My Joints

I had terrible hip pain after having my third child. Since I did not have this with my first two I thought it was because my son was so much larger at birth, (10 lbs) and that the delivery was rough. I found out at my 6 weeeks visit that this is normal sometimes and that the discharge nurse was suppose to tell me that i should have been taking 2 advil every 4-6 hours...what a difference it made. It took a while before I was able to have no pain at all days but eventually it got much better

However, every so often, espicially in damp weather they do ache a little, but nothing like they had.. good luck

Hi L., sometimes trauma to the body (such as having a baby or having surgery) can cause you to get celiac disease. Try eliminating gluten based products from your diet. Actually, I would start with eliminating gluten, sugar, and diary at once to see if it helps. When I did this, I had immediate results and the pain went completely away. I am a Holistic Health Counselor who specializes in women and children's health.

I have issues with my knees that started after my first pregnancy. I had to go to PT to resolve the issues after each pregnancy (I have 4 kids). The doctor explained to me that my issue is that my knee cap doesn't move the way it should. My ligaments around the knee cap are loose. This allows my knee cap to rotate around my knee instead of sliding back and forth the way it should. There are some stregthening exercises you can do for each one of your issues. I would talk to your doctor about going to PT for a few weeks. This way you can learn the excersizes and then you won't have to go back. Hope this helps.

I have had the same issues with both of my pregnancies. The joints in your body soften to accommodate the needs of the baby and birth. For me, it got better after I stopped nursing and my body became my own again. But it did take several months. Exercise was helpful to keep all of my muscles from tightening up. Good luck.

A.

My knees were really sore after my second child...a year ago! They would pop and were stiff all the time. I also had problems with my wrists. Until I read your post, I hadn't really thought about it, but now that I am, it seemed to go away around 9 months. My Dr. said that it was due to the water retention and swelling caused by the pregnancy and that it usually goes away on its own.

L.,
If I were you I would try a chiropractor. The next time you pick-up, hold or feed your son try to think of ways you moved like that before he was born and you really won't find one. Eventhough you have lifted things his weight most of your life, you are picking up an infant in a different way than you would pick up a bag or groceries. As for the pain during your pregnancy, you were also moving ifferent at that time. Your body might just take some time to adjust to the new and constant movements. I am a mother of three and I had similar problems since my oldest was born. I have a inched nerve in my back and after a tough day with my 11 month old, I feel the pain and pressure from it. I see a chiropractor and it really helps. Another thing that I was recently told that really helps with joint pain is Cod Liver Oil. One teaspoon a day really works and it isn't enough to bother your intestines. good Luck!!

Hi L. -

A few years back I was approx 40 lbs overweight, my back and knees were always aching and at times giving me sharp pains. I lost all that weight and my knees never felt better! Then, over the winter I put it back on, my knees ache all the time again. Ugh!

I saw this very eye opening fact, that for every 4 lbs we lose, takes 1 lb of pressure/weight off our knees! WoW! That really explains to me why my joints are aching again!

I have been continually using a joint repair product. I use a fantastic one that actually helps rebuild the cartilidge and lubricates the joints. You can find many varieties in most stores that help with joint pain. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are some of the ingredients your looking for. I have found the one I use to the best one yet.

Walk or use an elliptical machine to exercise to help eleviate the stress on your joints. This is a great time to push the stroller for a walk (weight resistance!) Do a brisk walk, dont do jogging as yet, the added pressure to your joints will cause more pain, that is why using equipment is a great bet to start.

Best of luck!

Oh yes! My knees and my back have gotten out of whack since my 11 month old was born. I see a chiropractor and it has really helped. I also have a great Yoga video called "Back in Shape" which focuses on back issues. Once she starts walking and stops nursing, I am hoping all will get back to normal.

Hi L.,

Some of the strain is due to the hormone Relaxin that your body releases during pregnancy to allow the baby to get thru the birth canal. It relaxes ALL your connective tissue, so your knees are definitely more at risk during pregnancy as are the ankles and low back. It will slowly improve, but you absolutely need to do some low level strengthening exercise. You could check out Julie Tupler's Maternal Fitness book or tape, or go to her classes--she's a pro when it comes to these things. Gentle, slow, modified squatting--stand about a foot from the wall with your feet shoulder width apart and make believe you are about to "sit" on the wall and then slowly stand up--will strengthen your knees, hips, and low back. You can do those while talking on the phone at first. Gradually you can increase the depth of the squat to a chair with a pillow or two. Where do you live? Maybe I can do a home visit! (I'm a physical therapist).