Relieving Pelvic Pain During and After Pregnancy: How Women Can Heal Chronic Pelvic Instability

by Cecile Röst PT

During pregnancy, the ligaments between the pelvic bones soften and stretch to enable the expansion of the birth canal. Unusual pelvic pain, also called pelvic girdle pain or pelvic instability, can result if the pelvis loses its natural alignment. This can make simple daily tasks like walking, sitting, lifting and getting into and out of cars painful, and in some cases can last for many years after the pregnancy. Physical therapist Cecile Röst developed the exercises in this book after suffering debilitating pelvic pain during her own three pregnancies. Her techniques help women to realign their pelvis so they can once again walk, sit and lie down without pain; care for their children; and enjoy physical intimacy.  Clearly written and easy to read, Relieving Pelvic Pain During and After Pregnancy includes over 100 illustrations and the real-life stories of pelvic pain sufferers. Röst provides  A special section, Part Five, is written for therapists and contains  Röst has taught these exercises for over ten years to pregnant and postpregnant women. Ninety percent of her clients have overcome their pelvic pain and its related symptoms by realigning their pelvis. If you suffer from pregnancy-related pelvic pain, there is something you can do — start using this book now.

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2006

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This appears to be helpful; the jury is still out about relieving the pain I’ve been experiencing, but it’s been better the last two nights. My biggest complaint is that the book doesn’t mention how long you’re holding each exercise for and how many reps. I like specifics, especially in the world of “exercise,” so I wish I had a little more direction. Full disclosure: I didn’t read Part V for professionals bc I’m not one, but I skimmed it to see if it addressed this. It didn’t.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used during both pregnancies. The visual stretching guides help greatly!!! This book is a good reminder to take care of mom during and after pregnancy!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The exercise in this book were very helpful! However, there were so many testimonials and "fluffy" sections; I think the information could have been communicated is half as many pages.

[Lori Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is supposed to be a book for pregnant women. It barely mentions pregnancy and doesn’t even depict pregnant women in the images. I’m still going to try the exercises but like others have mentioned, they do not specify reps, length of time to hold poses, etc. A bit disappointed.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential resource for those suffering with SPD. This is the most comprehensive, informative, and empathetic look at the problem I've come across. I was so dang tired of hearing "deal with it/blah blah relaxin". I'm docking one star only because the author makes it sound practically guaranteed that your pain will go away with the exercises in the book. Maybe I didn't do them long enough; I did get some relief but wasn't able to heal my SPD.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since in my last 3 pregnancies I've had symphysis pubic pain and am now at the beginning of another pregnancy, I thought this would be a good read. I haven't had any pain start for this pregnancy so far, but I feel armed and ready with info of how to sit, stand, and hold my body to prevent pain, as well as exercises and stretches to fix any problems that may arise. And they're such easy and simple things to do. I have high hopes...

[Almah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great life saver! Easy read and cure themselves

[Leanne Fairweather]

As a pelvic floor physiotherapist, I read this book to research different ideas, opinions, and expand my repertoire of exercises for this issue.