Pregnant Daughter in Lots of Pain

When I was pregnant with both my son and daughter I had the same kind of pain. I remember I would be walking and all of a sudden the pain would shoot up my right leg, or my hip would pop and my leg would go stiff. I limped when I walked. I went to my chiropractor which really helped me a lot. It was a little expensive because I would go 2-3 times a week in the beginning and then I slowly tapered off. That is the best advice that I can give you!

T.,

I think the other responses were on the money; I think it's her sciatic nerve being squashed upon by her little bundle of joy.

What helped me was kneeling doggy style - excuse the sexual connotation - with my top half as flat to the floor as I could. Bottoms up, so to speak. In a sense, I got gravity to work to ease the baby higher off my pelvis. A little rocking might help, but for me, just holding the position worked. I would hold for five, ten, even 15 minutes. Just chill that way for as long as she can stand it.

Of course, if she's still working, this may cause some confusion and disruption in her office - in which case maybe she should see a chiropractor.

Good luck to you all and congratulations!
J.

I had the same and still get the popping hip once in awhile but what helps it alot is going to the chiropracter. It helps alot and keeps me from having to use alot meds. Physical Therapy might help too. Going to a chiropracter during your pregnancy helps alot helps keep everything alined to have a better birth.

Good Luck

Chiropractor, chiropractor! Seriously. I didn't have any problems with my first pregnancy ... but my second one, which was 2 yrs later, I felt like my hip or something in that area was locking, unable to rotate. I was young and in pretty good shape, so this was scary. ALSO, I'd had a c-section first time (due to going way past due date) and I was really trying for a VBAC, so I knew I'd have to have help if I didn't want to end up on bed rest. I took a chance, and was frightened, as my family had never used chiropractic. I was so blessed with a chiropractor who not only helped with my pain, gave me exercises and tips, but helped get my body prepared to have the next two children naturally after c-section. (I'd previously been told I had too small of a pelvis.) :)

The most important thing will then be in choosing a chiropractor that she can trust - normally people base it on confidence from close friends. That's what I would do. (Mine isn't in the area, anyways...he's down South.)

Good luck!

T. -

If it is sciatica, I can't recommend a chiropractor highly enough. I had extreme sciatica with my second child, with similar symptoms. I just assumed I was stuck with it, but my husband kept encouraging me to go to our chiropractor. I finally did, and felt like an idiot for waiting so long. The relief was instantaneous and almost complete. I went twice in the later part of my pregnancy, and that was enough to keep me out of pain and moving. I also increased my exercise a bit - mostly walking and kegels. Yoga might help, too.

Even if a chiropractor can't help her, they will most likely be able to recommend some course of action. A lot of ob's unfortunately label everything a pregnant woman feels as a "symptom of pregnancy" and offer no suggestions for ameliorating the discomfort. Since she needs to be able to move and stay active as part of a healthy pregnancy, if this doctor doesn't get more responsive, maybe she should look for someone else for her next pregnancy.

Good luck!

A.

When my sciatic nerve was causing me extreme pain, I would get down on the floor on my hands and knees and rock back and forth slowly. I remember that sitting, laying on my back and even walking were so painful. I think that when you are on your hands and knees it alleviates the pressure that the baby is putting on the nerve.
Best Wishes to your daughter!

I totally understand!!! I had this with my first and I now have it with my second. (I am only 13 weeks pregnant now) Anyway, I did Physical Therapy for several months and I also went to a chriopracter. The chriopracter was the best for me. Although it does not relieve your pain 100%, it does help. I also laid on ice packs. (The heating pad made it worse for me) You need a lot of prayer and support!

Good luck!!!!

It sounds to me like the baby may be bothering her S1. Or causing her to experience sciatica (Pain in the lower back and hip radiating down the back of the thigh into the leg, initially attributed to sciatic nerve dysfunction, but now known to usually be due to herniated lumbar disc compromising the L5 or S1 root). I have this problem and know what she is experiencing but I'm not pregnant and couldn't imagine being pregnant with this problem. I would suggest she see a chiropractor as soon as possible.

I have a pregnant friend who was helped tremendously with her discomfort by visiting a chiropractor...most chiros have specific training to work with pregnancy. Good luck!

Have her visit a Chiropractor they can work wonders on a pregnant woman.

