[sarahfitzgerald]

I'm almost 5 months pregnant and the baby feels to be very low. Like in my pelvis area and I'm getting shooting pains. It hurts to stand and walking is uncomfortable. Is this normal?

[DoulaLC]

It can be. Often baby will move about for awhile still; at times being higher, and at other times farther down. When baby is low, you will naturally feel more pressure. Do you notice the shooting pains more often when you first change position? For example, when you first stand up? If so, this is likely do, in part, to the ligaments that support the uterus stretching. The hormone, relaxin, does just what it sounds like, and this can also result in some discomfort.

Usually, as long as you are not experiencing regular cramping, or regular rhythmic pressure, these can be some of the reasons for your discomfort. When in doubt, or for the peace of mind, you can always contact your doctor or midwife. Do mention your discomfort next time you go in if you don't contact them beforehand. They may decide to check for the condition SPD, which is another possible reason for some of what you are feeling.

A few things that you can try to relieve some of the discomfort:

* try pelvic tilts or pelvic rocks... while standing, sitting, or kneeling, tuck your pelvis forward and back
* if you have a straight back chair, without armrests, turn it around so that you sit facing the back. You can put a pillow in front of you to lean on for support
* you might find it comfortable to sit on a birth ball ( just a large exercise or yoga ball)... many women will find that this helps relieve some of the pressure to the pelvis and some back discomfort
* when you get out of bed, or the car, try to do so with your legs close together, or at the same time. If you use stairs, move down each leg one step at a time.