Terrible PGP - what can I do?

[firsttimepregnanthelp]

I am 28w pregnant and was suffering with back pain but have had horrendous PGP since last Thursday - struggling to get in and out of bed, can’t drive, can’t sleep because of the pain. I’ve asked for help from GP and midwives and they just say it’s a normal pregnancy thing. How will I ever be able to give birth in this amount of pain and with this level of immobility? I went to see a private osteopath today which helped a bit but at £140 a go it’s not cheap. What else can I do to ease the pain?

Not sure if every NHS trust has one, but see if you can self refer to the pelvic physio. Sometimes they can send out support bands etc too which can help ease the weight on your pelvic area and that can help to a degree

@HansBanansunfortunately they don’t have that in my area - I did get referred to a general physio who saw me for 5 mins, didn’t examine me and just emailed me some YouTube exercises that I could have googled myself 🙄 and I’m in too much pain to do them!

Ah sorry you’re struggling OP it is rubbish. The biggest thing that helped me in both pregnancies was physio really. I went privately because the NHS one I was referred to was the same as you describe, literally 5 mins and generic exercises, no proper examination or look at me at all really! The private one did a really thorough exam and gave specific advice and exercises, I went twice a month and it was really useful!

The pelvic support bands never made any difference for me but I know others have positive things to say about them.

Also just being careful to rest your pelvis so a pregnancy pillow to support you during sleep is great

@firsttimepregnanthelp oh no that’s far from ideal 😢 I’d try a tubigrip support and see if that helps enough to make any of the exercises manageable and take it from there. If you’re not doing it already then get a pillow for between your legs when you’re sleeping. Hope it improves for you soon x

Absolutely get a pillow for between your legs in bed! Use a plastic bag on the car seat to get in and out- it swivels and causes less pain. You have to do the best you can with the physio- anything is better than noting if you can’t manage the full amount. Get a support band that’s tight around your hips not just yummy support- use when needed but never sleep or lay about relaxing in it or you will loose muscle strength and the problem gets worse.

but absolutely the best thing is the pillow between your knees in bed. You want it the right width to keep your hips straight not too wide or that will condense and be too thin- the best one I found is sort of triangular in shape designed for siatica not for pregnancy

Thank you everyone for your advice. I have a bump band and am sleeping with a pillow between my legs. I feel very scared by how unstable I am - walking down the stairs I feel like I might fall. Is there any way this can improve or is this it for the next 12 weeks? And how do I give birth when I can’t move?

This was a game changer for me. Suggested by the NHS physio when I had it years ago.

https://www.medicalsupplies.co.uk/serola-sacroiliac-belt.html

Photo wouldn't post.

@Fedupofthisgame thank you so much! I have something similar but maybe I need that specific one. Did it make daily life manageable for you?

Yes I'd say if you get it in the right position it went form hobbling in pain with crutches to be able to walk upright and unaided.

I went to an NHS maternity physio group appointment and they had these to try. I had to buy it myself but at least I got to try it first. I ended up selling mine when I was done with it so they might be on Vinted or something.

@Fedupofthisgamethank you, I will give it a go!