Severe Joint Pain

I had bad pains in my wrists after my son was born. The doctor did tests for arthritis and lupus (2yrs ago), the lupus came back abnormal (ana positive), apparently joint pain is a sign of lupus. I'm not symptomatic and have since tested negative, but it's something to be aware of.

Hi Li,
Sounds like you need to see a rheumatologist(arthritis specialist). There are different types of blood tests they can do. Feel better!

I had the same thing happen. I can't even stand on my feet in the morning without limping to the bathroom. I have severe stiffening and joint pain in my ankles and feet ever since I gave birth 11 months ago. It still hasn't gone away. All my other joint pain has gone away with the help of losing weight and doing pilates. Stretching and pilates has helped with the back, hip and hands. Just my feet still have pain. I still have 20 pounds more to lose, so I am hoping it will go away once I lose it.
D.

It could be that you are experiencing the beginning of an autoimmune such as arthritis. We need 8 sugars or carbohydrates or monosaccharides in our diets for cell to cell communication. We only get 2 in our modern day diet. Our bodies have a back up mechanism to convert the 2 we get in our diets but it's a very exhausting process for the body, never meant to do that 24/7 and when the body is stressed, such as pregnancy, the back up process doesn't function well. When that happens, we either get suppressed immune or poor cellular recognition such as autoimmune. Arthritis is poor cellular recognition and then the body starts to attack itself. Asthma - lungs, Diabetes - pancreas, MS - Myelin sheath in the brain, Arthritis, joints, etc. There are now 80 autoimmunes now due to the lack of certain nutrients in our diets. Many times when women have autoimmunes and they get pregnant, their symptoms go away because their bodies are making these necessary sugars, carbos or monosaccharides, if you will, for us and the baby if you don't breast feed. These special sugars are actually in your breast milk to make the baby's immune top notch. The first thing to do is stay away from dairy and cheese. Bad for pregnancy anyway and bad for baby! If you do have arthritis, you are not converting your 2 sugars to galactose, which is an essential sugar for arthritis prevention however, it is in milk and people that have arthritis, many times crave milk and cheese but it's not being utilized. It also is an unhealthy food for mom and baby and kids. "Milk NEVER did a body good" Only bad! Messes up the gut badly.
You can learn more about what I am talking about by going to http://www.HealthyAnswersOnline.com and then looking at what's called the Optimal Health System at http://www.Mannapages.com/healthsugars4life. There you will learn about a product called Ambrotose with is a complex of these sugars. Also, there are other products there for exactly what you are experience to benefit you.
I know what I am talking about because I had the same problem when I was pregnant but with asthma. This is a new field of science called Glycobiology and it's all about your diet. If you'd like to know more, just email me at ____@____.com luck, Jackie

Hi Li,

It's not normal whether stemming from pregnancy or not. But I do believe that your body is really being zapped (as all womens are) from the nutrients needed to provide for pregnancy/breastfeeding.
I know that without my herbalist and Chiro....I could NOT have made it through giving birth to my 2 babies (@ 40 and 46) without the Chiro support...to make sure that all is in alignment and working order. And without nutritional support through the supplements, i.e; vitamins/minerals/herbs.

Women underestimate what our bodies are put through with our children at birth and through the nursing stages.
Your whole skeletal changes from the position of having to carry a baby and the delivery! So all the MORE, things need to be 'put' back in place correctly for you to function again as before. And no, it doesn't always go back by itself. In fact many women experience all kinds of problems from that point on - and FORGET and don't attribute it to their pregnancy/ies and giving birth.
In fact my kids were checked at HOURS old to make sure they weren't 'tweaked' when coming out. They strain just as much coming out of that little canal. And it is very possible for them to end up with problems if something isn't in the correct position.
And it really doesn't matter your age. It matters what your diet is like, exercise, how much you are taking in...and even then it's not enough. You'd have to eat an unmentionable amount of food to stay on top of it. (Supplements,not the 'junk' vitamins from the stores...but from a legitimate neuropathic, homeopathic or herbalist).

If you've had shots/vaccines or medications....they can also play a damaging part and tax your system and be harmful of course through nursing to the baby.

Before you go the 'drug' route. Find a good Herbalist and make sure your body is running on a full tank.

