Literal pain in the butt

[Anonymous]

I am having the worst pains in my hips -- specifically, my butt -- during pregnancy. Whenever I am active or lifting things (not even that heavy, which I avoid), I get sharp pains in my rear. It feels like nerve pain or what I would imagine severe back pain to feel like. I have read about sciatica but am not sure if that's what I have since sciatic pain seems to travel down your legs, which mine doesn't. Does anyone else have this? I am just hopeful it goes away after the baby is born. I am 28 weeks now . . .

[Anonymous]

I had sciatic nerve pain due to a ruptured disc, not pregnancy, but a literal pain in the ass was exactly how it started. The only description I could come up with was that it felt like someone had jabbed an ice pick into the side of my butt and certain movements definitely triggered it. The pain eventually did start going down the back of my leg, like the normal description of sciatica, but it all came from the same thing.

[Anonymous]

I had that very thing! Mine turned out to be a lower back injury, though the pain was much lower than the injured region, for some reason. If you find it worsening, it's worth going to a doc and maybe getting PT.

[Anonymous]

Oh yeah, I feel your pain (no pun intended)! My first pregnancy was fine, no sharp pains whatsoever. My second, though, was so different. I had these lightning bolt pain jolts that would hit my butt/lower back/upper thigh and would also give me hot flashes because of the pain. I finally determined it was a form of sciatic nerve pain, based on the way my baby was lying. Certain things tended to trigger it, like walking around too much, vaccuming (darn). It really didn't go away until I had my baby, but I recall getting it at about 6 months into the pregnancy. Sorry, not sure there's much you can do other than take it easy. Otherwise talk to your doc, it could be based upon some prior injury too. If not it's probably just the way you're carring your baby (as it turns out, when I finally had my c-section, the baby was "face down" rather than "face up", which is probably the reason for my pain.)

[Anonymous]

Yup, had it with the first and now it's there with the second. It sucks, but the only thing that helps is giving birth.

[Anonymous]

I also have some pains associated with prolonged sitting at work. I contacted my physical therapist who treated me before I got pregnant, but he said he wouldn't touch pregnant women. He said - delivery first, and if it doesn't go away, we'll deal with it.
My pain though is in the pubic bone area and between my legs.

[Anonymous]

I have the same darn pain. It sucks because I can't take long walks anymore and have this horrible limp-waddle. When it started interfering with my sleep -- I would turn too boisterously and wake up with searing pain -- my midwife told me to take Tylenol before bed. She said Tylenol doesn't hurt the baby, and getting rest was super important.

[Anonymous]

I have this and go to a chiropractor for it. He is great. Has me icing the area 20 minutes a few times a day AND getting up at least once an hour during the work day. Drink lots of water too - and even if you don't like yoga, it can really help.

I still have a bit of lower back pain but it is almost always after work - my chair is the culprit. They won't get me a new one, either...I asked.

Feel better!

[Anonymous]

Please be VERY CAREFUL. I was having similar pains at 28 weeks and was misdiagnosed as having sciatica when it was actually preterm labor!!!! The only way my doctors diagnosed it is because I insisted on coming in for an exam...I knew something wasn't right. I hadn't had back pain/butt pain like that at all prior to 28 weeks...and it was VERY painful.

Definitely insist on seeing your doctor if the pain persists and is something you haven't experienced before. You cannot be too careful...I never in a million years would have thought those were preterm labor contractions. Many women who experience preterm labor don't know it until they are too far along to stop it!

Good luck and I will keep my fingers crossed for you!

[Anonymous]

It sounds like siatica, but yes check with your doc.
I had this too. Went away after birth thank goodness.
Do you sleep on our side with a pillow between you legs? If not try it and see it that helps. The entire leg should be supported by thin pillows. Also try a heating pad on your bum.

[Anonymous]

I've had the same pains my entire pregnancy (now nearing the end at 37 weeks). Because your ligaments have relaxed to prepare for birth, your pelvis is more unstable. Shifting of the pelvic bones can cause some of the pain you are feeling and the sciatica...that goes for the lower back, butt and front pelvic and inner thigh pains. I was treated by a physical therapist most of my pregnancy...there are things they can do to help and exercises they can teach you to help stabilize your pelvis (I guess you just have to find the right one...mine was at Georgetown). Talk to your doctor about trying PT. My PT also had me wear a pelvic belt to help stabilize the pelvis. It all helped but didn't get rid of the pain completely...from what I've been told, having the baby is the only cure if there is no underlying cause. Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

I didn't have any problems with my first pregnancy but have had major issues this time around. I ended up getting referred to a physical therapist by my OB and found out that my pelvic SI joints are misaligned due to the relaxin hormones being released. PT has definitely helped and I recommend it sooner than later. PT will help adjust you, give you a number of exercises and alternate between ice/heat treatment depending on the situation. Also one of the potential consequences of misaligned pelvic joints/ligaments is a breach baby. Good luck.