Think I have PGP - grateful for any tips

[StargazyDrifter]

I'm only 13+2 but, having googled a bit, I think I might have PGP.

Although I've had a very restful Christmas break and only walked for about 20 minutes yesterday, I've been in quite a lot of pain today, which doesn't seem to be going away. The pain is on the inside and outside of my thighs and in my buttocks. Sort of feels like I've been to a boot camp or been riding for the first time or something. It's really uncomfortable to walk (I sort of hobble, much to DH's amusement), and hurts to sit down (sitting itself is fine once static). Dreading going back to work tomorrow!

I'd be really grateful for any thoughts or experiences of PGP. Does this sort of thing come and go, or is it permanent once it's set in? Will make a GP appt tomorrow but unlikely to be seen for a couple of weeks. ☹️

I’ve heard of people being signed off for 4 weeks+ at around 30 weeks. It doesn’t sound like your job is compatible with PGP! Don’t feel guilty about asking to be signed off, it’s important that you rest as much as you can to get your body in a good condition for labour.

Signed off due to PGP, to be clear.

(nc fail)

Silk pjs and silk sheets to help you slide around and over in bed easily.
Sleep on your side with a pillow between your legs so your hips are straight.
Try tape to hold up your bump... www.theratape.com/education-center/kinesiology-taping-news/2585-kinesiology-taping-for-pregnancy/

Good luck!

Yep I was just about to post about silk PJs! Discovered this by accident last night and made a huge difference. Will check out the tape, that's not something I've thought of!

physicskate I would definitely see the GP. Completely understand about the positives of work, but also mindful that you might risk injuring yourself more by going ahead of a busy time with a new baby. Definitely worth a chat imo.

I hope you find some things to help- it's awful and can be so painful. It definitely got worse for me with each baby and I still feel affects of it now (youngest is 9 😬)

But do all you can to help. An investment in silk pjs and sheets will really help. Defo always sleep with the pillow to.

I've had PGP since I was 19 weeks pregnant with DS2, who is now 22yo'. I was bedbound and in a wheelchair from when I was 26 weeks pregnant. The pain never went away after the very quick birth and i continued to use crutches. I've since had 8 major surgeries on my pelvis.

physicskate please get signed off work. Plonk yourself on the sofa and rest. You are doing yourself no good by pushing on through. I know what it's like to have everything taken away, I can't work anymore either, but you need to be rested to look after your new baby. Make that appointment today.

Stargazy. Stop going for long walks. You're in less pain when you've been resting becautse rest is good for you.

I had PGP and my osteopath (who came highly recommended for pregnancy) was a lifesaver.

I did pregnancy yoga and found it quite helpful, probably because the teacher was excellent and very mindful of doing things with us that would alleviate rather than aggravate PGP. However, if i get pregnant again I think I'll do pregnancy Pilates too, as I believe that the gentle strengthening exercises can help.

I advise you to keep pushing your GP/midwife for the physio referral, see a private physio or osteopath if you can afford it, and avoid walking as much as you can! Being immobile sucks but the agony is not worth it. Swimming is great - being in the water brought me lots of relief, but you must avoid breaststroke (basically, don't spread your knees!)

Those are really helpful thoughts. Finally get it why not breast stroke! Aah. I've stopped walking lots not to exacerbate it and it does feel better; will do the private osteopath, my NHS referral seems to be taking the scenic route.

Any reports back on group physio from others on this thread? Any good?

Hope everyone is having a gentle evening. I'm sticking with my silk PJ bottoms today for ease of turning! Genius, that is.

I went to group physio. Got a few useful tips (can't remember any of them now sorry). The physio had some bump support things to try on which is handy I suppose if you're considering buying one, but they didn't give them out!

Group physio is a prerequisite for a one to one so it's just a hoop you have to jump through really (no actual hoops involved thank God). When I finally saw the NHS physio (very late in the game) they gave me a tubigrip type thing for the bump and a few exercises. Definitely not worth holding your breath for.

Oh that did make me laugh about not literally jumping through hoops!

I had to slowly peel myself off a stool at work today and did a little yelp, which made everyone stare. I'm not fully out at work yet about being pregnant (waiting for NIPT result) and I think half my team think I had some horrific spinal injury because I'm hobbling and wincing. Distracts them from the bump, for now!

Sadly that's been my experience of NHS physio way back as well, even the 121 ones. Such a pity.

Oh I remembered another one! Get a big exercise ball to sit on. Once you're "out" about the pregnancy at work you could sit on it there as well.