PGP pain

[mela10]

Hello!!
I have suffered with PGP for months, barely able to walk at times
I was wondering people's experience with this pain vs birth pain? I can barely tolerate this pain right now (38w) so I would like to know if I will be able to handle labour and delivery

I'm 38+0 right now with an induction booked at 38+3 so I'll try to pop back and let you know x

Thank you!!

hello! I had PGP in both my pregnancies and know a lot about it now!

• Movement is, weirdly, your best way to relieve pain. But It has to be the right movement. Youtube is an amazing resource of physios giving gentle exercises that can help. on the floor exercise are best, and NEVER on one leg. Take your time, but you can stretch your way to some pain relief i promise. listen to your body - if it hurts, that's not the right exercise for you!!
• Rest is obviously important too, i found heat from a hot water bottle a big help, lying on side with giant pillow between knees AND ankles (not just knees)
• Lifting, pulling, pushing (trolleys, hoovers) are a big NO
• keep your knees glues together when getting in and out of car, bed etc
• wear good, close fitting shoes or bare foot. sloppy sandals/crocs/slippers or socks on barefloors are v bad for pgp.
• a serola belt (google it) can help support your hips. some people find tying a broad scarf around their hips or similar can help too.

i managed to keep mine bearable, and went onto have both deliveries in the water at 41 weeks in hospital. the pain goes for most people after birth.

i totally empathise, pgp is horrible! I wish you lots of luck for the next few precious and exciting weeks xxx

I would say go to a physio, but my experience was that they were completely useless, so unless you get a good recommendation, save your money!

Doing my own gentle stretches worked best for me xx

Gentle stretches, some exercises you can find online to strengthen glutes. No walking, no single leg exercises, minimise driving and going up and down the stairs.

Serola belt has been very helpful.

I'm seeing a physio but it's mostly useless, I just go because she's very nice (it's like going to therapy) and my insurance pays it. If I had to pay for it, I wouldn't bother.

I had a prenatal massage which was pointless as well, hundreds down the drain.

I'm having a C section as I also have a hip labral tear and pain with my coccyx, which labour would make a lot worse unfortunately .

I found Osteopath helpful. Not physio.

Definitely see an osteopath - I saw someone who was absolutely magic. Wish I'd known about her sooner though as only started sessions postpartum.

Birth wise I think the pain of giving birth distracted from the PGP.... First time it disappeared as soon as baby born. Second time it lasted a good 6-12 months after birth and I had weekly osteo appointments and did special exercises. Currently pregnant and hoping to keep on top of it more during pregnancy...

All the advice above about no trolleys and legs together etc is very important!

Hello @hotchocfiend
I was also one of the rare ones for whom sadly pgp didn't go after birth. 18 months afterwards I was in a pretty terrible depressive state to be honest as the pain would just return again and again, and all physios i saw in the UK weren't helping.

Finally cured it with an intense, difficult online programme (i know, it sounds mad!) called the 'OP Clinic'. the guy that does the programme is based in Australia! He's amazing. Google it. It's not cheap - cost me about £1000 in all and this was 5 years ago, but i am virtually 100% pain free now, I understand the condition and how to manage it if I ever get a mini flare, and went on to have second baby. So maybe save the link in case this is your experience. I wouldn't wish life-long PGP on anyone!