Severe pelvic pain (PGP / SPD) feeling miserable....

[ovumahead]

Title says it all really - I'm 24 weeks pregnant with 2nd child, never had significant problems in previous pregnancy (7 years ago!) but am now in so much pain I can barely walk. Pain is in sides of hips/joints (not so much of a problem until night), stiffness in lower back, and now worst of all, pain in the front pubic bone which is really immobilising.

Just looking for advice, support, stories of hope!

Am due to see NHS physio on Tuesday... Not sure what to expect.

Open to trying other treatments, exercises, anything....!

My NHS physio was amazing. A couple of simple exercises made a massive difference! Hold on in there (and try a million pillows around you in bed!)

Lots of sympathy! Im 34 weeks now and have had it since 16. Seeing consultant next week to discuss possible early induction.
I second the pillows, i have a pregnancy one, hated it with dc1 but love it this time. My physio gave me a support belt which helps a bit. I take paracetamol 3 times a day and have codeine for really nad days but i try to avoid using it.
Rest as much as you can and dont try to be a hero on your good days, i learnt that the hard way!

I am 34 weeks ad literally couldn't walk or do anything a few weeks ago. My nhs physio was useless and I have been paying a chiropractor that specialises in pregnancy and new born and she has actually fixed me. Please if you can see a chiropractor

Sympathies from me too. I noticed mine around 22 weeks, had physio on Monday and was given exercises to do. Bought a new gym ball today so can do some of them on that from now on. Pains not easing off and I'm almost 28 weeks now. Physio gave me a support belt which I'm wearing every day, helping slightly.

Have to bear in mind this isn't forever, it's the only thing that's keeping me sane!

My physio was through the NHS and I cannot fault the service at all. Lots of time was spent in the group, and a follow up appointment is available if I really need it. I was seen within 2 weeks of arranging the appointment, so I'm not complaining!

I found NHS physio utterly useless in my last pregnancy (spd from 20 weeks). Ended up going private and a combo of osteopathy and acupuncture (both from people who specialise in pregnant women) worked for me.

This time round I'm seeing a woman's health physio (privately) who is absolutely bloody amazing.

Oh, and to give you hope, last time mine was bad weeks 20-28ish (basically until I found the right osteopath) and then was much better in the last 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. So it isn't inevitable that it will continually get worse.

Go to an osteopathic. Physio ime is pointless. I was signed off from 18 weeks as I literally couldn't walk, osteo didn't cure it but got me mobile enough to walk to the corner shop.

It's horrendous, you have my sympathies.

Osteo. Stupid phone.

Ah thanks so much for your replies! I have been recommended a chiropractor that specialises in pregnancy so am going to see him on Monday, apparently he's helped quite a few local ladies with similar problems so I'm feeling hopeful. Just need to work out how to get there!

I have a great pregnancy pillow - chicco total body pillow or something, really helpful but still, not enough!

Have been off this week as it's half term and therefore slightly more physically active than usual as I'm normally firmly attached to a chair at work. I think that's what's done it,even though I've been waaaay less active than I would have been normally.

I do feel I'm at risk of becoming depressed if I don't do some kind of exercise though. Was going to antenatal yoga but I'm guessing that's off the cards if I can't even stand up for 5 minutes?!

Really hope this does improve - I've heard stories of women continuing to suffer way after birth and the thought of that makes me fill up with dread....

Thanks so so much for the advice and words of hope! Means a lot!

I know people swear by them but please do be aware that both osteopaths and chiropractors are not regulated in the same way a normal medical professional is. They are not medically trained any where near as much as a physio. I personally would not risk my health and that of my child by doing anything that wasn't regulated by a medical body (both these professions regulate themselves). I really don't want to offend anyone but feel I should say something. It's entirely up to you, everyone has their own opinions! ??

On a more positive note I couldn't walk with my first pregnancy having thought the pain was normal (crutches by 25 weeks). I went to the physio and it really helped. This time round as soon as I got a twinge I went and it's much better. I'm now 28 weeks and still on my feet. Support belts help, talk to the physio and don't be afraid to rest when you need to.

Good luck and it all eases with the birth so the end is in sight, even if it's a way off!

I found yoga made mine much worse. Too much stuff with legs spread, etc. Pilates helped me a lot.

Ah I thought as much about the yoga.

And thanks for the heads up about chiropractors being unregulated. I'm actually a staunch sceptic of all things weird and wonderful, but have been helped a couple of times by a decent chiropractor and this one comes recommended by several other ladies who have experienced PGP, so I'm going to risk it. NHS physio said that all they'll do in an individual appointment is measure up for a support belt and crutches - what the point is of all those years of training if that's all they'll do, makes no sense to me!

Rose was the physio you went to NHS or private?

It was NHS, absolutely amazing. It depends on how bad you are. If it's mild they do exercises and help with belts etc. My first pregnancy I was so bad that they did this massage to get my muscles back in place. It felt like being beaten with a cricket bat and I cried but the next day was a massive improvement. I honestly can't say enough good things about them so I'd give it a go.

Ok thanks! It has been so bad I've been unable to walk. So I'd say that's pretty bad? Does it get worse than that..?!

Also did you manage to have a straightforward delivery despite PGP?

Yup, my experience of NHS physios is they just measure up for a belt (which is useless if your pelvis is out of joint). My private Physio, on the other hand, is amazing. Really knows her stuff and treats with a combo of hands-on and exercises

But really, it's a case of finding someone good who knows what they're doing, whatever their job title/ specialty. Last preg it was combo of osteopath and acupuncture. This one a Physio.

Thanks again, all! Have found 2 local pilates classes run by people happy to adapt to pregnant ladies. I'm really looking forward to getting started. Love mumsnet!!

Yup, managed a pretty straight forward delivery after barely being able to walk with my first (hoping the same this time, due in August). I did need some assistance with a ventouse but that had more to do with a ridiculously fast labour (5hours start to finish) and existing health issues such as a cardiac problem. Overall the SPD didn't effect Labour at all. Was nice to realise it had gone with the birth though, I was walking normally within a few days!

Ah that's so good to know! My pain has improved a lot over the last few days which is a relief. Rest obviously helps! Feel so unfit though.... Need to do some kind of cardio before I turn into a slug!

Completely know how you feel. Had pgp since week 8 now am 32 weeks on crutches. I was prescribed cocodamol but didn't even touch the sides. Have been referred to physio and acupuncture but nothing has helped so far. Acupuncture I got on the nhs so may be worth asking about that as it does help some people.
We are now looking at possible induction at 37 weeks as I am now struggling to walk with crutches. Your midwife will be really good and refer you to the right people if you tell them

Ouch sorry to hear you've been in pain for so long! Awful

I saw a chiropractor today and he was vicious, but really good! I feel better already. Feeling really hopeful after today. Need a few more appointments so will report back....