically any advice would be very welcome at this point--I'm a bit blindsided my how quickly this has developed into a real problem, and nothing I read about pregnancy prepared me for this!

Thanks muchly,
Claire

missxlisa

Yes, I always get this so bad so I understand how debilitating it can be. The good news is, I have never felt it after giving birth. As soon as the baby comes, it's gone!

RunningOnWontons

Thanks, missxlisa. I am hoping that the same will happen to me when I give birth! Really bummed to be missing out on being able to be out there on my outdoor run/walk routes during the nice early fall weather right now, though.

sara_m83

Hi there,

I'm in my 33rd week of pregnancy and am really struggling with pain in the front of my pelvis...at times it makes even walking extremely painful. I had been jogging and walking quite a bit up to the beginning of my third trimester, until this issue started to arise, and I'm finding my current inability to even WALK for exercise pretty emotionally tough to deal with. I haven't yet talked to my midwife about this (well, not really, anyway...I did mention it briefly at my last visit but it kind of got dismissed as one of those normal pregnancy aches/pains). I'll bring it up again when I see her again on Thursday...I've been on crutches for two days since straining myself attempting a simple neighborhood walk this weekend.

My question is, have any of you experienced this? If you're a veteran momma, did you find the pain/instability to go away quickly following the birth? (And did it make for any complications during birth?) Have any kind of exercises, physical therapy, or even chiropractor visits helped? Basically any advice would be very welcome at this point--I'm a bit blindsided my how quickly this has developed into a real problem, and nothing I read about pregnancy prepared me for this!

Thanks muchly,
Claire

I'm 23 weeks and have had to give up my distance jogs because of this. I did some research online and it sounds as though the issue stems from the greater mobility caused by relaxin. I was convinced to stop "pushing through the pain" because some advice suggested that it could lead to long-term (post-natal) problems. My advice is, if you don't want it to affect you after baby comes, then it's probably best to stop jogging altogether. If walking also causes the pain, then reduce your distances. Try swimming & cycling for low-impact exercise alternatives.

4men1lady79

It sounds like you might have symphysis pubis dysfunction...I had it with my first and unfortunately got it with the other pregnancies as well...it actually gets worse with more pregnancies! I had to sleep with a pillow between my legs because of the pain at night (it hasn't started yet with this pregnancy) and sit on a pillow in a chair or keep my legs wide open to lessen the discomfort! It does go away after birth! Kegel exercises, a warm bath or heating pad, and swimming can help temporarily, oh and a chiropractor!

Here is some info on it btw:

https://www.athletico.com/2012/02/08/pelvic-pain-during-pregnancy-what-is-symphysis-pubic-dysfunction/

mormonmomma11

It sounds like you might have symphysis pubis dysfunction...I had it with my first and unfortunately got it with the other pregnancies as well...it actually gets worse with more pregnancies! I had to sleep with a pillow between my legs because of the pain at night (it hasn't started yet with this pregnancy) and sit on a pillow in a chair or keep my legs wide open to lessen the discomfort! It does go away after birth! Kegel exercises, a warm bath or heating pad, and swimming can help temporarily, oh and a chiropractor!

Here is some info on it btw:

https://www.athletico.com/2012/02/08/pelvic-pain-during-pregnancy-what-is-symphysis-pubic-dysfunction/

I agree, it sounds like SPD. I got it with my first around 16 weeks, my second around 11 weeks, and haven't felt it yet with this pregnancy (currently 11 weeks). My pain was worse with my first but I think that's because I tried so hard to push through it instead of listening to my body. I've also learned pain relief tricks: pillows (like 4men1lady79 said), limiting extra distance (like the previous posters mentioned), a frozen water bottle between the legs/in my crotch, and CHIROPRACTIC CARE! Seriously - call around and see if you can find a D.C. in your area that adjusts the Pubic Bone to treat SPD.

Initially my OBGYN told me the same thing - that it's round ligament pain, that its normal, that its just part of being pregnant... but I was so MISERABLE I couldn't even go to work and on a whim my mom called her chiropractor, I got adjusted and BAM! Relief. I went about once a week for the remainder of my pregnancies once it showed up and it was so, so, so much less painful.

Oh, and I've still felt the pain once or twice when exercising, but not regularly after birth.

Hope you get relief soon!

iluvhorses1983

I also had this while pregnant with my first. It started around 22 weeks. I visited the chiro every week and hed adjust my pubic bone. He also showed me how to do it myself. I found it painful to walk also so kept exercise light. Im 15 weeks now, no pain now, but Im sure I will get it again and be ready. It went away immediately after birth and I haven't felt it since.

RunningOnWontons

Thank you ladies for the additional tips! I am getting around a bit better after a few days of basically no walking, aside from minimal indoor moving around. I did just walk a very slow loop around my neighborhood and that region in my pelvis is not feeling the greatest, but neither am I crippled like I was after the walk earlier this week. Progress!

I am breaking out some ice in a minute to help keep things from getting more sore tonight. And I will consider the chiropractor idea--I love the thought of getting some instant relief from this, even if only temporarily.

sheepotato

Yes, I've been having the occasional bout of this but I didn't know the name for it. It mostly hurts when I try to lift my leg to put on pants/shoes, but occasionally it will be unbearably painful when I walk. Thanks for the tips, I usually try to sit or lie down for the rest of the day when it's particularly bad and it will ease up eventually.

I would never have thought about a chiropractor, I have 13 weeks left if have another really painful day I may try to find one.