The arthritis concerns and any virus connection concerns are a 'symptom' of something missing...not cause. (see Epstein-Barr connection to shots/vaccinations on the internet).

Your body is an amazing machine capable of so much if 'fed' correctly.
Even after you've had 30yrs of mercury poisoning, antibiotic overdose, vaccine overdose, damage from tetanous shot, pneumonia for a year, 4 car accidents, deafness, doctors want to do a hysterectomy cause of all the damage, and bed ridden for 80% of the time for 10 yrs.....you can STILL have your body recover from all the 'damage' if you properly 'feed', support, supplement your insides, and keep your spine in balance physically and chemically WITHOUT drugs.
You can find yourself STILL delivering 2 (miracle, not supposed to be) babies (no infertility drugs)in your 40's, all natural with no drugs...and find yourself living a normal life.

The point is, it doesn't matter what it's 'related' to and what is causing it. But I would think a bit of common sense would have you asking that if you DIDN'T have these problems BEFORE the baby....then it must be something from the pregnancy, c-section, and nursing, all AFTER the fact.

And to that I say....go back to reading this from the beginning because I think you are severely depleted. Something as simple as calcium could be the culprit.

Just before you go the medical route where they'll want to throw drugs at you...which would cease the all important nursing for the baby.....just get yourself checked out by someone who can tell you right off the bat what IS wrong. I stopped accepting the negatives, and shoulder shrugging from doctors when they didn't have the answers. Just because THEY don't know, doesn't mean another form of doctor (non western) couldn't help. And in my experience and hundreds of others over the last 27 yrs....all got help when they sought out the latter.

(Side note ** quick story. A dear friend of mine of 27 yrs. has a husband who has suffered for years with some 'disease' I can't pronounce nor spell. They took out some vertebrae, and then did brain surgery and took out a portion of 'bone' at the bottom of his skull by the neck. With all of his physical 'problems' over those years...they then gave him a clean bill of health. Until a few months later the SAME symptoms came back. He can't take care of himself, can't think straight, is narcoleptic, the list is too long. I URGED my friend to finally go see the herbalist and they did out of desperation. He started to do real well but it wasn't enough. I knew why. I URGED her to finally go see our Chiropractor. He said my husbands friend had maybe another 1.5 yrs left had he not started help. His 'brains' were coming out through the area in which they took out bone!!!!
He's a severe case. Getting care 4 times a week for the next year. But for the first time in years, he can actually think for himself, shower for himself, and he's starting to 'function' again like a normal human being. He may even be able to work one day again. And Lord willing, if he continues to spiral upward like he has been, he'll see his kids graduate college.
Now THAT'S why I say our bodies are amazing machines. They just need the RIGHT help. And after 27 yrs of preaching it to family, friends and any one within ear shot.....it hasn't mattered if someone has had a minor or major problem, like my friends husband. They've ALL recovered in leaps and bounds when giving their bodies the right support).

Good luck....it'll get figured out.

have u googled your problem? also you should go to Wholefoods and tell the nutritionists that work there in the vitamin area what you're experiencing they might be able to help..i wonder if you have a pinched nerve affecting you? do you try to get out and do some walking? i take this supplement called H.A. Joint Formula by Purity Products www.purityproducts.com
Maybe you should look into that..also are you taking DHA? Maybe start taking flaxseed oil or get the seeds and sprinkle them on your food. There is a book called Prescription for Nutritional Healing ..sold on amazon or at Wholefoods..there's probably something in that book on what you have and what to take.
also get some acupuncture.....i bet that would really help..also look into some relaxation yoga. good luck*

Well sorry to hear your feeling bad I know how it goes I wake up some mornings almost unable to pick my DD up. The problems could be pregnancy related or could very well be something more brought out in the open by the pregnancy and birth of our children. There are several things you need to consider also for some things may be solve with small lifestyle changes. Be assertive and self aware although the problems could be something very simple they very well could be something more.

Now back pain and a c-section or epideral is normal the spinal block they give us does create a certain amount of scar tissue and with that some related pain and complications this varies from person to person. For me a few good trips to the chiopractor has helped wonders. Our hips should hurt for a few weeks as we get back to normal and adjust to not carrying around baby anymore.

