really achey bum muscles

[shmuf]

Anyone else have really sore and achey bum muscles??it tends to be worse after (sorry for tmi) dtd,but its bad all the time I assume from all the sitting down I seem to be doing these days!also got really stiff hips at the moment.all I want to do is lie on my tummy, but at 30weeks with a ginormous bump that's just not happening!

Sounds like SPD (symphisis pubis dysfunction), also known as Pelvic Girdle Pain. Do you also have a nagging ache in your pubic bone right at the front? It's the less-well-known alternative to back pain in pregnancy - your ligaments are softening to prepare for labour, and that means your pelvis misaligns. I get stiff, achy hips, plus shooting pains down my buttocks that make my legs buckle. Basically, opening your legs wide/standing on one leg/pushing things like pram/shopping trolley/hoover can make it worse, which is why it hurts after dtd.

Talk to your MW about it - she should be able to refer you to a physio. Physio may give you a support belt thing. It also helps to make sure you keep your knees together in a v ladylike manner at all times, get dressed sitting on the bed instead of trying to stand on one leg to put your pants on, and give up hoovering. Best sitting position is on sofa with legs straight out in front of you and a pillow under your knees. Sleep on side with a pillow between your knees and lower legs so that your upper leg is held horizontally and doesn't bend downwards.

Watch labour positions - discuss with your MW and do some research. Kneeling is a good labour position, lying on your back with MWs holding your knees up isn't. (I made that mistake and could barely walk for weeks afterwards). It ought to go away after the birth but some birthing positions can aggravate it so be careful.

Thanks so much for that advice!!really helpful x