So, hi. I'm 18+4, first pregnancy. I have Hypermobility Syndrome and Arthritis, the former affecting my hips and knees most prominently. I also have a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, although I'm still of the belief it's symptomatic of the other two issues!
I've also had pre-cancerous cells removed from my cervix twice - once at 18 and again at 25 (I'm now 29).
Anyway, I'm concerned about pain and distress in birth and I don't feel as though I've been taken seriously so far. I was originally put under consultant care, but at an appointment with a consultant he just asked me a few questions about my general health and said he'd refer me back to midwife care. Not a single question asked about my history in that area.
At my 16w midwife appointment I mentioned this, and also said I've already noticed significant pain above my pubic bone and a grinding sensation in my hips when I climb the stairs. Also cannot open my legs too far without searing pain in both hips. These were quickly dismissed as normal and nothing I should be concerned with; despite my history of hip problems. I asked if there was any danger of my baby and/or me being in distress during birth and would this affect my delivery method and this was also shrugged off as something that shouldn't be an issue at this stage and I can ask questions about this from 30weeks.
I just feel as though these are genuine concerns for my welfare - I'm not questioning the experience of the medical professionals I've dealt with thus far, and I am of course inclined to accept what they're saying and struggle on. But then there are some horrendous horror stories of people with hip problems having issues with dislocation later in pregnancy and I want to be aware if this could be a problem for me - will it affect driving/work, etc.?
Sorry for the long-winded post and I hope I'm not coming across TOO paranoid, but I wondered if this is an issue I should be more persistent on?