QuestionHi
I am 32 weeks pregnant and experiencing a lot of pain. I was told by my doctor that my pelvic is 1 cm open and had to use a medical belt to put it back together but it has been more than a month now and it is still open and I am in great pain. I cannot stand on one leg, get in and out of bed easily ,can't walk for more than 10 minutes without feeling so much pain on my back and my pelvic bone area. I have been to the hospital 2 times and was told nothing can be done but to wait a few more weeks until the baby is big enough for them to help me go into labor. I was also told that the baby's head is too low and its putting pressure on the opening. I have been experiencing painful tightening on my lower abdomen and now mucus like discharge but the doctor said its too early to have false contractions and that I have no signs of contractions. If this is true,why is my stomach tightening so painfully and what about the mucus like discharge and is the any advice I can get on how to avoid to much pain, because I cannot walk anymore.
Thank you and sorry for such a long question.
AnswerFrom your description, it sounds as if you are experiencing pelvic instability at your sacroiliac joint, the joint on either side of your lower back where the pelvis connects with the lower spine, an possibly also at your pubic symphsis, the joint where your right and left pubic bones meet.
Pregnancy hormones relax ligaments, which are designed to hold joints together and provide stability. Normally no movement occurs at either the sacroiliac or pubis. Ligament laxity during late pregnancy allows for the pelvic outlet to expand, and the tailbone (coccyx) to flatten out a little bit when the baby's head moves through the pelvic outlet during delivery.
However, sometimes the pelvic bones can become too loose and unstable before delivery. The problem sometimes persists, or may even occur in the postpartum period too. The classic symptom of pelvic instability is pain at either or both joint sites, and especially the inability to stand on leg of the unstable side.
I suggest that you see a Chiropractor or Physical Therapist who specialized in pre/post natal problems. It is not true that nothing can be done. A specialist can help move the bones back into proper alignment, which will ease you pain considerably.
You should also avoid movements that stretch and/or strain the pelvic area. Avoid all twisting movements. Do not lift and carry heavy objects. Sit with both feet on the floor. Don't sit with crossed legs, one leg across the other, or with both legs tucked to the side. Place a small pillow behind your lower back for support when seated.
When getting out of bed, perform a "log roll." Keeping your head, spine and legs aligned, roll to the side in one movement. Then using your arms, push your torso upright as you simultaneously drop your lower legs off the side of the bed. Sit upright for a moment or two to avoid dizziness, then rise to standing.
It sounds as if you are also experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are not unheard of at 32 weeks.
