Anyone have groin pain and have ideas to help. From a quick search I think it is likely pubic symphosis dysfunction ... essentially pain because the pelvic girdle is separating. But it really hurts to stand on one leg and if I walk too much it aches all day. I don't have another appointment for a few weeks but might need to call the OB because this isn't working for me...
@biolprof - I do. It feels like someone has taken a baseball bat to my pubic bone. I always thought it was just part of pregnancy. I am not sure there's much you can do about it. But if your OB comes up with anything, let us know!
@MollySm I read physical therapy might help through manual manipulation and essentially helping strength the other muscles around. But no idea. I'm hoping she has some good ideas!
@biolprof I had it with my first more severely, but symptoms are returning with this one. My doctor recommended adding a magnesium supplement, and wearing a pelvic girdle to support the belly. I've found both help some but are no miracle workers. She stated continuing to walk/low impact exercise can help but the pain makes that very challenging for me. After 32 weeks she said most things won't do much and it's just a part of pregnancy.
If you continue to have pain 6-8 weeks after the baby is born I highly recommend seeing a physical therapist, specifically geared towards women's health/pelvic floor (though I didn't have other pelvic floor symptoms). I did 6 or so sessions 9 months after my first was born because I was still in pain walking, wish I had known to go sooner! The therapist helped me straighten my hips out and did some internal adjustments as my muscles had been guarding/tense from the long term posture changes. I felt like I was finally back to myself again after those sessions.
So sorry you're experiencing it, I don't wish that type of pain on anyone.
That's the one that I have. If I'm walking a lot I have somebody else make it tight because it's hard to adjust on my own but if I'm wearing it when there is a mix of sitting/standing/walking I prefer it a little looser. If you look up maternity support belt, pelvic support harness/belt you'll see some different options.
Edited: Forgot something.
Support pillows at night are helpful too, especially between the knees.
This is my third delivery, but SO's first. I can't decide if we should do the child birth classes or not. I hate stuff like that. Does anyone have any suggestions?
@FyreFlyeRush - We are taking a short one-day birthing class as a refresher course, more for DH's benefit than mine. I would just like to refresh the breathing techniques, but he wanted to take the whole thing again to remember all the stages of labor, positioning he can help me with, and how to do counter pressure. He says he remembers nothing from the one we took two years ago, so if it makes him more relaxed and a better support person, than I'm all for it!
Can you look into if your hospital has the refresher course for STM+?
@FyreFlyeRush its my third delivery also, although DH was also there for the last 2. I'm not planning any birthing classes this time around, I honestly didn't find them helpful with my last 2 births and DH was pretty useless at labor support, so I don't know that they were helpful to him either.
I've already given him the cliff notes version of my birth preferences and will keep reinforcing them so he can hopefully advocate for me if needed (e.g., as long as I'm not unconscious or being actively wheeled in for a c-section, I am being allowed to drink water). I'm also going to give him a really short list of physical things that helped during my DD's labor for him to practice ahead of time and hopefully remember once the time comes (e.g. double hip squeezes).
I'm basing this off my previous experiences, though. During your last labors, did you find having knowledgeable support people helpful? Does your SO want to do a birthing class?
@cats_in_a_window, honestly, no. I don't feel like they helped at all. I would like him to be aware of the stages of labor and what to expect, but I'm not sure we can't get that through the online class. The breathing techniques help me, but the rest of it just ticks me off.
But you did remind me I need to give him medical power of attorney before I deliver, as well as tell him what I want done, especially if there are complications.
@FyreFlyeRush if he isnt pushing to do a class then I would just have him read up on some stuff and have a good talk about what you need & expect from him & possibly write it down so he can refer back to it during labour etc.
I found the classes to be not very helpful & a bit of a waste of time personally but others have enjoyed them & find them helpful 🤷🏻♀️
@FyreFlyeRush DH and I didn't really find the class helpful when we took it last time. We both feel we already knew the basics from reading. I also had a doula who helped tremendously - both of us really valued her being there.