Other pains hands, arms, wrist, shoulders, etc. some things need to be considered. I am still over weight from my pregnancy and having a c-section myself didnt do to terrible much but take care of kiddo after giving birth as there is an 8 week recovery time where walking is a must but lifting etc restricted to child only.(thank goodness for hubby). Being over wieght will cause pain in the hips, legs, knees, ankels an feet especially after a recovery time of not doing much.

Do you hold your child a large portion of the day I dont know how big your lo is but just think about the stress holding 8lbs or more constantly puts on muscles and joints. Now im not saying don't hold your baby please no one take that wrong, but consider the amount of hours. There are several slings and wraps etc that do wonders for relief of the body stress. Also if your brestfeeding and not using one condsider a feeding pillow, stool or positioner to help easy some off the pressure and stress from tired mummys and their bodies.

Now all those take all things in consideration. This leaves a large area of things needing to be discussed with your health care provider. There is blood work and tests out there to help you find answers ask for them be assertive and firm if you GP wont work with you mabey your ob will. Find a doctor that will validate what your going threw and helping you to find solutions instead of blanketing it as having a child and dont worry it will go away eventually.

HTH and in the mean time feel better vibes for you.

Hello Li R,
Hmm, I have been feeling similar to you minus the fingers and wrist pain. I was told that during and after pregnancy, your whole body changes. This includes your bones. Your skeleton had to adjust to carrying and giving birth to a baby and now it needs to go back to 'normal'. Just like when you were younger, the term 'Growing Pains' was thrown around often. I was told this still applies now. Our bones are moving back and trying to find that normal-pre-baby position.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that it goes away sooner than later. My baby is already 8 months old!

I developed Lupus shortly after my first son was born. At the time they thought it was RA, but after blood test, they relized it was Lupus. With proper treatment I am now doing great, and my sone is now 22! :) I would talk to your Dr about it on your next check up!

I think you need to get a referral to a rheumatologist. It is known that some pregnancies can spur on episodes of autoimmnune activity - like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthrititis - all of which can include joint pain. Rheumatologists I know in Torrance are Gary Feldman and Kenneth Nies. Your primary should be able to give you a referral. There are many in Los Angeles who are great and should be able to help you diagnose and treat your pain. Cedars and UCLA have some of the best in the country. I wish you healing...I am sorry you are in pain.

Hi Li!

Welcome to the Mommy Club! I also had a c-section but only experienced the pain in my wrists and hands after giving birth. Luckily I didn't have the hip/back/knee pains you had. I now suffer from other kinds of problems with my hands but after seeing a specialist and having lots of blood tests and x-rays, my rheumatologist said it's not rheumatoid arthritis.

Your wrists and hands are very susceptible to pain from swelling if you are not accustomed to holding your baby properly when you nurse. If you are bending your wrist and curling your hands around your baby's head to support him while he nurses, that's not good for you! You need to keep your wrist straight and curl your fingers. Support your arms while nursing to prevent back, neck and wrist strain. You also need to have good back support while you nurse. All of your nerves are connected so if one part of you gets strained, that makes everything else from neck, shoulders to arms and hands be affected and out of whack.

By the time my son was 4 months old, I couldn't take the pain and had trouble cutting with scissors or opening things. I developed a condition called Dequervain's (can't remember spelling?) which is a form of tendonitis. It's somewhat similar to carpal tunnel syndrome since it affects the same areas.

You can get treatment for carpal tunnel or tendonitis from an occupational therapist to help regain motion and there is a procedure called iontophoresis where a liquid medicine, a very mild steroid which is okay to use while nursing, is pushed by electrical pulses into a patch on your affected areas. Ultrasound therapy also helped me. Accupuncture is also very effective in helping with pain and inflamation.

If you live in the South Bay, I can recommend an accupuncturist or rheumatologist in Torrance. Several of the Occupational Therapists at Torrance Memorial are hand specialists or joint specialists and are so helpful with treatment!

Whatever you do, get a checked by a specialist and get educated on the types of medicines you may be offered. I was offered a cancer drug to combat the arthritic symptoms but I declined and did accupuncture instead. A mangosteen juice supplement is another thing I'm trying - check the various types out before subscribing as a user. Some distribution or direct sale companies are not as good as they claim and the one sold at Costco is very dilute.

