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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. My son was born vaginally on 9/4/98. After leaving the hospital I have gotten severe hip pain that makes it difficult for me to walk, turn over in bed, get out of bed and lift my son. My OB says to wait until 6 weeks after delivery to see if this pain goes away. I feel that if I wait, I might end up with a permanent joint problem!

Is hip pain a normal complication that will go away? Should I see a different doctor about this or are there exercises that will help?

A. During pregnancy, the cartilage of the pelvis softens to allow your baby to come out. After birth sometimes your pubic bone, (which is really two bones connected in the center by cartilage) may have separated slightly. While this is a good thing in labor, it can cause varying amounts of hip pain postpartum. Usually time will heal this quite adequately in about six to eight weeks. You may find some relief in a few things:

• Wearing some support pantyhose, a girdle or if necessary a trochanter belt.
• Some women find temporary relief in seeing their chiropractor for an adjustment.
• Some women also find applying some heat to the area to be helpful as well.

Postpartum hip pain, while it doesn't happen to everyone, is common enough in varying degrees. If you try a few of these comfort measures and you find your pain becoming worse or not improving as time goes by, contact your caregiver.

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.