Shooting pains - pelvis / top of thigh

[surreyhillsmumtobe]

I'm really hoping for some advice ladies. I'm 35+3 and for the last few days I've been getting shooting stabbing pains from the right front side of my pelvis down into the top of my thigh. I know DS is now engaged (1/5 of his head is in my pelvis apparently) so I'm guessing he's pressing on some nerves or something. It's fine when I'm sitting down but usually when I get up and have to walk anywhere I get this crippling pain and have to stop, gather myself and wait for it to pass before I can actually move my right leg. I've still got 1.5 weeks left at work with a horrible commute and this is really starting to get me down.

Anyone had this and any ideas what I can do to ease things? When it strikes, I find myself trying to lift up the bump a bit to see if I can ease the pressure!

I had sciatica which felt like this but mine was back of pelvis and down 1 thigh but same sharp pain when walking. The good news for you is if baby is only 1/5 engaged he's still got to move a lot, if it is sciatica it's where he's pressing a nerve, so hopefully he will shift - spend as much time as possible on birth ball to encourage him down! Mine lasted the final week or 2 of my pregnancy, but didn't start until DS was fully engaged so think that was what caused it!

Thanks RockChick - that's reassuring. I'm finding my chair at work really doesn't help. When I stand up after a while sat at my desk not only do I get the weird shooting pains from my pelvis down the front of my upper thigh/groin but also the base of my spine feels incredibly stiff so I end up supporting it with my hand and walking like a cartoon pregnant woman. Thankfully only another week to go before mat leave so i can hang out on my birthing ball at home!