Pelvic pain after birth?

[Newmrs22]

Gave birth 6 weeks ago to second baby. Had mild PGP in pregnancy, but managed it by following advice on sleeping with pillows, sitting down to put on trousers etc. Never got to have physio. During labour I had excruciating pain in the front of my pelvis. It felt like I was being stabbed in my pubic bone. Luckily labour was pretty quick as I genuinely thought I might pass out from the pain (this labour was much worse than my first which was 17 hours and augmented with the hormone drip. I’d rather have gone through that again than the 20 minutes of agony I had this time). Since then I’ve had PGP symptoms that are worse than they were in pregnancy. Has anyone else had this? Did it get better?

I feel like I could have written your post myself! Had PGP in pregnancy but at first I felt like after the birth it had gone. I don't remember any pelvic pain during birth because I don't remember much at all very dosed up on all the pain reliefs. I pushed my large baby out in 15 minutes - I was told later on that this contributed to the pain. For me 6 weeks down the line the pain is sometimes unbearable can't even do a food shop without having to sit down. At my 6 week check up last week the doctor prescribed antibiotics and sending me for ultrasound to see if any tissue is left inside which could be causing the pain. This may sound odd - but since the examination it actually doesn't hurt like before as so much of the pressure has gone - seems like a good rummage down there has done the trick!!

I've seen a women's physio regarding pelvic pain after birth and she told me to take it VERY easy for at least 3 months but that it'll take the body 9+month to get back to it's usual self (especially when breastfeeding as I think then your body still produces the relaxin hormone which again I think is the reason your pelvis hurts right now). No lifting except for the baby not even shopping bags, no cross-legged sitting, keep your knees together when getting in car or out of bed etc. Every time you feel the pain you're aggravating it again and it'll take longer to heal. Also keep doing pelvic floor exercises (10 repetitions, four times a day and squeeze it whenever you're doing anything that might make it hurt like lifting the baby, stairs, getting out of bed etc). I'd mention it to your midwife/HV/GP and they can refer you to a women's health physio who can give you more advice. My physio was confident that it will get better but you will need to be careful and help your body with training the right muscles. For me my posture was also awful as I wasn't using the right muscles when standing up to help support the pelvis which again made it worse and she helped me correct it. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice! Sorry you are both suffering too. I’ll mention to GP at my check (it’s not for another 2 weeks because of Christmas). I probably should take it easier. I’d just been ‘pushing through’ when it hurts. I’ll stop doing that. It’s very frustrating with a toddler to run around after, especially when you feel like you should have recovered by now.

I also had a large baby and a fast pushing stage (9 mins). Maybe that didn’t help.