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 guide to pregnancy-related anatomy
• an explanation of pelvic pain and dysfunction and ways to prevent them
• information on what to expect during and after delivery
• ways to perform daily activities that will aid the healing process
• simple and effective exercises to stabilize the pelvis, including symmetry exercises, stabilization exercises and pelvic-floor exercises

A special section, Part Five, is written for therapists and contains

• a template for the patient's case history and the first consult
• analyses of research findings, risk factors and pilot studies
• guidelines and suggestions for therapy and postpregnancy care

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.