Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Is this normal? Extrememly painful

Okay, I didn't have this with my first pregnancy. If I did it definitely was not this early on. I'm 28wks today. I am in extreme pain when I walk to the point I can barely walk at all. The pain is in my pelvis bone, mainly close to my vaginal area. I have to walk slowly, well really walking fast isn't even a option. It seems to be getting worse.
Is this normal or something to call the doctor about?
14 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
796506 tn?1370188305
sweetie anything involving pain in pregnancy should be addressed by a doctor.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
not normal - call your doctor.  Please keep us posted.
Helpful - 0
287246 tn?1318570063
I totally agree w/ the others.  Call your doc and keep us posted!
Helpful - 0
461781 tn?1285609481
So its not just when you stand up or are laying down on one side?
I have pelvic bone pain which usually goes away when I start walking or sitting, it hurts when I get up from bed or turn in bed usually.
If its severe, you should call your doctor.
Helpful - 0
690039 tn?1277472422
Darkie - it's really strange that you mentioned that because I just got it for the first time ever last night, but it went away... I was really shocked at first, it happened when i was sitting on the edge of my bed putting on socks and then stood up.  I hadn't even straightened up.  It was a strong pain in my pelvic "floor", and I couldn't pinpoint it at first, but I realized it felt like my pubic bone was actually going to break.  

It scared the c r a p out of me.  Is that similar to your pain?  Or is yours different?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It hurts when I walk severely, when i turn or even move my legs in bed its horrible almost unbearable.
When I tried to reach and put my hand where the pain is it is literally the bone right above my opening down there.
I'll call the nurse in a bit. I dont think she's even in yet.
Today is not as bad as it was yesterday but i still hurt. :(
Helpful - 0
690039 tn?1277472422
well that definitely sounds like your pubic bone.  the only thing i could figure was her position inside me putting pressure on it.  I literally "stood on my head" for a couple of seconds and it went away...

it was just common sense/practical---i had to try it.  and luckily it worked.  It could be that your baby has dropped or otherwise turned into position and it's putting pressure on the bone and nerve in the area... do you think maybe that could be it?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I personally think she has dropped and is out of room. Her kicks are high and low, and im in so much pain.
I wonder if it matters that she has dropped this early or is out of room.... ugh I don't know anymore.
I left the nurse a message. She should call me back soon I hope.
Helpful - 0
690039 tn?1277472422
Darkie---did you get a call back?  My doc told me at my last appt that mine was already head down, and i'm pretty sure she's "dropped".  with my son, and now with her, i don't think i ever actually "drop", i think they just start low and stay low, lol.

let us know what the nurse says
Helpful - 0
461781 tn?1285609481
Pelvic pain (SPD)
www. babycentre. co.uk/pregnancy/antenatalhealth/physicalhealth/ pelvicpain/

What is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)?

The two halves of your pelvis are connected at the front by a stiff joint called the symphysis pubis. This joint is strengthened by a dense network of ligaments which means that under normal conditions, very little movement occurs. In order to make your baby's passage through your pelvis as easy as possible, your body produces a hormone called relaxin, which softens the ligaments in your pelvis. As a result, these joints move more during and just after pregnancy.

We are not sure exactly what causes SPD but current thinking indicates that if one side of the pelvis moves more than the other when you walk or move your legs, this can lead to pain and inflammation at the symphysis pubis. X-rays and scans may not diagnose the problem as this rotation does not show up on most scans. Many women with SPD experience significant pain without any great separation of the joint -- the amount of pain isn't related to the degree of separation.

A related condition is diastasis symphysis pubis (DSP) in which the pubic joint loosens and leaves an abnormally wide gap between the two pelvic bones. The average gap between the bones in a non-pregnant woman is 4-5mm and during pregnancy it's normal for this gap to widen by 2-3mm. If the gap is 10mm or more, DSP is diagnosed. This is a rare condition and can only be diagnosed by X-Ray.

When does it happen?

SPD can occur towards the end of the first trimester or after delivery. Many women notice their symptoms for the first time around the middle of their pregnancy. If you experience SPD in one pregnancy, it is more likely that it will reoccur in your next pregnancy. The symptoms may also come on earlier and progress faster, so it is important to seek help as early as possible. It can help if you allow the symptoms from one pregnancy to settle before trying to conceive another child.

What are the symptoms?

Pain in the pubic area and groin are the most common symptoms. You may also suffer from back pain in pregnancy, Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or hip pain. It is common to feel a grinding or clicking in your pubic area and the pain may travel down the inside of the thighs or between your legs. The pain is usually made worse by separating your legs, walking, going up or down stairs or moving around in bed. It is often much worse at night and can stop you getting much sleep. Getting up to go to the toilet in the middle of the night can be especially painful.

How is it diagnosed?

