ligament pain? in pubic region

[jsh7809]

I know ligament pain/ stretching/ etc is really a normal thing, especially at my stage (I'm 23 weeks). But for the past few weeks, I've had a frequent feeling like someone is stabbing me with a tiny, burning hot poker in the area between my pubic bone and my right hip (right in the crease where my leg bends). I assume this is normal, too? Because it really hurts, it comes and goes suddenly out of nowhere (not necessarily when I'm moving), there's no relief from stretching, and it burns like the dickens! Is this just one of those things? I thought it would be more like an ache or a pulled muscle feeling, but this is a piercing, hot, sudden flare up.

[cocoanib]

Hmmm, I've had everything you're describing, except the burning part.
That I'm unfamiliar with. I think it's a good sign that it comes and goes and isn't constant, but maybe some of the other Mama's will chime in with some experience with this.

[DaughterOfKali]

I used to get the same thing when I was pregnant. It was awful! Used to happen a lot at night.

[*Aimee*]

YES! this is my third baby and I haven't felt this before this baby. It felt, to me, like when I had cysts bursting on my ovaries, but it was just lower.

My Dr. told me it was round ligament pain and totally harmless to baby. Just uncomfortable. I can get it to go away by changing position (like for some reason if I sit on the couch its horrible).

[jsh7809]

Well, good to know that it's at least somewhat normal. The "burning" is the only way I can think to describe it (red hot poker just keeps coming to mind), but it also oddly almost feels like someone is ripping out my pubic hairs! Ha ha. Or maybe a nerve is getting squished somewhere in there.
I did talk to a friend who said she had the same thing (especially when putting on her socks, like I have), which was refreshing to hear since the advice nurse told me she'd never heard anyone say "burning" before.
It keeps getting worse and worse - maybe it will go away (can't hurt to dream) after it reaches the most extreme point.

[NCmama]

Look up Symphysis pubis dysfunction and see if that fits what you are describing. I got it for the first time (this is my 4th) at 26 weeks and eventually had to come out of work. Before this I had never heard of it.

Luckily I am 36 weeks so I don't have to endure it much longer!

[Starry-eyedMom]

I will second NCmama. I have Pubic Symphisis Dysfunction now with my third pregnancy. It is worse--and starting earlier--than in my two previous pregnancies. It is especially painful when I turn over in bed or try to put on pants or socks. I've read that it can get debilitating for some women, though that isn't my case as I get chiropractic adjustments that seem to help with the severity of it (along with my sciatica).

If you don't want a chiropractic visit, you could try something at home--with some help. I lay on my back with knees up (bent at 45 degree angle). Partner tries to gently pull knees apart while I attempt to keep them together. Do 5 times. Then do the opposite: push knees apart 5 times while partner puts pressure to hold them together.

I just got my adjustment last Friday, and I haven't had the stabbing pain since. I usually go in every couple weeks, and any relief is a huge plus when uncomfortable or in pain!

[Athravil]

I have this now and I had it in my first pregnancy. I am quite disabled because of it and am on sick leave from work. I struggle to walk but can manage without crutches so far.

Keep your weight even on both feet when standing, getting up an down.
Sleep with a huge firm pillow between your legs.
Move slowly - do not run! Exercise is good, but listen to your body - if you feel worse, it is not working and you need to slow down.
Allow yourself to rest - avoid vacuuming and washing the floors.
Use "silky" sheets/pyjamas to help you turn in bed during sleep. I usually have to lift my butt to be able to turn.
Train your muscles "down there" - to find them try to stop urinating...

Physiotherapy can often be better than chiro - adjustments can often make it worse and is a very debated treatment in Norway.

[MyZymurgy]

I'm glad you posted this, because you have described EXACTLY what I have been dealing with this last week. A hot poker is the words I used to describe it to DH. I figured it was RLP except that I would hit me when I was just sitting in bed, or doing something else that wasn't requiring any movement... and I thought RLP was triggered by movement.

Anyhoo... on the last day that I had the stabbing hot pain randomly hitting me, my belly suddenly seemed significantly bigger. DH even noticed it and said "whoa, I think she's (the baby) had a serious growth spurt!" LOL! Since then, it had mostly subsided. So I think those were indeed growing pains, or RLP.

BTW, I'm 23 weeks too! I hope your pain goes away soon. It's a very alarming feeling, even if you know it isn't something serious. Hang in there!!