How to Relieve Pelvic Pain?

I had something similar and was diagnosed with round ligaments. I tried everything: prenatal yoga, stretching, warm baths, hot water bottles. Walking didnt do me much good since it was literally too painful for me to lift my legs to walk...I kind of shuffled everywhere.

I did start seeing a chiropractor and that made all the difference in the world.

I am 37w 5d and I too have lots of pain so I take lots of baths, my 2.5yr old loves it when we take a bath together. It really seems to help with the pain and sorness.

GoodLuck!
Jenn

Hi J., My Niece is pregnant at the moment and has the same thing. Hers is caused by something called Synthesis Pubis. This is where the ligaments in the pelvis give just a bit too much and causes pain. I myself am an ex nurse and got her a Belly Band. They are a very wide stretchy piece of fabric that goes on the underside of your bump and around your back and this releives the pressure. Go into any maternity store and you will find them. They do different sizes and also some that you wrap around and some that you pull on. I got my Niece both kinds in different sizes as she got bigger and she says they are a godsend.
The pull on one i actually bought for myself (even though i am 57) as they are great for slimming down the abdomen and my Niece also used hers for the same thing the last time she was pregnant for after she had the baby. You can try them on in the stores so you have nothing to lose if you don't like them but i am sure once you put one on you will be amazed at the relief that you get.

Good luck. S..

I, too, recommend warm baths. I also found pelvic tilts helpful in stretching the area (stand with your back against a wall and tip your pelvis back so that your lower back is pressed against the wall).

I had the same pain with my 1st child. They make supports that wrap around your back and under your stomach that may help move some of the weight off your pelvis. Here's what I'm referring to:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2864117
Good luck!!

swim, swim, swim. The only time I found relief was in water! and it might keep you two year old busy swimming with you and tire him out!

I know it's hard with a toddler but the only advice I can give you is to stay off your feet as much as possible. A warm bath may also help. Do you have an exercise ball? I found sitting on one to be the most comfortable position while pregnant. I loved sitting on that (it really does help relieve pressure) and leaning back against my dh while he rubbed my shoulders or just ran his hands through my hair.

I would go back to your Dr and talk to them again. I experienced the same kind of thing with my second baby and it turned out that my pelvic bone had seperated(broke). It was very painful, I would atleast go get it checked out again and they can give you something for the pain!

I had extreme pain during the last weeks of my pregnancy and chiropractic adjustments and accupuncture worked for me!

Have you tried one of those maternity support belts. I worked as a physical therapist through both my pregnancies and the extra support was a life saver! M.

Jaime,
32 weeks was the same week for me when I started to have that pelvic pain. Also started having contractions then which could be painful. I too had a 2 year old to chase around! Perhaps you could try to find some activities to do with your son that are calmer sitting type activities. For my daughter, it was puzzles, books, and movies. When I was feeling the most pain and like I really needed to be resting, that is what we would do. And try not to worry about all of the other things that need to be done. You will feel better if you just rest when you can. Good luck! It is all worth it.
C.

use heat, such as with a heat pack or a warm bath, to help relax your pelvic area.

I know it's hard with a toddler but the only advice I can give you is to stay off your feet as much as possible. A warm bath may also help. Do you have an exercise ball? I found sitting on one to be the most comfortable position while pregnant.

I also had to use a support belt. I got mine at Baby Aldrich.

Hi J. -

Look for Arnicare - Arnica pain rub. This can be applied to the exterior of your pelvis. Arnica naturally relieves muscle strains, pain and bruising (even if you can't see it). You should be able to find it at Whole Foods, Sprouts, or the herb store I work at - Chakra Botanika Herb & Tea Room in Payson.

Blessings,

M. M. Ernsberger
Certified Clinical Herbalist

I would recommend that you STOP taking any kind of pharmaceutical drug - even and especially Tylenol - it causes liver damage. I know of a completely natural, herbal topical gel (pure aloe vera based) that is specifically formulated for muscle and joint relief. That way you aren't putting any dangerous and toxic substances in your body attempting to relieve discomfort - and you don't have to worry about what these herbs may do to you should you take them internally because the formula also comes in an oral dose - but because you are pregnant I won't advise taking anything internally right now - although after the birth you would find it amazing at speeding your recovery and healing - both the oral dose and the topical formula. It not only works but you can be sure the herbs are pure and never have had pesticides, chemical fertilizer or pasteurization (irradiation) - they are grown in the virgin soil of the Amazon rainforest and our company is ecologically sustainable and provides for the preservation of the forest and the peoples' cultures - plus there is a complete satisfaction guarantee for a full year so trying it won't cost you anything but a little shipping if you decide it's not for you. You can't buy it at the store though. Feel free to contact me if you want a website link where you can order it.

I saw a chiropractor and it worked wonders. My first delivery resulted in a separated pelvis...I couldn't walk for several weeks afterward and somehow decided to have another :).
I saw a chiropractor all through my second pregnancy and as soon as possible afterward, I don't think I could have managed without. Staying off your feet just isn't a realistic option with toddler in tow. I know some people are anti-chiro, but I swear it works.
Good luck.