Hopefully, your symptoms will go away as you recover from childbirth. Best wishes!

:-) K. H.

Dear Li,

I have no ideas except to ask if either doctor has checked your hormone levels - I would go to your primary - it might be easier to get him to check your hormone levels since he thinks it might be pregnancy related, and if he finds something that is, you can always go back to your OB/GYN.

Good luck,
B.

Yes! There are forms of inflammatory arthritis that surge during and especially after pregnancy. Mine started after the birth of my daughter (ten years ago), and has gotten progressively worse since the birth of my son (six years ago). It got to wear I couldn't lift or carry my children, couldn't push a shopping cart in the market, and couldn't play with my kids. I was like an old woman trapped in a 40 year old body.

Mine started exactly as yours. After seeing every kind of specialist, from neurosurgeons to acupunturists, my physical therapist told me to see a rheumatologist. I did, and he diagnosed me THAT DAY with a disease called ankylosing spondilitis - a form of inflammatory arthritis, where the immune system goes haywire and attacks the joints. I was so happy to know I wasn't going crazy!

Now we are trying various meds to suppress my immune system, plus I do yoga, physical therapy, and acupunture several times a week. I will never be pain free, and I will never be as physically active as I was before, but at least I know the disease won't progress - and I can live a full and happy life with my kids!

Hi,
I too, am a first time mother of a boy, now 3.5 yrs old, and I had the normal vaginal birth, had the epideral, and also breastfead....
I distinctly remembered the wrist pains, finger pains and along my whole arm and shoulders... I don't remember pains in the hips, but it's possible. my memory isn't so good. But I thought it was because I wasn't use to holding the baby that certain way while breastfeeding.. I had a hard time with breastfeeding at the time too... so it was a strugle and stressful. Just carrying the baby was giving me joint pains... maybe it's just new weight to carry that is painful in the joints and muscles?? I'm such a weakling... always needing help to carry stuff.
I don't know if this will help. but I think I had it too. I didn't go to the doctor for it. so I can't really give you advice, except that, I might have had it too.
I hope that was helpful.
E.

Hi Li,

My husband is a rheumatologist and usually advises people to get second and sometimes third opinions. You don't want to risk letting somthing go untreated. Also having another opinion might relieve your mind!

Congratulations on your new baby boy!

hi Li, Let's see where do I start! I was Dignosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis right before I turned 13 years old, I'm now 25 and I just found out that I no longer have it. Arthritis can be tricky at times. The joints that you say are hurting you are the same ones that used to hurt me. You can get Arthritis at any age and at anytime. I know that if you have arthritis before you are pregnant being pregnant can actually help it but then later on after people give birth it usually starts to bother them again and I know that some people can stay in remission even after they give birth. The best way to find out what is going on and to find out if you have it, is to go to a rheumatologist who will do some blood test and will examine you to find out if that is what it is. There are other things too that can cause you to hurt and are a little different than arthritis which includes lupus and my husband has joint pain and we just found out that he has fibromyalgia . I hope that this has helped you and I hope that you feel better, I thank God everyday that my arthritis is gone. I still have pain in my knees here and there but I'm overweight and I still haven't lost all the pregnancy weight from when I had my son and that was 2 years ago! Take care and God Bless you!

Good Morning...

Sorry to hear you are in such discomfort. My advice is to schedule an appointment with a Rheumatologist asap. He can do blood tests to check for arthritis, thyroid, lupus, etc. In my experience, it's always BEST to go straight to a specialist with regard to any medical issues that are out of the norm. Best of luck to you.

While I am not a doctor, anyone will tell you this is not the norm for during or after pregnancy! I would go back to my primary doctor and make them run tests. Have you had fevers or been tired? 95% of Lupus diagnosed patients have achy joints as a symptom, so until I had all the answers, I would want my doctor to FIND out what it is! It could be absolutely nothing serious but I am sure you want answers.
Congratulations on your baby boy...I have two boys and the time flies so fast. Enjoy each and every moment, cherish their good days with their bad...everything we do, forms their little minds, hearts and spirits! They are TRULY a huge blessing!

