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Pregnancy

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

11 weeks and diagnosed with pelvic girdle pain

6 replies

butterflygirl1515 · 17/03/2015 11:14

Hi,

Just wanted to post about my experiences in case it helps anyone else.

I have had 2 severe attacks of lower back numbness/pain/tingling and excruciating stabbing pains down both buttocks. I couldnt walk without my boyfriend holding me up and supporting me it was that painful. 1st time was at week 4 and now again at week 10/11 both lasting days and needing complete rest to recover. Also in between have had it on and off to a milder extent mainly after working or getting out of the car.

I saw a GP at my local practise and she straight away diagnosed pelvic girdle pain. Where hormones are released in even early pregnancy which cause the ligiments in the pelvis to loosen ready for the birth but way way too soon. This then causes pain with certain movements.

She had had it herself and had a good friend suffer from it so she was a good person to see.

She told me to keep my legs together as much as possible esp when sitting, sleeping and getting out of the car. Also to not sleep with legs flat but with a pillow under knees. To have help when getting in and out of the bath. Not sit on the floor, crouch down, lean/stretch over too much, lift anything heavy.

She also said I could take paracetamol if needed.

If it gets any worse then go back for a physio referal.

She did warn that its very important to not carry on thru the pain as her friend did that and ended up in a wheelchair for end of her pregnancy.

I can stick to these changes at home easily enough but as I work in a day care nursery its going to be much harder to there. But its been at work which has caused both severe attacks so I know I must make changes to my posture, movements etc.

Ive read/heard that support belts can be useful as well so may well contact the GP/midwife/physio for one at some point.

I am glad to have a diagnosis now as I knew something wasnt right and at least Ive caught it early so can try and prevent it getting worse.

OP posts:
ShellyBobbs · 17/03/2015 13:41

I'm 38 weeks and have been signed off work since 24 weeks with this. I was referred to a physio and got a support belt which really helped with my back, but has done nothing for the front and top of my legs. I also need crutches to walk.

All I can advise is to rest as much as possible and try to swop standing, sitting and lying down as too much of one thing can really hurt. Warm baths can help but you do get stuck in the bath! Nothing has really helped but strangely since I got to 37 weeks it has eased slightly and 3 times for about 10 seconds each I have had moments where I was completely pain free when walking.

Get a referral to a physio ASAP, mine took just under a week but only because the hospital midwives did it.

Good luck. x

MissTwister · 17/03/2015 13:58

Hi Butterfly Girl

Sorry to hear of your pain - mine doesn't sound quite as intense as yours but am concerned as it's now getting constant. Really bad hip pain and mild pelvic pain - am 20+5.

The main issue for me is the hip pain is stopping me sleeping so I am just so tired all the time. Also when I turn in bed my left hip audibly cracks. Never a good sign!

I have a doc appointment Monday but am so scared of the next 20 weeks!

TouchPauseEngage · 17/03/2015 17:05

Great news that you have a GP who is on the ball op! I'd strongly recommend that you self refer to Physio now and get in the system. You need to see a women's health physio and it can take a while to see one. I'm now 24 weeks and mine started very early. Whilst it is getting worse, I'm positive that the physio has helped hold off a more serious deterioration.
Physio will be able to give you excercises to strengthen surrounding muscles to support the joints and should be able to realign your pelvis too. Mine also gives me a lovely bum muscle massage ever time I go as my muscles are working overtime holding me together!
Whatever you do don't push yourself or try and work through the pain. good luck!

butterflygirl1515 · 17/03/2015 21:14

Hi ladies,

thanks for the replies.

Sorry to hear of your pains. I hope they ease up very soon for you.

How do you self refer to a physio? Do you mean an NHS one at a hospital or a private one?

Ive informed the manager at work and she is ok with my changing my tasks so that im not making it worse. So will take it as easy as i can at work from now on. I already planned on stopping at 7 months for maternity leave but will go earlier if I need to.

Best wishes.

OP posts:
TouchPauseEngage · 17/03/2015 21:46

It depends how it works in your area but in many places you can just contact the nhs physio dept directly and get an appointment (your GP's receptionist should be able to advise you on who to call). I've had loads of great advice on here and also you should also check out the Pelvic Partnership website.

TouchPauseEngage · 17/03/2015 21:49

Oh and pregnancy yoga is great but do find a class rather than doing a dvd at home. A good teacher will show you how to adapt the movements to take your PGP into account.

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