Hi T.,
It sure sounds like sciatica to me. I had this shooting pain down my leg with all of my pregnancies. No fun at all! My advice is :" Get thee to a chiropractor!" Chiropractic is gentle and should really help keep your daughter more comfortable. Many HMOs now will cover chiropractic care. I have a wonderful chiropractor I can recommend if you'd like. All the best, A..

I didn't experience any pain like this during pregnancy (I have 3 kids), but my advice would be for her to talk to the OB. In my experience, the doctors sometime (as you put it) blows it off. I would tell her to be very firm with the doctor and tell him that she does not feel that this is normal. I know my sister had sciatic pain during her pregnancy and her OB prescribed physical therapy for her which helped tremendously. I've never heard of anyone having that much pain during their pregnancy. I know that with each pregnancy, my body seemed to adjust very early and the pains were worse. It was almost like it knew what to expect (and after 3 pregnancies I can't blame it). I hope that this helps.
L.

I had similar pain during the last trimester of my pregnancy. What helped me most was a combination of three things: daily stretching of the inner thigh, weekly visits to a massage therapist for myofascial stretching of the hips and low back, and having the hips reset by the chiropractor as needed. The stretching, by far, is the most important. It's amazing just how tight the inner thigh muscles get and when they are overly tight, they pull down on the pubic bone. Since that whole area is very flexible now, it's very easy for the hips to get out of alignment and pop out of joint. And, it's a little disconcerting to hear your hips pop while you walk!

Is there another doctor in town? Get a SECOND opinion. This isn't something that you should wait. I remember my doctor doing that with me when I had problems. I had problems so bad I'd try and soak, walk it off, try and see if my hips out of place by trying to pop it back, lay down and have a HUGE pillow pile between my legs. That was probably the only thing that made it feel a little better, but I would try and get a second opinion and bring up the fact that you believe it might be "Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction". Mother's instincts are usually right!

I don't know what advice you have received yet, but when I was pregnant I had some similar pain in my hips and lower back. It felt as if my hips would come out of the sockets. I started seeing a chiropractor who was used to seeing pregnant women in her clinic. They use special tables for the belly to poke through, and are very careful of the kind of pressure they use. I felt so much better after just a few visits, and the birth of my son was easier, too. I think it would be worth a shot.

If she is in the area, I can even tell you the clinic I went to.

Best of luck :)

Hi, T. --

I've had pain on and off in my left hip for years, most of the time manageable, but sometimes terrible. I think it's a combination of joint deterioration and some nerve issues that crop up when my spine is out of alignment.

When the pain was at its very worst, I was utterly blessed to find a team of two acupuncturists who were incredibly kind in helping me alleviate it. One administered the acupuncture and the other performed deep tissue massage. Together, they worked on me for 3 hours or so, several times over a week. I have never had the pain return, and I've never forgotten their generosity and kindness in helping me get rid of that terrible pain. They were truly committed to helping me, only charging me like $40 per visit, or some pittance like that.

I also have had great relief from other pains by visiting my chiropractor, whom I've seen on and off for over 10 years. Again, his focus is just my improvement, and it's never been one of those situations where I am required to come in x times a week for months to line his pockets.

I know it's very difficult to find health practitioners who are truly caring and generous, but I'd ask around about both of these practices for your daughter. My chiropractor even has a special table where the tummy can drop out so that he can work on pregant women, so I know it's considered a safe practice by a skilled physician.

I'm not sure where you're located, but my chiropractor is Dr. Jack Armstrong of Wholecare Chiropractic in Blue Ash. Unfortunately, my accupuncturists are in California, but Dr. Armstrong's office might suggest someone local in whom they have confidence.

I wish your daughter health and comfort!
H.

Have her talk to her OB, but even better, see a chiropractor. You can find people who specialize in pregnancy and get her hips aligned and deal with the sciatic pain.
Good Luck!

tell her to go to a qualified chiroprator! make sure the dr. went to chiro school in iowa! that's the best school for them!

My back was thrown out with my 3rd child and I could not even walk to the bathroom. The problem was they did not want to give me anything that could affect the baby so bed rest was the only answer. I did at one point go to my regular doctor who did do some chiropractic things with me. I would start with her regular doctor and tell him what you have said and see what he recommends. I know there are supportive devices that can be worn to help support the body when carrying a baby. My sister had 2 hernias with her baby and they gave her something to help her body carry the baby. I can't remember what it was called something like a back support. If you try a chiropracter make sure it is someone reputable. Good luck.

I had sciatic nerve pain with each of my pregnancies. I totally recommend she go see a chiropractor. It was a godsend. The pain was alleviated. Good luck!