Hi Li R -
It is definitely pregnancy related. It has to do with the loosening of the joints, particularly in the pelvic area, to prepare for birth. It took me two years to finally stand up without grunting. The pain does pass though, over time, and I feel good now. Take some supplements like MSM for joints and lots of water. Fish oil or Primrose Oil is good too. Yoga is excellent.

I don't know what's wrong with your OB/Gyn...obviously he is on crack. BTW, it is NOT arthritis.

Good luck to you and congrats on your beautiful baby boy!
- L.

It doesn't really matter who thinks it is pregnancy related or not, you need to do something about it. They can do blood tests for arthritis. It could be tendinitis. It could also be a virus -- but likely would have diminished by now. (I have arthritis and carpal tunnel and other itus's like bursitis --- all flare up when stressed. However, none of these compare to the pain I experience when my daughter was 6 mos. Apparently we both got Fifth's Disease (human Parvovirus) Required steroids and narcotics for weeks -- doesn't have same effect on children. Like Chicken Pox is mild in kids, potentially life-threatening in older adults.

Get to the bottom of the source of your pain and get relief.

Li,

I've had 3 babies at home - completely drug-free and I can confidently tell you that this is NOT normal. Some joint pain as things try to go back to normal, is normal, but what you are describing is NOT.

The drugs given in the epidural, as well as pitocin contain mercury and aluminum as preservatives. Most moms don't ask and that information is not offered as part of informed consent. Since you are BFing, you may not want to dump any toxins. I've known people who detox for 3 days while they make a good homemade formula, rather than giving store bought formula, where the first ingredient is high fructose corn syrup - diabetes anyone?

It could be a Candida thing after having antibitoics. You might want to go and get PB8 (A really good probiotic - they aren't all created equal.) from a local heathfood store (Mother's?) - in the refrigerated section. I might take 3 daily for 2-3 weeks and see if that helps. It'll also help the intestines of your little one.

I've been under chiropractic care the entire pregnancy and post pregnancy - and I pretty much never had any joint pain - including LB pain. http://www.icpa4kids.org/locator/index.php

If you want to send a message privately for any clarification, feel free. Good luck.

I also developed this after having my baby 4 years ago. After numerous trips to the doctor, I was finally referred to rhuemotology where the doctor diagnosed me as having chrondomalagia patella syndrome. Basically, it is where the tissue in my knees is getting soft and seperating from the knee cap. When I bent down and then stood back up or did stairs it was excruciating! They gave me some exercises to do and with that and avoiding major stair type stuff I am much better. I also experienced the other joint pain along with it and am not sure why, but it also went away. They don't know what causes it and men and women get it, esp runners, but my doc said pregnancy doesn't cause it but brings it out b/c it is a stressor. Also, one thing to be aware of is that joint pain can be a rare symptom because of a thyroid problem which is very very common after giving birth. Have they checked that??

Fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue? If it is either than it can be remedied through diet.

Dear Li,

As I am not a Dr., I cannot say clinically however, I know from experience & through my sister too, that your body definitively changes each time you have a pregnancy - delivery. My sister has had a tailbone problem ever since her first pregnancy - all her Dr's have always told her it isn't related etc... I had a lot of joint issues during & after my 1st pregnancy. I have arthritis technically. Was not diagnosed that way until after I sprained both ankles more than once! Take a good pain reliever such as Aleve or Motrin (they reduce swelling in joints) when the pain comes. Daily you need a good joint complex that has MSM & Chondroiton in it. There are a lot our there. It promotes joint health & restoration. It got better by about 6 months after my 1st was born & then almost 3 yrs later, I had another baby - & it happened all over again. Be thankful for the things you can be & take the supplements & pain relievers. Good luck & God Bless!

trying some pilates is what worked for me. I had incredible pain in my hips, legs and lower back during my pregnancy with my second. I also went to physical therapy during my pregnancy which was amazing. You could try a chiropractor too.