Writing down what my wishes were and having an open conversation ahead of time was the most helpful thing.
@persnickity, we talked last night and decided that's what we're going to do. He's already got instructions not to let me get meds unless it's clear I'm done or medically necessary
@FyreFlyeRush yeah, that sounds like that's the best for for you guys. The only class we both thought helpful was one on newborn care. Having never babysat or interacted with an infant, it was helpful. We got to practice giving a bath, changing a diaper, swaddling, and dressing a doll. It sounds really basic, but helped reassure that we could figure it out.
Anyone else having some nausea? I didn't really have MS in the first trimester, but I am getting random bouts of nausea that come and go the past week. Also horrible night sweats where I wake up drenched. I'm not sure if I have a little bug of some sort or this is pregnancy related. I've also been extra wiped out and fatigued. The third trimester has come in like a lion!
Hormones tend to resurge in the third tri. I usually lose most of my appetite toward the end. I even lost weight in my 2nd pregnancy between weeks 35 and 41. I also had morning sickness with him the ENTIRE pregnancy, so IDK if that makes a difference. FWIW, my nausea never fully left me. Coffee still makes me gag, SO's toothpaste still rolls my stomach...and if I'm hungry, it takes me a while to get the nerve to eat.
Not sure if this is a question for here or for the weekly random's thread?
Last night was the first night DD had her room set up and went to bed there. I had to fall asleep with her and she kept saying she didn't want to be alone (so heartbreaking). I honestly would rather she still room shared with us but am worried for when baby come's how that will effect her so I thought to transition a bit earlier would help. Anyone have experience with this or even room sharing with both a toddler and new baby? (or am I just crazy here..)
@c1kc1kpol1cn1k how old is she? Is this the first time she was sleeping in her room alone? I would think it might just take some time to adjust her. When we switched DD to a bed from crib, she took like 2+ weeks to go sleep on her own and stay in her bed and she was used to sleeping in her room in her crib. I don't have any experience room sharing with an older baby/toddler as DD has been in her own room since 7ish months. I would think that the baby waking up frequently would affect her sleep if she was in your room, but she might be a heavy sleeper and be ok?
@c1kc1kpol1cn1k whilst dd has been in her own room since about 6months we had a tough time transitioning to her big girl bed back in the summer. Especially after being on holiday for a week when she was in the room with us. It took a good month or more to get her settled & even still she has moments where she wants to be in with us. Im kinda dreading how she reacts when the twins arrive & theyre in with us & she isnt.
Maybe TMI? Has anyone ever experienced Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction during pregnancy? I went camping at the beginning of September and assumed I overdid it setting up camp and just pulled a muscle (although I've referred to this situation as my broken vagina 😆), however it's still not gotten any better and has basically become a chronic pain issue. It's worst at night when I try to roll over in bed/get out of bed, or when I'm trying to put my pants on or put my weight on one leg. I read an article today about general groin pain in pregnancy hoping it would give me answers, since my OB told me last appointment "oh that's normal" but I sure didn't experience this type of groin pain with my first pregnancy. The article linked me to SPD and I really think it's what I've got happening and plan to follow up at the OB tomorrow.
@valerie4786 I’m dealing with the same thing. I go to the chiropractor once a week and she adjusts my pelvis. Idk that it helps that much and I’m pretty much in varying amounts of pain all the time. I’m interested to hear what your ob says about it. I’ll be asking mine on Friday.
@jaceru she is a bit over 3 and it's the first time she ever slept alone in a room (she would go to sleep alone in our room in her bed/crib before) She's definitely not a heavy sleeper so it would be risky.
@leprechaunlady I have the same feeling, I just don't want her to feel abandoned left out. Last night she slept in the room the whole night which was good! I think we will just need to be persistent, I think it is much harder on DH and I since we miss having her there!
@valerie4786 I would try out a chiropractor for this or even pelvic physiotherapist since they can really help with that. I had chronic tailbone pain from my last birth that they were able to help me with
@valerie4786 definitely me. I found limiting my walking and sitting when I dress has definitely helped. For a couple of days I sat on an ice pack. Don't know if it helped but I am feeling better. I feel it come back when I stand or walk too much during the day.