I would seriously think about seeing a Chiropractor. I also had trouble with my sciatic nerve during my pregnancies(two of them) and for years afterwards. I do not go to a chiropractor on a regular basis now but I know the signs when I need to and usually one visit and the pain is gone after just a few days at most. The hormone Relaxin is doing it's job and relaxing the joints so things can get messed up much easier than not being pregnant. Good luck.

I just had a baby girl about 3 months ago and this sounds EXACTLY like what I went through. My lower belly (especially around where my belly and legs met) hurt so bad I could barely walk. My hips popped and my legs hurt. My midwife told me it was round ligament pain. She immediately ordered me to get a pregnancy support belt. I went to Motherhood Maternity and they helped me fit one. It not only helped to support my belly but also helped support my back. I wore it from about five months until the end of my pregnancy and it worked wonders! She did tell me not to wear it at night in order to let my skin "breath" so she may have to find a position that is good for her to sleep. I bought a pillow that was like a wedge to go under my belly and that helped. I also found sleeping in an almost upright position curled on the couch was good. Hope it gets better. God bless!

T.,

I also had the sciatic nerve problem. There really isn't anything you can do about it. I would however suggest a message therapist. I was in the hospital for a proceedure and my nerve was so bad I was in tears to my surprise my nurse was a message therapist and she rubbed my back right where the nerve was I fely like I was in heaven. It actually helped for several days. They can also help with the hips I have arthritis due to a car accident and it helped with the pain. If nothing else it will help relax her. I hope this helps and my heart goes out to her. I promise once she sees that beautiful baby in her arms the first time it is all worth it.

Dear T.: I had problems with my cyatic during my first pregnancy. I had the intense pains that would shoot down my leg similar to your daughter. Please have her call her OB. Mine arrange for Physical Therapy and it helped alot. They did a lot of massage, heat and worked with me to make movement easier. Also because the doctor arranged for it, insurance covered the proceedures.
Also have her request an ultrasound. I had intense pain the last two months of my second pregnancy, could not sit upright for any length of time. I could walk but not stand in place for any length of time without pain or getting dizzy. My second child was transversly breech and the way was laying was the root of my problems. Good luck. and if the ob won't work with you get another ob.

When I was pregnant with twins nine years ago, an unexpected help I found for back pain was an item called the "prenatal cradle," a wonderful elastic support that relieves strain caused by the little one (or for me, little ones). You can read about it at http://www.prenatalcradle.com/, and though it's possible to order one, I remember purchasing mine at a pharmacy recommended by my OBGYN. These aren't all the same size, so a bit of your size information (your daughter's, really :) will be needed to purchase this. For me, it was AMAZING how much of a difference it made when I wore this!

When I was pregnant with my twins I started to have problems with my sciatic nerve. I went to a massage therapist who worked on me and the problem was alleviated. I could hardly beleive it but was extremely grateful. Best of luck.

T.,

I just had my first baby. I got pretty big pretty quick and even had her 6 weeks early. She had no more room to grow. Anyway, I got really uncomfortable. I would get wierd pain all the time. Sciatic nerve was pinched all the time too and that would make my hip throb. It hurt a lot. Sometimes it even felt like the bones were just grinding together. I ended up getting a pregnancy massage. I went to a place that specializes in massaging pregnant women. They paid extra attention to my lower back/hip/buttox area and it was wonderful. I felt like a new person coming out of there. If you are in the Cincinnati area, the place I went to was called Becoming Mom: ###-###-####. It's at the Fields/Ertel exit by Kings Island. If you're not in this area, I recommend finding a place that will do them. Make sure they have the special table with the pillows so she can really relax. Good luck.
A.

I would just call the doctor and get her in. I wouldn't take anyone's advice, since the pain is causing so much discomfort with her. It's better safe than sorry, especially at this stage!!

What has helped me is sleeping on the opposite side of the pain. My right leg would go out all the time so my doc said to sleep on my left side. It has really helped. Also, you have to change a lot of how you handle your first child. I can't twist as much to put her in the car seat, lifting her up is hard too. With little tweaks, although still more uncomfortable then my first pregnancy, it has helped make it tolerable.