Hi Li R,
It very well could be from the pregnancy. I have the same type of thing ggoing on. It started when pregnant too. I think it may be from all the relaxin loosening up the joints and causing them to be easily injured from weight, work, bad sleeping positions, etc... Give it some time. I personally haven't gotten much better. I am 11 months post-partum and with the extra weight and constant work i think my joints are too stressed. It takes roughly a year to get back to normal as far as the joints go( relaxin ) so it is still easy to injure your joints for that long as well. Take it as easy as possible, drink lots and lots of water, cayanne pepper is great for inflammation, and see your doc again after a year post partum if it isn't getting better. Good luck.
M.

Hi!
Bless your heart!! Yes,unfortunately-arthritis! I am also a sufferer, It is hard to get out of bed. I have an amazing
Physical Therapist-Kathy Grimsby. She makes life bearable for me! I mean SHE IS GOOD!!! I never , in a million years would have thought ANY physical therapy could help me!
In fact in the past they have only hurt me more!
She has just opened her own practice on Clairemont Drive.
You can call her, she genuinely cares! If you have or even don't have insurance. She is an absolutely wonderful gal!!
Her business phone number is;
###-###-####
You should call!! I commute there from East County. It is entirely worth it!!
She is located at: 3794 Clairemont Drive
Good Luck,
C. S.

YOU NEED MONA-VIE!!

It is truly amazing and will help your joint pain...

Call me and I'll give you a bottle to try!

At this point you have nothing to lose and it's all organic!

###-###-####

I consulted with my general practice doctor and she first recomended a joint suplliment that contained - Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate & Hyaluronic Acid. I was a runner in high school and now approaching my 40's I dont execerise much at all, I noticed the same pains you have, with every move,sitting,standing,walking,bending, getting out of bed or into bed. I know the first 2 ingrediants do help with joint pain. So I first tried a supliment with only the 1st two ingrediants and it didn't help too much. My doctor also had me tested fror athrithis & it was negative. I went for another suppliment with all 3 ingrediants-within 3 weeks I literally had NO MORE pain. I religiously took the suppliment for 3 months in a row and just stopped...its been about 5 months now & have no pain anywhere. I tried 'Joint Soother' from Vitamin World. Good luck !!

While you are having blood work done, ask the doctor to check your ferritin levels. Sometimes when a woman is not having periods (like during pregnancy and especially if you are taking a vitamin with iron in it) the iron levels in her body increase dramatically. Too much iron in the body causes joint pain. It causes severe fatigue also. So it might be something you want to check out.

go to www.herbalworksinc.com and look for a product called "Migra Works" its a natural pain reliever and works very well. It will at least take the edge off of the discomfort. They also sell the heat pillows that work well with the pain reliever.

Have you had your thyroid checked? Hypothyroid is a very common side effect of pregnancy, and a hypothyroidism is joint aches. I became severely hypothyroid after giving birth to my first son, and I had the similar joint aches. Walking up and down the stairs was excruciating, especially in the morning. When I began thyroid meds, the joint aches went away after a few weeks. They did not come back after I gave birth to my second son because my thyroid was monitored close during and after that pregnancy.

I hope you find something that helps.
Take care,
B.

My 2nd daughter is 6 months old and I'm having the exact same aches and pains. I had a vaginal delivery so I don't think it's because of your c-section. My OB says it just takes time for the pain to go away. I had a much milder version of it with my first daughter - it was mostly in my elbows, wrists and fingers, but this time it's all of my joints - hips, ankles, back, the works. I looked into supplements, but unfortunately I couldn't find any that were safe to use while nursing. I can tell you from experience not to try and work out or push though the pain and put pressure on things because it only makes it worse. Hang in there and know you are not alone!

I had something very similar. Have blood work done and have them check your Ebstien Bar Virus. You probably need a steriod shot. Not sure how this would work if you are nursing. Stay away from foods that cause inflammation. I would google alternatie methods for arthirtus. Hot baths helped me but only for a brief time. Good Luck

I don't think it's pregnancy related, if it was it would have gone by now. I know I experienced many diffrent aces and pains with my last one but they were gone once he was out.
I don't know your insurance but if you can go straight to a specialist I would try to find one that deals with joint pain. If you have to go back to your primary doctor. Tell him to do his job and help you out, There are things he can do to rule out a diagnosis, & that's what you need him to do. At the same time he might give you medicine that means you can't breast feed so make sure you talk to him about medicine that might be ok for breast feeding moms.
It's possible that the pregnancy has pushed your simptoms to max out. But like I said your not pregnant anymore and your body has had 3 months to correct this issue. Good Luck! Hopefully you'll get something that will help you and that this isn't to serious. J.

