17+5 weeks, pain in lower abdomen - is this normal?

[chocciechip]

I've had what I think is 'round ligament pain' - which feels like a stitch in either one or other side of my groin area. Shooting pains which usually only last a few hours to a day. But this is different: it feels like a deep bruising pain across my tummy between my hip area, but not all the way across. Almost as if I've over-worked out at gym, but not tummy muscles, something else inside?

I can feel it when I am walking, turning over in bed, climbing the stairs, driving, (pushing the clutch in hurts!). And it's been going on for about 5 days now. In fact, the only time I don't feel it is when I am lying down or sitting still.

I have to hold my hand flat against my stomach and push against my tummy when I am walking to try ease it a bit.

I've been told I may experience pain as the pregnancy progresses due to a very large fibroid I have; I'm wondering if this pain is related to my fibroid, or if it is totally normal.

If it is normal, does it end at any point?

This sounds very much like SPD hon (symphisis pubic dysfunction) which is when the relaxin hormone works a bit too well and your pelvis separates too much. All the scenarios you've described are classic SPD ones; not an awful lot can be done but should def tell your midwife and ask for referral to physio. They'll maybe recommend a support belt and some exercises (pelvic floors etc) and also give painkillers. Crutches can be useful in severe cases and it will probably only get worse I'm afraid. Early treatment is key. I'm 19+1 and have started getting symptoms...keeping an eye on it then off to the midwife I go :)

Might also be worth checking out the Belly Bra? It's on amazon and can help with supporting the bump. I've just ordered one and not the most sexy item, but might be good.

SPD - REALLY??! My word, that was the last thing I expected!

Does SPD feel muscular? That's what I am experiencing but I know its not my tummy muscles because I can tighten them with no pulling or pain. If it wasn't for that I would think it WAS my tummy muscles because that's the area affected (just above my pubic bone). But I do feel 'tummy-ish pain when I move around. I was wondering if the uterous became painful as it stretched.

I agree it does sound like SPD. However, I totally disagree that little can be done and it will probably get worse.

I had it in first pregnancy and took myself straight off to an osteopath who I then saw every few weeks for the remainder of my pregnancy. He made it A LOT better, definitely didn't get any worse. Friends with similar pain who went the NHS route - ie. Midwife, then (useless) physio really suffered and one did end up on crutches.

So please don't be alarmed at having it, I sat nearly in tears reading posts like Misty's first time round, convinced I was going to end up unable to walk and it's definitely not the case if you help yourself.

I do feel very shell-shocked and wobbly right now. I seem to be having the worst of all experiences with pregnancy. I'm seeing consultant on Tuesday about other issues and will ask about this as well. What's the difference between an osteopath and a physio (other than that the physio is free on the NHS)?

I have to disagree that it could be SPD, I had exactly the same symptoms between 17-19 weeks and it wasn't. I was seen my local assessment unit as have a history of miscarriage and was worried that the muscular lower abdominal pain was the precurser to a miscarriage, however, following a full MOT it was declared to be 'stretching pains' (ligamentous) and told not to worry. I just disappeared at 19-20 weeks and all was well. Maybe your fibroid is making the 'stretching' worse?

Hope that all it is.