Excruciating pain around perlvic bone

[Anonymous]

I am 21 weeks pregnant and for the past week or so have been having terrible pain right over my pubic bone - it feels as if it is radiating down a short distance from the juncture b/w thigh and crotch and is most intense on pubic bone itself. It is all external. Pressing on pubic bone hurts, sitting makes it worse, and certain movements (lifting leg on that side, or certain reaching motions) are enough to make me gasp. Squatting seems to help a little, and I often feel better when I first get up in the morning. I have an appointment to see a (pregnancy) chiropractor next week, but in the meantime I was just wondering if that sounded familiar to anyone and if anyone had any suggestions. Midwives suggested a ligament or possible nerve issue (thus the chiro) and my attempts to consult "Dr. Google" have turned up fruitless.

[Anonymous]

Could be that your pelvis needs to be realigned (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) and the chiro can really help. I recommend Dr Mariella Young in Rockville or Dr Noya in Tenleytown.

The best info on SPD online is at http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/pubicpain.htm
Here's their list of ways to cope with the pain:

Use a pillow between your legs when sleeping; body pillows are a great investment!
Use a pillow under your 'bump' (pregnancy tummy) when sleeping
Keep your legs and hips as parallel/symmetrical as possible when moving or turning in bed
Some women also find it helpful to have their partners stabilize their hips and hold them 'together' when rolling over in bed or otherwise adjusting position
Some women report a waterbed mattress to be helpful
Silk/satin sheets and nighties may make it easier to turn over in bed
Swimming may help relieve pressure on the joint (many sites recommend avoiding breaststroke but Kmom did not find it to be a problem at all for her; see what works for you)
Deep water aerobics or deep water running may be helpful as well (there are flotation devices to help you stay afloat easily during this; you do not need to know how to swim in order to do this)
Keep your legs close together and move symmetrically (other sources recommend a very small gap between the legs with symmetrical movement)
When standing, stand symmetrically, with your weight evenly distributed through both legs
Sit down to get dressed, especially when putting on underwear or pants
Avoid 'straddle' movements
Swing your legs together as a unit when getting in and out of cars; use plastics or something smooth and slippery (like a garbage bag) on the car seat to help you enter car backwards and then turn your legs as a unit
An ice pack may feel soothing and help reduce inflammation in the pubic area; painkillers may also help
Move slowly and without sudden movements
If sex is uncomfortable for you, use lots of pillows under your knees, or try other positions
If bending over to pick up objects is difficult, there are devices available that can help with this
Really severe cases may need crutches, although these should probably only be used as a last resort
Sciatica may be helped by stretching the hamstring muscles with a stirrup around your foot (long piece of rope, two neck ties tied together, etc.) See the Elizabeth Noble book for directions (resources)
Back pain can often be helped by resting backwards over a large gymnastic or 'birth' ball (see resources)
Some women report that pelvic binders/maternity support belts are helpful for pelvic pain; brands in the U.S. include Prenatal Cradle or BabyHugger or the Reenie Belt. However, if the pelvic bones are really misaligned, some women report more pain with these. Listen to your body on whether to use these

[Anonymous]

I agree with symphysis pubis dysfunction, which I also had, but later in pregnancy. I'd check with your OB before seeing a chiropractor, though.