This is part of your pregnancy!! Your body loosens up the joints to make room for the baby. My daughter was unable to climb stairs with her second one, the first one was not so bad. But the doctor advised her against more babies because of it. By this time you should be feeling better!! Are you taking a good vitamin? Take this up with your Dr, the one that knows what he is doing. Be persistent, this is important. Take care of yourself, the feeling you are having is just like what my daughter said she felt like. See a chiroprator for an evaluation, they are pretty smart cookies.

OMG I had THE EXACT same thing after the birth of my DS (my 1st born). It was so painful, that combined w/ post partum hormones, I thought I was dying - very funny in retrospect, but very very real when you are goin thru it. I never got an answer (I never actually saw a Dr. about it) but it HAD to be pregnancy related since it went away eventually, I don't remember exactly when, but I think it took awhile. I think it must have something to do w/ the hormone released into your system that causes your joints to stretch (in prepairation of birth). I didn't have this w/ my second baby. I really think it takes a year for your body to completly recover from having a baby.

Hi Li,

It is absolutely pregnancy related! It has to do with the hormones and relaxin in your body. I had the same problem. My baby is now 7 months old and most of the joint pain has gone -- I still have bad days with my wrists though... There are so many weird changes associated with pregnancy & nursing that no one ever tells you about. Just know that you are so not alone, and it will get better. It takes much, much longer to heal and get your body back, even if you were amazingly fit before... my yoga instructor keeps saying "9 months in, 9 months out." I'm not quite at the 9 month point yet, but there are some changes I think I am just going to have to live with... like the new weird shape of my belly button, and my pelvic bones not being quite where they were before this whole thing started... and numerous other little nuanced changes. Anyway, I do what other mothers do and look at my beautiful baby and say, "Anything for you." (But do know that the joint thing will get better.) Much love, C.

i was diagnosised with osteoarthritis shortly after the birth of my twins about 4 years ago. it is a problem mainly in my knee. my dr. told me that i would have developed the disease sooner or later but often pregnancy speeds things up due to the fact that pregnancy cana leech calcium form the bones. they can diagnosis this condition with simple x-rays. hope you get some relief. mine also started bothering me before i had the boys---which i attributed to the pregnancy but then seemed to worsen after. night is the worst for me also. i hope you get some relief soon. a combination of antiinflamatories and pain killers help me keep up with my 3 little ones. good luck.

I have no idea what the problem is, but set up an appointment with a rheumatologist and get to the bottom of it.

Hi Li,

Congratulations on the birth of your son. I have a son too and he is the best!

I had the same problem. I got really bad pains in my hips and legs (especially at night) and in my left knee when I was pregnant. I couldn't get up if I would bend down or squat down. This continued for at least several months after the baby was born. I found that the knee pain was from my lower back. I think the hip and leg pain was due to the pregnancy also but it eventually went away - I know it was at least several month maybe more after my son was born until it went away. The pains in my fingers started after the baby was born. My best friend and my sister in law had this problem too. I think this is from working your fingers so much to care for the baby. In any case, that pain went away after a couple of months.

Also, as your baby gains weight, you will start to feel it in your upper arms. Eventually you're arm muscles will strengthen and you'll be able to lift anything! (My son is 45 pounds and I still carry him around!)

You are pregnant for nine months and it takes a toll on your body - it took about a year for me to feel totally normal again. Wait a few more weeks then try to do some yoga and stretching... that will help your and legs.

Good luck!

Hi Li R the joint pain could be from caring the extra weight whie you were pregnant, my husband was having problems with his knees, and he started taking Super Flex Joint Formula, that he got at Henery's healt food store, it's all natural and it has worked wonders for him, he can now take our dog for a walk with out his knee support. J.

I had a csection too, but I don't think it had to do with that.. I had joint pain during the very last part of the pregnancy.. and then I had a boy.. and it got worse.. it affected my wrist the most.. kinda like what carpel tunnel would be. I had a hard time picking him up. It went away.. but not completely till he was about 5 months old.. pregnancy changes your body over nine months, and sometimes it takes that long to change that back. just remember that this too shall pass!!

