At about week 30 of my pregnancy, I experienced severe pain in the pelvic area as I shifted from one side to another while lying on my back. The pain was initially in my left groin area, but spread to the right side as well as into my lower back as time went on. It was painful to walk or even to shift from side to side in the bed (which I had to do frequently due to muscle soreness). I wound up on a rolling walker with a bedside commode. I felt like I had joined the geriatric set well before my time. I also felt even more loss of control. Could things get any worse?

Prompted by my need to understand what was happening to me, as well as my desire to get some effective treatment, I launched an investigation into my new problem. After consulting a number of health professionals, I happened upon a massage therapist who knew what I was talking about. She was familiar with my symptoms and even had a name for my malady — Pelvic Shearing.

It is suspected that in some women, the level of a hormone called Relaxin is higher than necessary. The function of this hormone is to relax the pelvic muscles and ligaments enough to allow for some movement of the pelvic bones to make room for childbirth. What I had experienced was a premature shifting of the pelvis. I later discovered from a physical therapist who specializes in women's health that what also had happened was a separation of the pubic symphysis. All of this movement or shifting of bones causes a lot of associated muscle and ligament pain. This condition made it impossible for me to lay on my back or to separate my legs. Now I was anxious about how I was going to deliver my baby, not to mention how I was going to get to the hospital. If there was a rush, I would be in big trouble.

It turns out that I was induced (can you believe the irony of that?) three days before my due date. I delivered a beautiful, healthy 7 pounds, 5 ounces baby girl while lying on my side. The doctor told me that the side-lying position is fairly common in Europe! However, when the anesthesia and the ecstasy wore off, I had to confront the fact that my body was a mess. I had to just about crawl to the bathroom during those very long nights in the hospital.

The orthopedic surgeon I consulted in the hospital told me that I would just have to give it time. He informed me that it could take up to six months for the Relaxin to leave my system. There was a physical therapist who seemed to understand the problem, but I couldn't get back to the hospital for treatment because I couldn't walk. I had limited mobility and ongoing pain. I remained on a walker for another month. Needless to say, this made caring for and breastfeeding an infant quite a challenge.