Pelvic Pain - which support belt?

[AllTerrainMammy]

Looking for anyone with experience of pelvic pain or who has bought a support belt.

Background - this is my 3rd pregnancy. DD (3.5) pregnancy had no pain at all. Second pregnancy had bad pain from around 13 weeks but we sadly lost our baby boy at 20 weeks so I didn't suffer the pelvic pain for too long overall although it did continue for 2-3 weeks after the miscarriage. This time round I'm 19 weeks and in a lot of pain.

My lovely community midwife was sympathetic but not very helpful when I asked her about it this week and suggested I buy a support belt online. I intend to do this but where do I start? What's good, what's not? I don't have a huge budget either.

I also intend to call the GP tomorrow and request a physio referral. Based on experience it could be several weeks before I get an appointment. Is it a gamble to buy a belt before seeing the physio in case they have a particular sort they'd recommend?

Sorry for the long rambling post. Really need something to help the pain soon, it's had me on the point of tears today whilst out walking the dog. Added difficulty is that I work in childcare so sit on the floor a lot, however I am managing to avoid too much lifting.

So, anyone bought a belt online and have any recommendations? Thanks in advance

Serola belt recommended by my Physio. Got it off Amazon. Some people say don't wear until pelvic alignment has been checked but my Physio said not to worry about that and get it on. Lots of self help advice at pelvic partnership website.

Been recommended a serola belt by my physio

Mine isn't physio recommended, but it has made such a difference I wish I had bought it weeks ago. From JoJoMamanBebe, maternity support belt, £24. Love it! And as it's online you could try it and return it if you don't get on with it.

Also, I've got the budda belly pregnancy yoga dvd and that seems to sort me out for a day or two after I do it. It really helps with my pelvis and back.

Rubbish isn't it! I didn't have anything like this with my first pregnancy either (sorry to hear about your loss with your second) so it's come as a real shock. And pain.

Serola belt. If you can afford it, please see an osteopath. I could barely walk before I saw one several days ago and now I can feel more optimistic about getting about until the end of pregnancy. She said one treatment, possibly two, ought to fix it and I assumed I would have to see her lots.

I got a Physio referral and it was brilliant for massages etc. They also gave me a big white belt but tbh it was uncomfortable and pushed my trousers down!

But I got a big length of Tubigrip from them instead and it has literally been the best thing I got all pregnancy! I double it and it stretches from groin to belly button and basically acts as a truss. And it stays in place & fits under everything.

Am now 36 weeks and have been using it throughout. Particularly when walking. It seems to hold me together!

You can probably get a length from any chemist in the meantime?

Thank you for your recommendations, I think I need to have a search around online. Fingers crossed for a physio referal too. Will deff look into both the DVDs and local osteopaths although I live ridiculously rurally so may have to travel some distance to find one!

Thanks again!

Tubi grip might do until you see Physio. Mine recommended a scarf before I saw them. My GP advised I phoned physio every week after the referral to show interest in any cancellations. I found crutches helped - ask on the phone if you can them before your appt. My Physio also recommended this book:

Relieving Pelvic Pain: During and After Pregnancy by Cecile Rost.

I also took 8/500mg x2 throughout the second trimester. I was signed off work (primary school teacher) in the third trimester.

All the best OP.

Serola sacroiliac belt. Is on its second pregnancy and is still going strong. If I wear it all the time I'm up and am sensible, no pain at all. Without it, crippling pain within a few hours and barely able to walk. Shows how well it works!!

I really, really recommend seeing an osteopath. At 24 weeks I couldn't walk anymore, each step was making me cry. Had 2 sessions and he sorted it out, best 100 quid in my entire life. He also eased my breathing and gastric reflux. After the second session, had the best night sleep in months. Now I use a birthing ball to relax my back every night.
Good luck, pelvic pain is a real b*!
x

Another vote for osteopath here, it does cost money (£35 per consultation around here) but you won't have to wait for weeks to get an appointment! I've had 3 appointments over my pregnancy (now 38 weeks) and have my last one tomorrow. He's kept me walking without having to wear a belt!