Pelvic Girdle Pain- any advice on dealing with this please?

[Supercherry]

I'm 9wks pregnant (guessing) and I've been experiencing sharp pain in my left buttock, mainly when I lean on my left leg, when lifting etc. Last night it got much worse, I could barely move in bed for the pain, I couldn't get comfy and turning over was a nightmare. I thought it was Sciatica, but upon googling realise it is much more likely to be PGP. I had it mild with my first pregancy without even realising I think. This time it's alot worse so I've made a doctors appointment for tomorrow. Any advice from other sufferers out there? It's a bit difficult to rest because I have a very active 14mth old DS.

[Hawkmoth]

Get referred to your obsetric physio at the hospital ASAP. Ring your midwife today and ask them to do it.

Mine started early, and I was worried it would keep on getting worse. I modified my activities (people on here will give better advice than I can) and the physio realigned my pelvis then gave me lots of excercises and advice... and I'm ok (only ok) now. I'm back at work and pottering about slowly, rather than being housebound getting miserable.

Good luck

[Supercherry]

Thank you Hawkmoth, my first midwife appointment is on the 5th April (so don't actually have one yet) but I'm seeing the GP tomorrow at 9.30am and I will ask for a referral if they don't offer.

Had a bath this morning and it seems lying down makes it much worse. Sorry you're going through this too.

[Hawkmoth]

Look at www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk for advice and info.

But for me, all lifting, carrying, housework etc has stopped. It's not been great for DP but he knows I'm not messing as he came to physio with me. Also not great for DD, and I cringe every time she goes on about my sore back (though not as bad as her shouting "Trapped WIIIND?????" in the street yesterday).

Key things that have helped me are a bolster for inbetween my knees at night, a wedge cushion for sitting on at work, and in the car (though I am actively avoiding driving) and the exercises.

I would look at the website before you see your GP. Putting it mildly, not all of them are well-up on the condition... or very sympathetic.

[Supercherry]

Hi Hawkmoth, I went to the doctor's yesterday- they referred me to a physiotherapist. Doctor was nice, just nodded sympathetically, only took about 5 minutes. Hopefully will get some good advice from physio. I've checked out that website- it's got some good advice. I've been just taking it easy and just got mild lower backache now, and my left side is still a bit stiff but not any worse.

Hope you're ok.

[Hawkmoth]

Glad to hear it Supercherry

I'm doing very well at the moment. Obviously being very careful and doing my exercises, which is all I can do.

Still got 19 weeks to go so just making the most of it while I can.

Good luck.

[IrishMaeve]

Hi

I'm 28 weeks pg with my first baby and have been suffering from pain in the front of my pelvis, by my groin, for a couple of weeks. I have also started physio and, after the first couple of sessions, I can already feel a slight difference. Not so much agony now. I'm also getting a pelvic support belt this week, which I will wear during the day. Will let you know if this helps..

[xxhunnyxx]

I'm 26 weeks pg and have similar probs, u really do not to be refered for physio and they will give you exercises to strengthen your core muscles etc to take some of the pressure off the areas that are troubling you.

In the mean time all you can do is take pain killers (ibuprofen if it's very bad but you shouldn't take it regularly when pg) and can rub creams or gells in to it to relieve the inflimation. I use Movelat altho I've just googled it and it says you shouldn't use it in your 1st or 3rd trimester.

Hot water bottled and warm baths can help too.

Hope you get it sorted soon x

[cazzaben]

Get a belt soon as you can... I still get this pain a year after having my son... I really struggled during my pregnancy I was told it was normal and I was basically brushed off everytime I complained about it... I had it from 11 weeks and wasn't diagnosed until 33 weeks... I think it was too late by then as I couldn't walk upstairs or walk anywhere. (luckily I was admitted for something else at 29 weeks) but I was taking large amounts of Codeine everyday (and still am). 3 weeks ago I saw a doctor at my surgery (not my regular GP who kept prescribing me with too many pills) he has now refered me to a physio.
I'm hoping its not too late for me...
I hope you get all the help and support you need keep us informed how your getting on xxx

[llareggub]

Take note of those old-fashioned deportment lessons and keep your legs together as much as possible! Seriously, getting in and out of bed, cars, anywhere really, ensure that you swing both legs together rather than one at a time. I also second the pillow between the legs method.

I'm a mild sufferer and for me exercise has really helped, so long as I don't overdo it. I much, much worse after a night in bed, and it gets gradually better throughout the day.

[mags98]

I have had the same thing since about 8 or 9 weeks too, and it is horrible. I once got stuck on the toilet in the middle of the night because I couldn't take any weight on my leg!

I was referred to a physio who didn't actually do much but did give me some really useful advice that has made a huge difference. It is generally so much better now after doing some simple things. I'mm 33 weeks now and for the last 6 weeks or so have only had a couple of bad days.

The advice is to avoid rotational force and pressure on the pelvis especially on the SI joints. If you can do that and let then inflammation settle it often eases it a lot.

So, don't do anything on one leg. When getting out of a chair, use both legs equally, don't try and get up with more weight on one side. In bed, lie on your side, so the weight os taken on the main pelvic bones, not your back. Swing your bosy round and sit up from the side, and then stand up using both legs.

When getting into the car sit sideways in the seat and then swivel round both legs at once, other way round to get out.

When going upstairs, take the weight on the good leg, do one step at a time.

Avoid carrying heavvy bags on one shoulder

Buy a maternity belt and wear it for a few days - they are deeply unsexy, like an old mans truss, but they do really stabilise the pelvis and ease the pain.

Simple stuff but it really did work!