Listen to your OB, she has alot more experience regarding pregnanacy side effects than your primary care doctor. I'd get to a good rheumatologist now.

Hello Li,

Congratulations on having a boy... When pregnant, the body undergoes a lot of changes in order to accommodate the growing baby, so the joint pain you are experiencing might be due to that...

If you would like some relief of joint pain, you might want to consider acupuncture and herbal medicine... In Eastern medicine, the idea is that the body experiences pain because it is not in balance, so these therapies work to resotre those imbalances. If you are in the Las Vegas area and would like more information, feel free to call me at Rhee's Acupuncture Clinic: ###-###-####.

Best of luck,
O.

I had a little of this during the first part of my pregnacy's. Which is odd since it has to do with loosening you up for delivery. My point being, that there are a lot of different varriables caused by pregnancy. It is quite possible that it's pregnancy related. However, I would check with a doctor to rule out RA.

I do believe it is pregnancy related. My daughter is 4 months old and I have been experiencing the same aches and pains. I too had a c-section and have wondered if I had arthritis. Mine is mostly in my wrists, back, shoulders and ankles. I had a chiropractic adjustment and that helped. I was told that it takes a while for your bones to "settle" back into place. My chiroprator also told me to be aware of my posture while breastfeeding. A nursing pillow and a stool to elevate your feet should help. Always make sure you have good back support while breastfeeding.

Also it didn't occur to me for a while (I wish someone had told me), that it is not necessary to take the car seat in and out of the car with baby in it. Car seats are heavy, and carrying one around, even from just the house to car can add wear and tear on body. It was also easier to transfer baby when I finally switched the car seat from the center to the passenger side of the back seat. I couldn't believe the difference those two ergonimic changes made on my back. I also suggest you invest in an excellent pair of shoes and a good massage every now and then never hurt anyone :-) Good Luck!

I've been a nurse (RN) for 40 years and have never heard symptoms like you describe as being pregnancy related. To be honest, you really need to have your primary physician do some blood work to determine if you have indeed developed arthritis, etc. Pregnancy does put some unusual stress on the body. That's why some women actually become diabetic during their pregnancy, only to return to a normal status following delivery. Your pregnancy may have triggered something, but I doubt the pregnancy itself is the cause of your pain.

Li,

I had that with both of my kids and my doctor said it is from the pregnancy hormones that loosen up your pelvis when you give birth and from the natural swelling that comes with pregnancy. For whatever reason, it lasted more than a year after my first child was born (who was breech and a c-section) and only a month or so with my second child (who was a vbac - vaginal birth after c-section).

I nursed both of my kids for more than a year.

T.

I had this while pregnant with my first and I want to say until she was about 1.5 years old. I also had a c-section and extended breastfed (I don't think those things are related though). Anyway, for me, it just finally seemed to lessen and then go away. I started eating really well and was exercising a lot. I've not had joint pain since and have since given birth a second time (he is now 3). Not sure if diet/exercise are the reason it went away for me or not.
Hope you are feeling better soon,
M.

I am a first time mom of a beautiful now 17 month old little girl and it seems that after I had her I too began experiencing joint/muscle pais in several parts of my body. I was athletic in high school and have always been a gym attendee (off and on) and associated the pains to old injuries/strains. I am currently recovering from a left sciatic nerve pain/low back spasm. It has been challenging to rest running around with a toddler. Anyway, I too have gone to several proffesional medical personnel, including my husband whom is a D.O. My husband is very supported and has done certain muscle manipulations to help out but unfortunately nothing is yet to work. I recently switched to a family practitioner whom took my complaints more seriouslyy and took it upon herself to run many tests. Though all have come back normal, she does believe that something is going on and has reffered me to a RHeumatologist. This morning I woke up and the first thing I said to my husband was "I tthink I want to see an acupuncturist". Don't give up. Although aches and pains are normal after having a baby, sometimes you have to listen to your body when something just is not right. P.S-I also had a c-section. Good Luck.

you may want to try acupuncture for pain management & also get blood work done to check your thyroid or see if you have any autoimmune illness going on.

M.