@valerie4786 I've had some version of pelvic pain from about 12 weeks onwards. Not sure if it's SPD, RLP, or varicose veins (pregnancy is so glamorous ). I didn't have it with my first, but did with my second, and now it's here again for my third. From what I understand, all three of these conditions get worse with subsequent pregnancies. With my second, I tried some support garments, but they didn't seem to help (and were a pain to wear) so I haven't pursued anything like that with this one. As @biolprof mentioned, doing a lot of standing/walking seems to aggravate it, but sitting too much hurts my hips, so I'm just trying to change position and move around more.
I got some bloodwork back that shows I'm slightly anemic. My OB wants me to start taking an iron supplement, and I'm really hesitant. I have tried taking iron in the past (many years ago) and it feels like it shreds my stomach, it hurts so much! Plus, I'm already not having great BMs and adding iron it just going to gum up the works even more. She recommended I start Colace at the same time, which I've never tried, but don't love the sound of either...
Obvs I'm going to do what's best for the baby, even if it is painful. I guess I'm just wondering if I can maybe eat steak and spinach a few nights a week instead of taking the supplements?
Anyone has a similar aversion to iron and found something that works?
@schreibaby I’ve been told that black strap molasses (not the regular kind) is a good source of iron. It’s usually found at health food stores or it can be ordered from like amazon.
@schreibaby there are lots of iron supplements that are easier on the body. I take a polysaccharide iron instead of ferrous sulfate. It is less constipating for me. I found once a day miralax is enough that I don't actually need a laxative so those are my recommendations. Ask the pharmacist for recommendations about easier irons!
What do Braxton Hicks feel like? Contractions? I feel like this is a stupid question as a stm but I never had either with my son. I’m feeling period like cramps and my stomach is real tight, like overall uncomfortable.
@kbrown2385 sounds like BH from the description but I'm never sure honestly! If it's regular or gets more intense it could be early labor. I thought the only difference was that one was inconsistent and one was more consistent and got worse.
@schreibaby depending on how anemic you are, you might be able to raise your iron levels without taking something. There are a ton of different options for iron though. Talk to your OB or the pharmacist to see if they can recommend one. Lots of people have issues taking iron.
@schreibaby I also came back as borderline anemic and my OB just told me to eat more iron rich and fortified foods because of the GI problems with iron supplements. I bet you could ask, depending on your level, if you could do that instead.
With my first pregnancy, I took slow fe and that was easier on my stomach.
@schreibaby I'm also on the iron & colace diet due to being "mildly anemic" and I take my meds at night before bed. 🙄 They didn't recommend the colace but I started taking it because I've had some annoying BM's this pregnancy too and figured it would just end up helping overall but it was definitely a direct correlation the iron supplement. The Dr did however recommend 5 iron rich foods a day in addition to the iron supplement, so I've just been trying to do it all.
@kbrown2385 sounds like BH. I never felt them with my DS, but did throughout third trimester with DD and am already getting them with this one.
Although, for me BH felt exactly the same as early labor, just the contractions got stronger and closer together in actual labor (BH were sporadic and stayed the same intensity). Clearly, if you're worried you should go get checked, though.
@kbrown2385, sounds like BH to me. I've had them with all three kids. Each pregnancy, they're a little more intense. Never be afraid to get it checked out. That is the important thing.
For me, BH are like a tightening in the front of the stomach, slightly to the sides ONLY, where as labor contractions started in my back and reached around to the front. I've found they go away if I change positions, walk around, drink some water, and are almost ALWAYS related to: bladder, gas, or baby. He likes to press on the front of my stomach, and that sets one off, then he kicks at it until it stops. Feisty baby.
