Pain in the 'lower' region. Is this normal?

[PavlovtheForgetfulCat]

I am 29+3 wks pg.

Baby appears to be pressing very very heavily on my bowels, cervix, pelvic region. reminds me of when head engaged in last pg but I know thats not the case as 1) baby is moving too much and 2) its way to early. Pain is very uncomfortable, in particular when I stand, in fact its almost an unbearable bearing down weight when I stand. It is easier when I lying down, in particular with legs up in the air, then it throbs.

I have some leakage, a few times this morning so far, wondering if this is due to pressure on bladder?

Just checking this is normal? DH said call gp, but I don't want to be sent to hospital for a checkup if its just normal stuff to expect.

bumping?

no-one? Oh well. Nevermind then.

Hi Pavlov,
Didn't want you to go unanswered. I would call your MW. I feel much comfier lying down now, and have since about 30 weeks, but i am having twins so don't know what's normal for one.
Hope you feel better soon.

Hmmmm wish I could help. It reminds me of how my friend described her symphesis pubis disorder (sorry bound to be spelt wrong). Is it so bad you want to take pain killers?

www.pregnancywizard.com/complications/symphysis.php

worth a look to see if it rings any bells?

grin yes it is when I stand up. When am lying down it is bearable, more vague. I looked it up and I think it might be spd or some vague version of it.

zippysmum I never know when to call the midwife, I don't have a direct number for my own midwife, she is in the surgery on thursdays only every other week, the community midwife team is shut over the weekend, there is an advice line to call every day between 9am-10am, so I can talk to a midwife, but that means waiting til tomorrow.

I might take some paracetamol. I am so used to not taking anything theses days I forget i can!

Thanks for replying btw

NHS direct?

Aaah - I have SPD so maybe that's why I am recognising the symptoms!

What works for me; Lie down with feet up as much as you can (I mean horizontal sofa lying / feet and head raised, not just feet up). Hot water bottle between the top of the legs. Take paracetamol.

As far as possible, keep your knees together and move your legs together when getting in and out of bed, in and out of the car etc. If it is SPD, it's the ligaments that hold the 2 sides of the pelvic girdle loosening, so you want to avoid activities that have you standing on one leg or twisting one side of your pelvis as much as possible.
Sit down to put on knickers and trousers, too. And a pillow between your thighs when lying on your side.

Also, a bumpband worn low down over my hips seemed to help. If it's any consolation, my SPD hasn't gone from bad to worse - some days are better than others so don't feel like you're going to be in agony for the rest of the pregnancy!

No way! I will say something that will trigger the 'an ambulance is on its way to you as we speak' button! That happened to me once as I mentioned chest pain. It was the standard 'heart attack risk' even though I knew it was not, and it was in fact a swollen windpipe due to chest infection! When she said the ambulance was about to be sent I told her not to be so daft and made her cancel it!

If I call anyone it will be our out of ours gp service, which I find but better and more specific than NHS direct.

Oooh gosh NHS Direct drama! Yes I would call the GP if it's really bad. Put it this way - can you wait till Monday to see a GP? If that feels like a long way off, ring them now.

Yes there are symptoms that I recognise which I did not link to how I am feeling now.

Walking up stairs, sometimes it is a struggle as upper legs hurt, lots of discomfort at night when moving legs and often have to wake myself up properly to actually move legs together! Same getting in and out of a car, I am moving like a heavily pregnant person!

Makes sense. Not much can be done about it though can it? Apart from the things you suggest zippy.

Also, just watch out for any signs that it might be prem labour. (Regular cramping and / or backache, 'leaking' (but not wee), a show etc.) Sometimes that can be preceded by this sort of 'pressure' apparently. (Don't want to alarm you - just that they are always going on about this to me as twins often come early).

Soe ladies have lots of success with an obstetric physio. They can give you a support sling for the bump / hips and crutches. Your MW can refer, I think.

I have had leakage, but am mostly convinced it is wee not fluid as it has happened twice when I was standing, rather than constant.

I am not banking on my midwife doing any referring that will happen any time soon. I already got screwed over with acupuncture for hyperemesis due to her laziness/busyiness, whatever excuse she has.

I will mention it to the consultant when I see him/her in a couple of weeks if it has not improved.

Gosh Pavlov - it woulds like your pregnancy care has been somewhat lacking!

Don't put up with pain if it does continue or gets worse. maybe try your GP?

Know what you mean about the leakage - keep meaning to do those pelvic floor exercises but...

Yes sounds like you're not getting great support from your HC professionals. I think I'd go to the GP - if MW is not v helpful perhaps you need an alternative plan of attact.

grin gp has been helpful in so much as he gives me time off work when I want it. And finally at 17 weeks after chucking up for months he gave me medication, but thats the level of it. This pg has pretty much been '2nd pg get on with it' and its been pretty bloody rotten to be honest. I feel sorry for the poor baby as I have cursed a lot and its not his fault. (well it is, but not on purpose!!!)

Depending on how old your other wee one is, I'd say that it being your 2nd has a big effect on how difficult your pg is too. I'm pg with number 2 and have a toddler, am so much more tired this time! Felt more sick and for longer, and had mean headaches this time round. Reckon it has something to do with running around after children, associated housework etc, and also this being the 2nd time we've put our bodies through it. Sorry to hear you're suffering so much. Hey just a thought, if you ring out of hours dr will you get a locum? Might be good to have a different Dr.

It will be an on call gp. DD is 3.2, so a lively girl!

Sorry to hear you and zippysmum are both having a rotten time too with tiredness, spd etc. When are you both due?

Give the on call gp a go, I would. Like I say if Monday is too long to wait then do it, you won't have lost anything. Due early Feb so not quite a far along as you. And thankfully starting to feel a bit better!

I am feeling much better after laying down. I have not moved since I posted the first post (apart from going to the loo!), although having a few braxton hicks!!! Baby is certainly letting me know he is there!

I have taken some paracetamol and see how I feel in about an hour when it has had a chance to kick in. I am really nervous of calling gp in case they say go to hosp. I really would rather not! So I shall give it some time and see how it goes.

If it has not improved any, or gets worse by tea time, will give them a call.

Thanks guys for listening x

Let us know how you get on. Enjoy the rest and take it easy (if you can!). Take care.

thank you DH has gone out with DD, so I should really go get some zzzzz's!