SPD is becoming more widely understood by GPs, obstetricians and midwives. Your doctor or midwife should refer you to a physiotherapist from the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women's Health, who will have experience in treating this complaint. It is diagnosed by a combination of your own description of symptoms and a series of tests designed to look at the stability, movement and pain in your pelvic joints.

How is it treated?

A pelvic support belt can often give quick relief. Exercises -- especially for the tummy and pelvic floor muscles -- form a large part of the treatment and are aimed at improving the stability of your pelvis and back. You may need mobilisation (a gentler form of manipulation) of your hip, back or pelvis to correct any underlying movement dysfunction. Hydrotherapy (exercise in water) and acupuncture can sometimes be useful. Surgery is only used to treat the most severe DSP cases and is often unsuccessful.

You should also be given advice on how to make normal daily activities less painful and on how to make the birth easier. Your physiotherapist or midwife can help you to devise a birth plan which takes your SPD symptoms into account.
Other therapies that may be useful include osteopathy and chiropractic but it is essential that you see a registered practitioner who is experienced in treating pregnant women.

Self-help tips

• Avoid pushing through any pain. If something hurts, if possible don't do it. If this type of pain is allowed to flare up, it can take a long time to settle back down again.

• Move little and often. You may not feel the effects of what you are doing until later in the day or after you have gone to bed.

• Rest regularly by sitting reasonably upright with your back well supported.

• Avoid heavy lifting or pushing (supermarket trolleys can be particularly painful).

• When dressing, sit down to put on clothing such as your knickers or trousers. Pull the clothing over your feet and then stand up to pull them up. Don't try to put your legs into trousers, skirts or knickers whilst standing up.

• When climbing stairs, go up them one step at a time. Step up onto one step with your best leg and then bring your other leg to meet it. Repeat with each step.

• Avoid separating your legs and making straddling movements -- such as when getting in and out of the car or bath. If you need to separate your legs, do so slowly and carefully and keep your back arched.

• Avoid swimming breaststroke if you can and take care with other strokes. Swimming can often feel like it is helping whilst you are in the water but cause an increase in pain when you get out.

• Performing regular pelvic floor exercises and lower abdominal exercises can help to reduce the strain of the pregnancy on your pelvis. To perform a safe and easy lower abdominal exercise, get down onto your hands and knees and level your back so that it is roughly flat. Breathe in and then as you breathe out, perform a pelvic floor exercise and at the same time pull your belly button in and up. Hold this contraction for 5-10 seconds without holding your breath and without moving your back. Relax the muscles slowly at the end of the exercise.

• Follow the advice in our protecting your back and pelvis article.

• You can get in touch with other women in your situation by contacting The Pelvic Partnership, a charity which was set up to offer support to women with SPD. For up-to-date facts on SPD, and for advice and guidance, contact the Pelvic Instability Network Scotland. The National Childbirth Trust also offers information and support to women with a range of pelvic dysfunctions.
How soon will I recover from my SPD symptoms after the birth?
A recent study showed that around 60% of women with SPD still experienced some symptoms after delivery. Most women find that their symptoms improve after the birth of their baby although a small percentage still have pain when their babies are a year old. You should continue with physiotherapy after the birth and get help with looking after your baby during the early weeks if you can. Some ex-sufferers find they experience pain every month just before their period is due, which is caused by hormones which have a similar effect to the pregnancy hormone relaxin.

Helpful - 0
435139 tn?1255460391
Any update?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Funny you posted that. I found it about 10 mins ago. My nurse said she had no clue what was wrong with me unless i fractured my bone when i fell 2 months ago. Told me to take tylenol, like I didn't already try or know that. :)
Oh well I'll just try to not move a lot i guess I dont know. :( I don't know how I'm supposed to take care of a 19 month old when I can barely walk at all.
Helpful - 0
461781 tn?1285609481
For some reasons Doctors only know of round ligament pain and any pain that you have or will have they will blame it on that.
But this is probably what's going on, ask them about physical therapy that might make it better. I've been having this pain for about 6-8 weeks now and i've gotten used to it.  I feel like stretching is what works best for me so I try to do the "butterfly" pose for a couple of minutes when I get up in the morning and also low squats with my legs spread appart pretty far.  I probably look hillarious doing it but it makes me feel better.
Also, STOP crossing your legs and make sure that shen you sit you sit up straight with both feet on the floor.
Helpful - 0
435139 tn?1255460391
It sounds horrible!  Poor darkest and mumita!  I'm thankful I don't have this!  The stretching sounds promising though...hang in there!
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Pregnancy Community

Top Pregnancy Answerers
13167 tn?1327194124
Austin, TX
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Get information and tips on how to help you choose the right place to deliver your baby.
Get the facts on how twins and multiples are formed and your chance of carrying more than one baby at a time.
Learn about the risks and benefits of circumcision.
What to expect during the first hours after delivery.
Learn about early screening and test options for your pregnancy.
Learn about testing and treatment for GBS bacterium.