Severe pgp during birth

[physicskate]

Hi. I'm currently 36+4. I also have fairly bad pgp. I've been on crutches since 28 weeks. First started feeling symptoms about 11 weeks. Nothing has helped me. I don't really sleep much because it's painful.

So: birth is approaching. I've heard epidurals are very very bad with pgp as you get put into positions that can sometimes cause more long term damage. Because of this, I'm now thinking maybe a mlu would be great because it more removes that temptation of epidural which I do NOT want because of the ole pelvis. My midwife today was really negative about removing epidurals as an option for me, despite it being what I want!

I'd love to hear about anyone who had pgp and what they did to protect their pelvis long term. Were epidurals ok? Anything to avoid specifically that is more likely to cause long term pelvis issues?? The one thing that has helped me survive the last 25 weeks of near constant pain is the idea that it will go after birth!!!

Hi Kate - we chatted on the other thread about PGP. I ended up electing for a c section as my pain was so bad in every position and they wanted to induce me as my baby was 97th percentile. Went really well and my pain disappeared the next day. Recovery from c section = walk in the park compared to the pelvic pain.

Not sure if that helps you... I know lots of people are very anti c section but it worked for me and I have no regrets.

How does yours affect you?

I had severe pgp, mostly in my si joints and hip joints, my groin (spd area) was mostly ok.

Both of my births were fine but fast! I've been told this is quite common amongst ladies with sore hips.

I birthed on my back as it was too painful to stand. But both times once the baby had arrived I was able to walk without my crutches :)

Because my pain wasn't on my groin, opening my legs wasn't an issue. My births weren't long enough to worry about being in the same position for too long either.

I didn't want an epidural for similar reasons. I was also eager to avoid a cs as i was worried about damage to my core and recovery. Luckily I didn't need either.

I've heard water is good but I didn't have time to get in!

1st labour 3h45, 2nd labour 35mins ish

@le42 - thanks for sharing. I'm not at all anti cs, but would avoid if not necessary, ifyswim.

@scaredofthecity - most of my pain is at the front. About 10% is my so joints and recently my hips have also started being a bit sore (but think it's because of increased pressure when sleeping on my side). That's so awesome your labours were that fast!! Long labours run in my family, which is obviously no guarantee, but I've only recently heard that because I'm so lose in the pelvis, I could have a slightly smoother time of things... o can spread my legs, but very concerned about being turned/ manipulated.

I'd like to have the option of the pool, as I love feeling a bit weightless during swimming...

I just still can't believe a midwife was trying to put me off going to a midwife led unit!!!! And not for medically necessary reasons!

I had PGP.

My birth was very painful and I won't go into details as I don't want to upset you.

However; i had an emergency section have a failed induction. General anaesthetic.

PGP was gone in a day. A relief!

I'd just go for a section with another baby.

Originally, I wanted a water birth. However as a midwife pointed out, I couldn't get in and out easily which may have been an issue in an emergency.

Well my preferences look to have flown out the window with reduced growth!! Referral to consultant at this point makes midwife led unit a tad unrealistic!!

I had an elective section. It was great and recovery wasn't bad at all.

Just to warn you not to get your hopes up about the PGP vanishing post birth. Although the worst of the pain went immediately and my mobility is back in the sense of being able to walk unaided again I'm on months of physio before I'll be fully recovered (i.e. able to walk for normal amounts of time/distance).

You may be ok but I just wanted to warn you as I was told I'd be fine post birth and it's hit me really hard still being so restricted but now with a small baby too. I can't just pop her in the pram and go for a walk with her if she's distressed. I don't think it would feel this bad if I'd been prepared for this possibility.

Yeah. I know someone who was still using a walker 3 months post-partum. I'm under no illusions. Hopeful, yes.