$Unique_ID{BRK01664}
$Pretitle{Pregnancy and Childbirth}
$Title{Consulting a Physician for Hip Pain During Pregnancy}
$Subject{pregnancy hip pain consultation}
$Volume{K-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Consulting a Physician for Hip Pain During Pregnancy


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QUESTION:  I need advice on whether I should consult my general practitioner,
my obstetrician or just wait.  I am five months pregnant and think I may have
some form of arthritis in my hips.  During a pregnancy two years ago, I had
twinges of pain in one hip.  With this pregnancy I have pain in both hips
sometime severe enough to restrict activity.  If this is a condition related
to pregnancy will consulting a physician be of any use at this time or just a
waste of a fee?

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ANSWER:  This is a truly important question as it deals not only with your
problem but several important principles that you must know about if your are
to manage your own health care appropriately.  It is made a bit more
complicated because you have two physicians to work with, but even that is
easily managed.  To start with, any condition that hurts enough to restrict
your activity is serious enough to warrant a physician's attention.  I know
you are worrying about the effects of tests, such as x-rays, and treatments
with medicines might have upon your unborn child, but your physician has the
same concerns.  Your pelvis, and its precious contents can be screened against
the dangers of x-rays, while your diagnosis can be advanced.  Blood tests can
be run, to provide some insight into your condition, which have no effect on
the development of the baby.  And with your pregnancy already in the fifth
month, there are even some medication that could be considered.  Not that I
could hazard a guess at your diagnosis at this time with out more information
then you have provided.  Now to the questions as to which physician should be
consulted my answer is that both should be aware of your condition.  If you
consider your general practitioner to be the more likely physician to manage
this condition (and I tend to agree) than it is his responsibility to inform
your obstetrician of all the findings of your medical condition.  Likewise you
obstetrician should contact your general physician about any matter that might
effect your on-going care.  It is totally within reason to expect your two
doctors to talk to one another about your care.  It has been known to happen!.
By the same token, it is your responsibility, and in your own best interest to
be sure that it does happen.  But the first step is yours.  Get to a physician
with this problem, and soon!
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