Hi,

I had this problem with both my pregnancies. I was so sore and sensitive, yes, I too felt like I was badly bruised in my pelvic area. Tylenol is not going to help this and the less medicine the better while pregnant. Some people are just more sensitive than others. I was like this and a friend of mine but 5 other friends I had were not. As many other women suggested, buy one of those support band/belt and stay off your feet as much as possible. My first son was only 14 months when my second son was born so I know that "staying off your feet" is hard but just sit and relax in between everthing that you do. Best of luck! :)

I'm almost 27 weeks prego with my third...I have had the pain and pressure almost since the beginning with this one. I remember my first pregnancy I had pain at the end and my back pain was intense, but the second pregnancy was pretty much smooth sailing except for the same back pain. I of course have the back pain, much worse this time plus the pelvic pain and pressure. I find my hips are even beginning to ache pretty bad. Tylenol is no relief for me so I do not even waste my time taking it. I take warm baths for short bursts of time, my heating pad has become my best friend, even my husband will rub my hips and it feels better. Like another Mom said there isn't much you can do other than having a baby. Your uterus is weaker subsequent pregnancies which is probably why you have more discomfort this time around. I know how you feel about chasing kids around, I worked full time and then had to chase my oldest around all night and weekends when I was pregnant with my second because my husband had an opposite schedule from mine. This time around I have a 1 & 3 year old, both boys I have to chase around and they are always into everything. Add into that I am potty training the three year old so I have to keep on top of him to make sure he does not poop his pants or pee on my carpet. The 1 year old just began walking a couple of weeks ago so of course he is everywhere, at once it seems like. So I love it when the docs say take it easy, I'm like yeah you have met my kids so who are you kidding. Make sure when your hubs is home to have him help you out as much as possible and take advantage of any friends/family that offer to give you a break. Good luck and congrats, not much longer till you have that little baby. Mine is due beginning of January.

I hired a niece to come over in the afternoons after school to play with my son (4yrs at the time) when I was pregnant and on bedrest. Most of the time I didn't actually pay her, but traded out things. Like agreeing to help make her prom dress. Taking her to get her nails done. Things that could be accomplished when I was no longer pregnant. She wasn't old enough to drive yet, so I made up coupons for rides and other activites that didn't really impact my budget, but were important to her. I made sure to nap when he was napping and made games up while laying on the sofa. I spy was a good one to get him to pick up the toys and put them away after guessing which one I spied. We did picnic lunches on my bed. We snuggled in bed and watched his favorite show every morning. We read stories. I used a lunch tray to build legos while in bed. There are lots of ways to creatively get off your feet and still entertain a toddler. And when he got antsy to run and play outside, I arranged play dates or his dad took him to the park or other activities when he could. One day at a time and soon you will be running after two!

Oh my how I remember that horrible pain -- I'm so sorry that you are having to endure it! I'm currently 35+ weeks prego with #4 and (knock on wood) so far I've not had it! But with my first pregnancy -- help me Rhonda I was dying!! I couldn't even roll over in bed without it feeling like someone was trying to rip me in half from my pelic bone!! It's all how you're carrying your baby right now, and truly the best thing you can do is rest. However, I too recommend Chiropractic treatment as you will be amazed at how much it helps with EVERYTHING you feel being pregnant. I would also try one of those belly support bands. Every little thing you can do, I would. No medicine will help with this pain though because it's not really joint pain OR muscle pain -- the only thing that's going to really relieve you is having the baby. Try those other things because you have nothing to lose. But hang in there! This will be over before you know it!

A.
(SAHM of almost 4 boys -- ages 10, 8, 4 and one on the way!)

One of my friends is a massage therapist who specializes in prenatal massage. If you want her name and number just let me know (____@____.com)

Also, you can try a yoga move... I think it's called a cat stretch or something like that. Get down on your hands and knees. Drop your belly by curving your back toward the floor and look at the ceiling. Then touch your chin to your chest while arching your back up. Do this a few times. I was at first skeptical but I did this when I was pregnant with #2 and #3. It doesn't total make the pain go away, but it did seem to help (and you don't have to pay to do this!)

Hi J.-
You're right- it doesn't feel so great. Please make sure whatever you are taking to deal with the discomfort is OK with your Dr- anything can make baby's life more difficult.

Try to forget about the housework, or hire it out. Take naps with your two-year-old, or at least lie down & read to him, or to yourself while he naps.

Worrying, or concentrating on the pain will make it worse. Corral your two-year-old with you in one room at a time to cut back on your activity level.

You will experience a huge burst of energy when baby starts arriving, and the house will undoubtedly get cleaned then. If baby has dropped already, it sounds as if it is coming in less than two weeks- of course, I'm not the Dr :-) Enjoy just having the one while you're still able- You have all my best wishes and my thoughts - S.