Have I made the pain worse? Pelvic, hips and back

[greengirlgang]

I haven’t been diagnosed yet but I have the classic symptoms of pelvic girdle pain (Pgp) and today I am freaking out as I do not feel like I have been taking it easy at all and feel at my worse. I’m 24 weeks.

I have a teen DD and do not live with OH at the moment (working on it) so I’m alone quite a lot. I had to bring a suitcase to my DD who is staying with my parents. I think that has made it worse.

I WFH but go in weekly and carry laptop and other stuff on my back and feel that has made it worse.

I stayed away for a weekend and had a duffel bag and feel carrying that around - even though it was just from a cab to the accommodation - has made it worse.

I was on my feet all day out with family (Christmas market) and realised I didn’t get a good chance to sit - that made it worse.

Carried a box of books to my house. Very bad idea.

I feel like I’ve broken my body this week for doing the simplest things (I’m listing them out as I feel I shouldn’t have done any of these) 😞I have significantly reduced socialising and activities already.

I’m going to speak to GP for physio referral as midwifery appointment isn’t until early 2024.

Should I just go on bed rest for the rest of pregnancy. Could I cause long term damage.

It sounds like you’ve been very busy and need some rest. Can you take it easier this week? Bed rest isn’t the way to go - keep active but don’t push yourself and stop doing things it they’re painful. If the pain is really bad a pelvic girdle belt may help. Go easy on yourself.

Are you worried about damaging the baby or yourself? The baby will be fine.

@Thislife1 in this instance my body and any risks it might cause in labour or post pregnancy. Although I have been told that it doesn’t affect labour I’d just need to find more comfortable positions.

Also what is frustrating is I don’t feel the pain until hours later. So carrying the bag is fine but then hours later I’m hit with so much pain.

I’ve reduced so much of what I do already - I spend a lot more time at home and take much shorter walks.

I guess you are right, it has been a busy week and I’ll just have to take it easy.

OP I get PGP in pregnancy. Physio and Osteopathy keep the pain manageable and keep me moving. Yes not doing certain things helps - but solely being in bed for your pregnancy is not the answer. I’ve two toddlers (will have three kids under 4), so lots of lifting: I work full time in healthcare (wards based). To balance it out I do stretches, focus on my core, baths help me, I know my worst triggers (stairs, putting my shoes on, picking up kids toys from the floor/bending incorrectly) and try to follow physio advice tailored to me on how to do those bits.

As soon as I’m no longer pregnant - the pain clears up! If cutting everything back isn’t a routine that works for you, can you get referrals to professionals so you can find a way of living that is?

These questions can be answered on the pelvic partnership website and helpline. You need manual therapy as quickly as you can arrange it. You haven't caused long term damage but you do need to adapt your activities to manage your pain. Bed rest wouldn't be helpful unless you simply can't walk but at the same time, staying within the limits of what you can easily manage is important too.

@Callmemummynotmaaa it’s definitely the simplest of tasks that bring on the pain - I can relate to what you’ve described. I was so active with my first. I think I needed reassurance that it will go away so thanks for sharing your experience x

@Lifelessonstoremember thanks I’ve never come across that website and I will have a look as a general Google search didn’t bring up much.

I am feeling loads better - when I posted this it’s like I was feeling all of the pain from a weeks worth of activities hitting me at once.