Dealing with Hip Pain

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

15 May 2006 06:25 AM

Hip pain is a common complaint among pregnant women. We are expecting our fourth baby in about two months. I've been experiencing pain in my hips for the past few weeks. It's new to me. I never had this pain with any of my other babies.

Hip pain is caused by the relaxing of the ligaments that support the joints of the hips and pelvis. Hormones cause the ligaments to relax. This prepares you body for labor and delivery. Relaxed ligaments offer more room for the baby to move down through the pelvis and out into the world.

The pain can start at any time in pregnancy. For some women, hip pain starts later in the first trimester. For others, it may not get bad until the third trimester. The pain generally increases as you get closer to delivery. In my cases, I had some slight pain in the second trimester, but nothing really bad until the third.

My doctor told me that the more babies you have, the more pelvic pain can result. This made sense to me, since this is my fourth baby. Another factor can be a larger baby. We'll see about this one. I hope not!

Being on your feet too much can aggravate hip pain. This was definitely my problem this weekend. Our oldest daughter made her First Holy Communion this weekend. I spent all day Friday running around and getting everything we needed for the party. Friday night was spent cooking food and baking her cake. By 1 a.m., I was in agony! I knew I had overdone it.

There are some things you can try to reduce hip pain. When sitting, try to sit upright as much as possible. Use a cushion behind your back to help keep good posture when sitting. Poor posture can aggravate the condition, as the hips are not aligned properly.

A good sleep position can be important in relieving the pain. Use pillows to support your hips. Place a pillow between your knees to help keep the hips aligned well. Use another pillow under your belly for additional support.

Swimming or exercising in the water can help relieve the pain. Being in the water helps take the pressure off your joints. Gentle movements may help relieve the pressure as well.

Heat may help with the pain. You can try a hot water bottle or warm compresses to relieve the pain. A warm bath may also help. Be careful with the water temperature. Keep the bath warm, but not too hot. If heat doesn't work for you, try ice. Make up an ice pack to put on the affected area.

Pregnancy belts that are sold for back pain may help with pain in the hips. They can help take the strain off your joints. These belts are sold in maternity stores or on the internet.

If all else fails, remind yourself that hip pain is temporary. It will only last as long as you are pregnant. Once the baby is born, your body will go back to normal.

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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