it could be worse

It seems my hip and lower back discomfort (to put it mildly) have an official name — or two, depending on how I understood my physical therapist and chiropractor: Symphysis pubis dysfunction and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. (I'll let you click the links to Wikipedia if you feel like learning more.)

A printout the physical therapist gave me says: "This painful disability frequently results in the woman experiencing great difficulty caring for her family, social isolation, depression and relationship difficulties." Maybe not so extreme, but it's true that I have a lot more trouble getting around and carrying Daniel. It goes on to advise caregivers not to dismiss the condition as "the aches and pains of pregnancy" or to use words like "separated" or "broken pelvis." Yikes, was my first thought when I read that! The "client" should: "Reduce non-essential weight-bearing activities, e.g. stairs, shopping, lifting and carrying." Right. Like that's realistic! I also should be avoiding straddle movements and standing on one leg. Yep, those do hurt. And during labor, my "team" should "keep separation of legs to the minimum" and in particular avoid the feet-in-stirrups position for giving birth. Fine by me! Just as long as I don't have to squat ... because I'm not supposed to do that, either.

I fervently hope that this condition will ease up considerably after I have the baby, though I hear muscle laxity continues on through breastfeeding, too. This has been a pregnancy challenge I didn't expect, but I am glad I am not completely unable to take Daniel places or carrying him around, as much as it might hurt. The belt helps a little, and proper pillow support at night does, too. (I do dread those multiple middle-of-the-night walks to the bathroom.) I have a feeling I'll be handling this a lot better once the deep freeze lifts for good. Spring is just so good for my spirits. And spring, at least this year, means a new baby! Six weeks to go ...