How can a PGP diagnosis 'help'?

[ChocolateBiscuitCake]

Hi there,

Had terrible hip pain during DC1&2 but just assumed it was part and parcel of pregnancy. Post DC2 I was very immobile for about 6 months (possible birth related injury too, according to a physio I have seen privately? Had epidural so goodness knows what positions I shouldn't have been in!).

Now pregnant with DC3 (28 weeks). Have had PGP throughout (well, from 11 weeks) and am struggling to cope with DC (3 & 17 months), which is 'fine' as I have help at home. However, I find the daily discomfort/pain exhausting, sleep badly, am increasingly immobile etc and spend a small fortune on Osteopathy! I am feeling really deflated and fed up as I just can't do things I want to do (couldn't stand yesterday after trying to cook a roast for the family, for example).

Whenever I waddle into see GP/midwife, I talk about my SPD/PGP and get accusing glances of, "well have you actually been diagnosed?". Am fed up of not getting much sympathy and actually was wondering, despite a bit more TLC, what is the benefit of a diagnosis?

Apart from sceptical midwives caring? Not a lot! Not IME anyway

Err, isn't it your MW/GPs job TO diagnose? Switch to someone that's willing to work out what's wrong. They're obviously idiots if they aren't giving you reasons why and possible treatments...and stop trying to cook roast dinners...no PGP/SPD here but that'd make me hurt.
Benifits of diagnosis include access to physio, probably access to analgesia (such as codeine), crutches if needed, supportive aids and pillows etc. If it gets worse there's a chance you might need an assisted delivery (epi/forceps etc) BUT hopefully and probably not.

If you're working, i think you would need a diagnosis to reduce your duties or make other adaptions. Or get signed off, should you need to be.

Not clear from your OP if that's relevant to you or not, sorry if not.

I was diagnosed in 3rd pregnancy and got seen by the physio several times before and after the birth which helped massively.
You can ask your mw to refer you (or ask for details to self refer) the the physio will see you and give you appropriate exercises and further appts as necessary

I was seen by Physio & signed off without a definite diagnosis

Thanks for your lovely responses - I saw the midwife today (Chelsea & Westminster) who has given me a self-referral to the Physio. Hopefully they will then 'put in writing' that I have PGP in order for me to get it in my notes. I feel like unless it is written down by a professional, I am made to feel like I am making it up!

Some extra Physio would be lovely, even if just to buy a day of relief here and there and I guess I am dreading the idea of being even an hour over my due date, so wondering whether it will enable me to successfully request an early induction (don't care about intervention - had plenty of it the first two times!!!).

I am not working, so no need to be signed off work (alhtough used to be a teacher so not sure I would have the heart to leave if I was working!!!)

Anyway, thanks agaian