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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Pelvic Girdle Pain

13 replies

merlin21 · 30/12/2013 19:57

Hi, I am new to this sight and only have three weeks before little one is due! However since 20 weeks I have suffered with pelvic girdle pain. In particular at the front on the left hand side. Between 28-36 weeks it was absolute agony. It stared with shooting pains in my lower back and got progressively worse. I could hardly walk and getting in and out of bed was so painful. I was crying regularly with it, struggling to get dressed, drive, and even sit comfortably. I was fobbed off by both my GP and a physio, saying it was just something I had to put up with. I decided to try a Chiropractor which although expensive did bring me some relief. I tried taking strong codeine and paracetamol to help manage the pain but without any real success. They made me really sick and hardly touched the pain. I don't know if it's a combination of the Chiropractor, being off work over Christmas and my baby moving head down ready for birth but the pain has subsided considerably over this last week (37 weeks).
I just wanted to let other sufferers know that they are not alone. It can make you feel helpless and very alone at times. Stay strong and if you can try seeing a Chiropractor or good physio. Good Luck!

OP posts:
Mummyk1982 · 30/12/2013 20:01

I have sacro iliac joint problems which is causing back, groin and pelvic pain. Have an amazing physio- he gave me a support belt- not attractive at all but wow does it make a difference! Wraps around lower back and pulls hips together and velcros up at front under bump- was a life saver on Xmas day when I was cooking all day!!!

Yorky · 30/12/2013 20:10

I loved my chiropractor when I had PGP/SPD from 18wks in pg 4, I could not have dkept doing the school run without him, and NHS physio basically just said here's an elastic belt, good luck!

GuineaPigMum · 30/12/2013 20:49

I have had pelvic girdle pain since 25 weeks which has been getting gradually worse. My GP has referred me to a physio but 10 days later I'm still waiting for an appointment letter. I'm now 35 weeks and hoping that I have a similar experience and that symptoms start to subside. My discomfort is a burning, splitting pain in my pubic bone, and my abdominal muscles have been so sore and tender that I've been in tears. I presume this is related?

Original poster
merlin21 · 31/12/2013 09:35

Your symptoms sound very similar to mine in terms of the sharp pain on your pubic bone which is definitely related. I think once your baby engages more it will hopefully relieve the pain a bit because they will be moving less. I have had to see a consultant as my daughter now aged four was born by C-section. I don't want another section but was really worried about the pressure on my pelvis during labour. However I have been advised (much to my relief) that a natural birth is still the better option. Also the pelvic girdle pain will most likely subside considerably once I had my baby. So fingers crossed. Oh I was also told if at all possible not to labour/give birth on my back, try standing or kneeling. Let gravity help! Also take a pillow into hospital with you in either a red or pink pillowcase and this will automatically indicate you have been suffering from PGP.

OP posts:
Pixielady83 · 31/12/2013 09:53

that's great the pain has eased Merlin, I found the same in my first pregnancy - I was on crutches from 28 weeks but in the last couple of weeks able to walk (well shuffle) again without as things eased. In this pregnancy symptoms worsened at 25 weeks and someone recommended reflexology which has been amazing. I didn't expect it to work but my reflexologist has worked on the muscles around my pelvis and hips which were all inflammed and locked and after 3 sessions I saw a huge difference and was able to manage short drives and walks again (ok for around 10 mins of either) I'm 31 weeks now and along with my belt from the physio and lots of rest I'm feeling so much better than in my first pregnancy. Still v painful turning in bed and I'm very careful about how I move during the day but its such a relief so I would recommend reflexology as worth a try for anyone suffering.

hottymama1976 · 31/12/2013 11:38

I have it too, am on crutches now and can't move around easily. I haven't tried a chiropractor but I've been to a physiotherapist and she's not helping me much. I just feel like crap after the appointments and it's supposed to "get better" but it doesn't :/ .. I just bought a maternity slide sheet (Snoozle) and it helps during the night. Also have a couple of extra pillows. One under the bump and one between my knees at night.

Original poster
merlin21 · 31/12/2013 19:17

I think unless you get lucky most physios are not that helpful. I also think many people just think it's like really bad back ache...if only!
I know exactly what you mean about turning in bed. It's awful, feel very helpless. I use ice packs front and back. Ten miss on ten mins off which helps especially at the end of the day.
It certainly is dig deep time.

OP posts:
GuineaPigMum · 01/01/2014 12:23

Hope you all start to get some relief soon. I agree the biggest frustration is feeling helpless and disabled when I'm usually a very active person- find it boring and difficult to 'rest'! All the best for 2014 Grin

Original poster
merlin21 · 02/01/2014 20:48

Back at work today after xmas and pain worse already. Just hanging on until next Friday when I go on maternity leave. I'll be 38 weeks then so definitely ready. I wasn't sure what effect being off work would have to be honest but judging by being in deseparate need of my ice pack this evening I really do think rest is best!

OP posts:
Aaliyah1 · 02/01/2014 22:44

Been told I have SPD and I'm not happy Hmm it didn't help the doctor said it's extremely common so now DH thinks it's a normal part of pregnancy that I'm just being over dramatic about.

Anyone have any good links I could direct him to? Before I smack him? Confused

Original poster
merlin21 · 03/01/2014 11:41

Hi, You poor thing, my DH has been rather unsupportive to say the least, so you have my sympathy big time. Also my doctor said pretty much the same thing and to stop complaining about it. I found this website which I thought was quite good www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk
Also I found my pain much more severe at the front. Ice packs and Chiropractor helped and also that great word 'rest'. Is this your first pregnancy and how far along are you?

OP posts:
HavingAnOffDAy · 03/01/2014 11:55

I found that the pain subsided a LOT once the baby's head was engaged as that added more stability to my pelvis. The physio I was referred to said that this is sometimes the case.

Rest helps, if you can get into a comfortable position.

PGP/SPD is common - the degrees vary widely though. I by no means had a severe case but was in agony from weeks 25 - 37.

Aaliyah1 · 03/01/2014 14:10

Yeah this is my first and I'm 26 weeks now. Just upset because up until now I've had a really easy pregnancy with no symptoms Hmm
I think because I've been fine until now is the reason my DH is so complacent. The pain has come on q suddenly over the past few days. I'll defo check out that website.

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