Hip pain at 20 weeks

[Chasabeth]

Hi guys,

I have recently started to notice a dull ache in my hips and it's starting to annoy me.

I do a lot of walking with my dog, average 3 hours a day at the weekends, and when I first feel pregnant my midwife said I can carry on as I was doing this before I feel pregnant. However my hips don't seem to be thinking the same thing. I have also noticed it at night, as I have to sleep on my side I keep waking up in pain.

I'm concerned it's something more serious, my friends and family have told me to slow down and take it easy but apart from that I feel ok at the moment. Any advice would be great x

Hi hip pain is quite common in pregnancy. It's because the joints are more stretchy. I'm 38 weeks but had alot of hip pain at night from around your stage. Things that have helped at various stages - it's a bit of trial and error! - are putting a pillow between my knees at night ( helps keep the hips aligned I think), sleeping with a pillow under/against my bump when on my side, and putting some padding (I used a spare duvet) under my bed sheet. The padding was most effective for me.
The hip pain when walking is probably due to the same thing. But may also be early sign of pelvic girdle pain - lots of info on line - so keep an eye and mention it to your mw.
Hope you feel more comfortable soon .

I can't help because I am looking for the answer to!

mine not just my hips but my lower back, bum and side of my thighs. I don't do as much walking but my job does involve standing in one spot for long periods on some days.

I keep thinking ive pulled a muscle or trapped a nerve.
it wouldn't bother me too much if it didn't affect my sleep!!!

I'm just hoping it's temporary dont fancy being massively pregnant with it too! Haha

I had this from about 24 weeks. It lasted for 7 years before I was finally diagnosed with 2 bulging discs. And that was only after I had paid to go private. NHS said I needed a new hip and I could have one when I was 60.

ziglett - that does sound like pelvic girdle pain. Speak to your mw as she can refer you to physio.

Zigglet your symptoms are exactly how my Pelvic Girdle Pain started - get yourself to your GP and ask for a referral to a physio, they can get you started with some helpful stretches and exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor and glutes. As Once has pointed out sleeping with a pillow between your legs (I bought a pregnancy one) helps massively. So does jamming a hot water bottle up against your lower back, bum and along your thighs where the pain is. It is a result of your muscles overcompensating for the weight of your baby and your loosening joints!

Chasa do you solely sleep on your side? Your loosening joints and the growing weight of your baby is probably putting a bit of strain on them if so. Could also be the start of PGP. Again - sleeping with a pillow wedged between your knees (and one wedged under your growing bump) will help keep your hips and pelvis in line and night and relieve some of the pressure on them. If you aren't already doing them, pelvic floor exercises should help stop the problem getting worse. You should be able to get a referral to a physio as well, ask your midwife or GP

Im 19 weeks and have been getting a similar pain already. Its more noticeable when I'm in bed. Hoping its not the beginning of a horrible 2nd part of pregnancy.

Have you found anything at all that works?

kjh5 Yes, I do mainly sleep on my side, not for any other reason than I find it comfortable. I know that you are meant to sleep on your side anyway. I will try the pillows, my bump isn't causing me any issues yet but I will try a pillow.

My hubby has taken the dog out today by himself and I'm climbing the walls! I love spending time with him and my dog, it's my way if relaxing (plus it helps keep the baby pounds off!). I hope this doesn't turn out to be a long term issue. I have a midwife appointment in 2 weeks so I will bring it up then.

Thanks guys