Lots of pain... in my abdomen and pubic bone region...

[roke]

I am almost 33 weeks and for the past few weeks I have been having an on/off pain in my pubic bone (feels like the bone is separating).  It's not the muscles but the bone that hurts.  The last 2 days have been really bad though - so bad that it hurts to walk, I can barely roll over in bed or even squish my legs together.  Along with this pain I keep getting sore abdomen muscles (not sure if I am experiencing Braxton Hicks or not) and a sore back....  I finally laid down last night and stayed in bed until I got up to have a hot shower just before I headed to bed.  The shower was fantastic and made me feel a lot better.  I definitely feel better today but still have a sore lower pubic bone.  

I know that I am getting closer to delivery and in all reality could go in to labor at any time.  Am I experiencing Braxton hicks or is my body just slowly getting itself ready?  I'm not really sure what to do about this - so any help would be appreciated.....

[roke]

Thanks Mumita!  I've slowly figured out what makes me feel better (as it started out with a small pain about 3 or 4 weeks ago), however, I've had problems with my hips since about 18 weeks....  Laying down seems to help a lot.

Anyways, 7 more weeks!!!!!!  AAHHH!!!!

[Mumita]

That pain is called Symphisis Pubis Diastasis, better known as SPD....it happens because your body is producing extra relaxin hormone to loosen up your joints to get ready for delivery and being 33 weeks your belly is getting bigger and heavier and so those separating ligaments and the weight make it hurt.  I've been having that pain since I was 17 weeks so...I know how it is.
Anyway there's not much that you can do about it, I know it hurts like hell but when you are sleeping put a pillow between your legs and sleep on your side, when you get up just try to stretch and do not sit with your legs crossed.  The one that works for me the  most is sitting on the floor with your legs spread appart and push your torso forward, it will hurt, but it will feel better afterwards.

Your doctor will tell you to wear a  belly support band or a girdle and they may check for urine infection, most doctors don't know about this pain.  Sometimes it gets combined with Sciatic nerve pain and round ligament pain because all of those hip ligaments are stretching to their max in the third trimester...

just think 7 more weeks to go....I've gotten used to it by now since i've had it for so long.  Good luck.

[Kimberlee_20]

Ah that doesn't sound fun! I hope it gets better for you!

[roke]

Well I was checking on the internet and it turns out it could be something called symphysis pubic dysfunction.  I guess it is a symptom of pregnancy in which the pubic bone starts to separate - I will definitely be asking my doctor about it.

[Kimberlee_20]

Well any pain that's causing THAT much discomfort should be mentioned to your doctor, I felt crampy/uncomfortable at 33 weeks, and still do, but I never feel a continuous pain in my pubic bone. Maybe the baby is laying on something, or maybe your body is getting ready, you're getting close! :]