Shooting pain in hip - what is this?

[Anonymous]

I am 17 weeks and all of a sudden today I am having an intermittent sharp, shooting pain in the back of my right hip. What causes this? Is it sciatica? Can that really start this early? And is that where you feel it? Has anyone else had this? What can I do about it?

[Anonymous]

likely sciatica.i've had it on and off for months. Its caused by many things including increased weight on the pelvis (esp if uneven--my kid is always on one side of the body) and esp loosening ligaments, and thus the pelvis gets out of joint. I see a PT who can put in back in place, but it slips out easily. a chiro might help....I do backa nd ab strenghtening exercises and don't sit with my legs crossed (seems to help as does a donut pillow) . but no total cure for me.

[Anonymous]

Yes! It is way off on the right side, almost at the edge of the hip. Thanks for the tip about PT and chiro.

[Anonymous]

I have it too--my Dr. says it's caused by the hormone Relaxin which is what helps your pelvic bones spread to make room for the birth (and what causes your feet to get bigger, etc.). Good news is that it stops after you give birth. Acupuncture might help as well (that's what I'm doing).
At least yours didn't start at 8 weeks like mine!

[Anonymous]

i also have this and it started at around 8 weeks too. it hasn't gone away (36 weeks now) and i even limp a little, though its hard to tell with my waddle.

[Anonymous]

If you're not doing pre-natal yoga, I'd recommend it - even if just for a session or two. Our class taught several stretches and other techniques to relieve sciatica that helped me a lot. Mine went away after 20 weeks or so.

[Anonymous]

I have had mine since about 20 weeks - I'm now 32 weeks. I find that it's worst when I sit or lay in one position for too long, then try to get up and walk. I had it with my last pregnancy too, when I had a long walking commute - it was agonizing for a while!

A heating pad or hot water bottle on the area helps - esp. on your tailbone. I also bought a special maternity belt called "Stork Sport", about $40 including shipping, which you can purchase through medical supply companies. A physical therapist recommended it to me. It helps support the weight of the baby and keeps your back straighter, which for me seems to help.