Re: Question Thread
BFP 3.8.16 EDD 11.20.16
If you continue to have pain 6-8 weeks after the baby is born I highly recommend seeing a physical therapist, specifically geared towards women's health/pelvic floor (though I didn't have other pelvic floor symptoms). I did 6 or so sessions 9 months after my first was born because I was still in pain walking, wish I had known to go sooner! The therapist helped me straighten my hips out and did some internal adjustments as my muscles had been guarding/tense from the long term posture changes. I felt like I was finally back to myself again after those sessions.
So sorry you're experiencing it, I don't wish that type of pain on anyone.
https://www.amazon.com/AZMED-Maternity-Breathable-Abdominal-Support/dp/B0113WE0QS
That's the one that I have. If I'm walking a lot I have somebody else make it tight because it's hard to adjust on my own but if I'm wearing it when there is a mix of sitting/standing/walking I prefer it a little looser. If you look up maternity support belt, pelvic support harness/belt you'll see some different options.
Edited: Forgot something.
Support pillows at night are helpful too, especially between the knees.
Can you look into if your hospital has the refresher course for STM+?
I've already given him the cliff notes version of my birth preferences and will keep reinforcing them so he can hopefully advocate for me if needed (e.g., as long as I'm not unconscious or being actively wheeled in for a c-section, I am being allowed to drink water). I'm also going to give him a really short list of physical things that helped during my DD's labor for him to practice ahead of time and hopefully remember once the time comes (e.g. double hip squeezes).
I'm basing this off my previous experiences, though. During your last labors, did you find having knowledgeable support people helpful? Does your SO want to do a birthing class?
But you did remind me I need to give him medical power of attorney before I deliver, as well as tell him what I want done, especially if there are complications.
Writing down what my wishes were and having an open conversation ahead of time was the most helpful thing.
I'm a FTM so it should be educational.
This is the one we're going to try out first:
Last night was the first night DD had her room set up and went to bed there. I had to fall asleep with her and she kept saying she didn't want to be alone (so heartbreaking). I honestly would rather she still room shared with us but am worried for when baby come's how that will effect her so I thought to transition a bit earlier would help. Anyone have experience with this or even room sharing with both a toddler and new baby? (or am I just crazy here..)
how old is she? Is this the first time she was sleeping in her room alone?
I would think it might just take some time to adjust her. When we switched DD to a bed from crib, she took like 2+ weeks to go sleep on her own and stay in her bed and she was used to sleeping in her room in her crib. I don't have any experience room sharing with an older baby/toddler as DD has been in her own room since 7ish months. I would think that the baby waking up frequently would affect her sleep if she was in your room, but she might be a heavy sleeper and be ok?
@leprechaunlady I have the same feeling, I just don't want her to feel abandoned left out. Last night she slept in the room the whole night which was good! I think we will just need to be persistent, I think it is much harder on DH and I since we miss having her there!
@valerie4786 I would try out a chiropractor for this or even pelvic physiotherapist since they can really help with that. I had chronic tailbone pain from my last birth that they were able to help me with
I got some bloodwork back that shows I'm slightly anemic. My OB wants me to start taking an iron supplement, and I'm really hesitant. I have tried taking iron in the past (many years ago) and it feels like it shreds my stomach, it hurts so much! Plus, I'm already not having great BMs and adding iron it just going to gum up the works even more. She recommended I start Colace at the same time, which I've never tried, but don't love the sound of either...
Obvs I'm going to do what's best for the baby, even if it is painful. I guess I'm just wondering if I can maybe eat steak and spinach a few nights a week instead of taking the supplements?
Anyone has a similar aversion to iron and found something that works?
Although, for me BH felt exactly the same as early labor, just the contractions got stronger and closer together in actual labor (BH were sporadic and stayed the same intensity). Clearly, if you're worried you should go get checked, though.
For me, BH are like a tightening in the front of the stomach, slightly to the sides ONLY, where as labor contractions started in my back and reached around to the front. I've found they go away if I change positions, walk around, drink some water, and are almost ALWAYS related to: bladder, gas, or baby. He likes to press on the front of my stomach, and that sets one off, then he kicks at it until it stops. Feisty baby.