I understand that various aches and pains come with the territory, but i've been having horrible pains in my pelvis that sometimes radiate down my legs and through my back. The pain is so bad that it wakes me up in the middle of the night. I've spoken to my ob/gyn about this and he's assured me that this is normal - but, I have to say that I disagree. I'm also having problems walking - especially up and down the steps.

This sounds terrible. I feel with you. I've been having these horrible aching pains in my hips and bending over is very difficult. Exercising or walking is almost impossible for me. From what I understand this kind of pain is pretty normal for this stage of pregnancy.

I'm also pregnant with my first baby and I am now at 30 weeks and have similiar pain in my pelvis - right between my legs. I spent the whole day yesterday reading and relaxing and not doing much at all, and it got much better today. My OB explained to me that is all the pressure down there and that it will get worst as time progresses. Hang in there.

Bridgette

Relaxation relieves pain or keeps it from getting worse by reducing tension in the muscles. It can help you fall asleep, give you more energy, make you less tired, reduce your anxiety, and make other pain relief methods work better. Deep breathing is the single most effective, beneficial technique we can use to relieve pain and stress and to relax. It is non-toxic and costs us nothing.

See if you can find a book on Amazon that promotes breathing techniques. Breathing is used during labor to reduce pain (Lamaze). Why not use it in other situations, too.

Dom