Hi T.,
I know the pain she is going through! I had a "high risk" pregnancy and was only allowed to take tylenol. My hips hurt constantly and my lower belly hurt all the time too. I was told it was because of the baby's position, drink more water, put my feet up, and all the other things they tell you that aren't much comfort when you are miserable! I couldn't stand, sit, or lay down in a comfortable position; finally, I called the chiropractor and hobbled into his office in tears. My sciatic nerve was being pinched and my hip was being pushed out of place. After the first visit and adjustment I had a noticable relief. I continued to go once a week until I was induced 5 weeks early. I hope your daughter can find some relief and she doesn't let the doctor tell her she'll just have to wait it out. Good Luck and God Bless!

Hi T., I don't know if it would help her, but I drink MonaVie. It's a low sugar fruit juice with very high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflamatory properties. It's very good as an all natural food that helps with aches and pains. It's very safe for baby too! Check out www.monavie.com and www.r3global.com (click library in the left column under resource center for lots of good info.). Lots of people getting incredible pain relief. Call me if you have any questions or would like to try it. ###-###-#### or ###-###-#### God Bless! Hope this helps. N. L.

I have never heard of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, but I had a lot of pelvic pain and sciatic when I was pregnant with my first. I have a chiropractor that is somewhat holistic and he works on pregnant women and was able to relieve a lot of my symptoms - for a while. Repeat visits helped me cope.
It may be an avenue to check out. I wish her (and you) the best of luck.
- M.

Mother of 2 - 10 and 7.

You may want to look into chiropractic care for this. If you are in the Fort Wayne, IN, area, I can offer you a recommendation. My friend at work went through this -- she found out that her pelvic bone in her hip was separating from the pelvis. She went to a chiropracter to alleviate the pain and found much relief.
Just email me if you want some more info. Your OB probably won't recommend a chiropracter because medical doctors generally aren't too wild about chiropracters, but they can really be helpful in this type of instance.

Thanks,
A.

my sister just had her baby and she was going through almost the same exact thing. i can't get ahold of her. but i think its something to do with her pelvic bone is stretching too much. there is a name for it but i think thats the majority of it. her doctor took her off of work about the same point of her pregnanacy. my sister ended up on the floor at the kroger were she works at in so much pain. good luck because her feet also swelled up like 4 times the size of normal feet

There are tummy supports that can help lift the pressure and weight of the baby off the pelvis. They wrap around the back and under the belly. They are like a maternity belt. Here's one on sale at eBay for about $13.

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Pregnancy-Maternity-Flexible-Bell...

Here's another website with a belt that supports the back and belly to take pressure off the sciatic nerve, pelvis, and hips. About $30.

http://www.isokineticsinc.com/category/maternity_supports...

-S.
myspace.com/staceefrane
diamond.extremecreation.com

Im not sure what doctor she has but they should be able to geve her something for the pain. I got vicaton(sorry about spelling) for headacks that i was having that nothing over the counter would touch i would call the doctor again or go talk to him in person. good luck

has she talked to her ob about this it could be the way the baby is laying and moving her bones but her ob should be made aware of this it may affect the delivery if the baby doesnt turn the right way or it could be not enough calcium but really have her been strong with her doctor to check it out

Go see a chiropractor. Really. She will feel SO MUCH better.

I am a physical therapist and I know there are PT's that specialize in women's health. They can help to realign (which is what chiropractor's do), but they will also provide her with exercises to help prevent it from happening again. The exercises will strengthen the muscles around the pelvic floor and hips, and go beyond just traditional kegels. Kegels are very important, a PT can also show you how to do the kegels in different positions to better strengthen certain areas.

As mentioned before, there are physical therapists that specialize in women's health including pregnancy and post-partum issues (I know a GREAT one in Fort Wayne, if that's where you are from). I'm sure a chiropractor works but I know, with PT, you will learn the dos and don'ts with your everyday activities and will be instructed on body mechanics, strengthening, etc that will benefit your daughter for the duration of pregnancy and beyond. They may even instruct on labor positions as well. You need to have a referral from the doctor to see a PT. Good luck!

your so sweet! my mom thought i was lying when i had this while pregnant. i got no sympathy from her:( i was an assistant for a ob-gyn office of 5 dr's as well .... and i had the same thing. it's called sciatica. honestly there isn't really anything she can do. the best thing for her right now would be two things rest as much as possible, and some mild leg stretching. delivery will cure her. warm baths will help her relax therefore helping that nerve relax. but lots of love and support will help a ton!!!! i remember coming home from work and just sitting on the comfy couch. ahh. lots of luck!!

