Pregnancy & Baby 

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Severe pelvic pain: What is the cause?

Pelvic separation is a very common in pregnancy. It is caused by the hormones of pregnancy (relaxin) loosening the ligaments that hold joints together. In most women it causes some occasional pain. In a few, like you, it causes a huge amount of pain, enough to limit mobility, perhaps even to a wheelchair.

Rest won't make much of a difference, as the separation will continue and most women tell me that it hurts as much getting up and down as walking. The most effective thing I have found is a wide belt (the Velcro pregnancy supports work too) fastened tight and low across your hips. That will help stabilise your pelvis and may help to alleviate some of your pain. Of course, not using it (like not walking) may make it feel better, except, when you have to get up and down. Delivery is the only real cure (and it still takes a week or two to get back to normal after that).

Good luck.

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