Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Sore hips during pregnancy

I'm just 19 weeks and already experiencing hip pain like I did at the end of my first successful pregnancy, with Jonah. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but moving around or walking isn't helping it feel better. It is the muscle that goes over the outside of my femur, by the joint.

I've been looking at images online and it might be my IT band that is bothering me.

In searching for treatment options for hip pain in pregnancy I've read that ibuprofen isn't great to take, that a memory foam mattress topper might help and that depending on what it is that certain stretches may or may not help. Who should I seek help from -- chiropracter, massage therapist, physical therapist? Maybe all three.

I have been going to the chiropracter ever two weeks since I found out I was pregnant. I'm just three weeks out from my last appointment now as we were planning to travel last weekend so I didn't make an appt.

That said a warm bath sounds devine but unfortunately we are having our plumbing worked on right now so it is kind of out of the question. A good soak with some Epsom Salts would also help get me some needed magnesium and sulfate. Here's a study about absorption of magnesium and sulfate from epsom salts through the skin. Both substances are beneficial to the body, and evidently absorbing them through the skin is an excellent way for your body to take what it needs.
I'm 19 weeks along as of today and things are still going well with
the baby and me. I'm still just a bit more tired, and then of course
feeling less agile and a bit more achey as well.

I have been able to feel the baby moving for a few weeks now and this little one is very active with strong kicks and wiggles already. Makes me a bit fearful that we are going to have a very active baby on our hands, but only time will tell. My mother reminded me that I was so active in utero that I tore her diaphram. I'm only average in terms of energy output, even as a kid.

I've no inclination of whether it is a boy or a girl. My partner says girl. Jonah says boy. I've scheduled my big ultrasound for next Tuesday afternoon, March 30th, in the afternoon. I'll post an update with a photo when we find out.

Jonah likes to poke at my belly and then says "baby is wondering who
is doing that". He is starting to catch onto the idea of age and time and asks me all of the time if he will still be three when the baby comes. I talk to him about the baby a lot, to try to help prepare him for his new sibling and how things will change. Some friends have offered to lend sibling books with me as well. I know it is going to be a life-changing experience for Jonah -- and for us all.