i would suggest a massage therapist that was certified in pre-natal massage.
i have a friend who is a massage therapist, and she has even attended many births as a midwives assistant.
it is hard to tell where everyone is from, but if you live in cincinnati you can take your daughter to her, or at least call and ask if she thinks it will help in your situation...
her web site is http://lauwales.com/luminous/

her prices much more reasonable then going to a spa, and she "may" be able to come to your daughter's home...

also a good chiropractor could help with the Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction and the massage therapist might help also.

is this your daughter's first pregnancy? if this is one of your younger daughters, i might think that it could be worse because she is not fully grown?

thankfully all of this should not interfer with delivery.
if you have any more questions send me a private message

M. LEwis
Birth Doula

Hi T.,

This sounds very close to my pregnancy. I am 37, I have 3 teenagers 13, 14 and last year had my last child (yeah big jump). I started to have the same pains and trouble as your daughter. I have had problems with my back for years and thought it was just another episode of this lower back pain but when I went to my pain specialist, he referred me to a women's physical therapy specialist. She found that my pelvis was not staying in place and started both therapy to manipulate the pelvis back in place, and excerises that help build up the muscle that support the pelvis area. She also order a SI belt made for pregnant women. SI(sciatical iliac I think) If you would just ask a therapist about a SI belt they will know what it is. This belt helped keep my pelvis in place and also supported the belly. My therapist also did deep tissue manipulation to help the muscle stay in correct positioning. I really think that you should ask her OB doc about a therapist but make sure they are trained with the OB/women's health.
Good luck and congrate on being grandma!!
Jen S

You need the book PAIN FREE WOMEN. It addresses issues & aches & pain at all stages of pregnancy. You can also go to the EGOSCUE website and ask ?s, read info and learn ALOT!

I would try a chiropracter. I did this with several of my pregnancies to alleviate discomfort. There is a good one in Tipp City - Dr. Payton ###-###-####.

hi T. it doesnt sound like a normal thing to me , ive had lots of babies also and im 74. it soundslike sciatic nerve to me because its very painfuland goes down yur legs sometimes,. im going thru something like that now, and am in pain alot, had exrays i have arthiritus of the spin and my spine is out of aleighment, they asked if i want therapy and i said no, so i just take pain pills when it gets me down and they will do an mri soon. can yur daughter take tylenol since shes pregnant? also id advise her not to lift anything heavy at alland rest as much as she can if thats possiable, and id use heating pad. after the baby is born if it still continues she needs to see her dr for help.hope all goes well for her and best wishes for baby. M.

I had gotten a special brace - it was like a belt that you wore under the baby - it helped my back a LOT. The back is what actually makes that sciatic have the pain.

I had similar problems with my hips when I was pregnant with my 3rd child. The doctor feels it was due to using the recliner. The worse I hurt, the more I sat in the recliner...The more I sat in the recliner, the worse I hurt. I didn't sit in the recliner for my last 2 pregnancies & didn't have this problem.

Hi T.,

I had exactly the same thing with my son, only I started getting it around 5 months. Taking a warm bath with a nice bath oil helps some, just make sure she has help getting out because it gets slippery. Also, I would use a heating pad on my lower back and hip area (dr. suggested this) for small amounts of time. Unfortunatly it probably won't get a whole lot better until she has the baby but a good nights sleep and a tylenol will sometimes help. Also, a good back rub always helps :)

http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/pubicpain.htm

Check out this web-site. I linked you straight to the info on SPD but if you go back to the index you will also find info on how to locate a chiropractor. I hope that your daughter can find some reliefe soon so she can enjoy the rest of her pregnancy.

I worked for a chiropractor, Dr. Douglas M. Charboneau in North Ridgeville. He is great!! Many pregnant women came to his office for discomfort, including me. It may take a couple visits before you start to feel better, but it worked for me when I was carrying my twins.

I had a similar problem when I was pregnant with my second child. I had sciatica and also severe groin pain that would literally send me to my knees. I remember crawling around the house because I was in too much pain to walk. My OB also told me that these were "normal aches and pains of pregnancy." I got some relief with a heating pad but not much. What I can say is that the problem totally disappeared when the baby was born. I felt an instant relief from the pain. I would just advise as much rest as is possible with the demands of life with a little one. Good luck to your daughter.

I had the same problem with my first two pregnancies. I had Sciatica. I'm not sure about the whole hips popping thing, but as far as the pain goes, it sounds identical. The thing with her hips could just be because they are spreading and she is learning to walk in a different way. It always helped me to lay on the opposite side of where the pain was.