Thread: PGP - Pelvic Girdle Pain? UPDATED.

I've been suffering from awful lower back pain for weeks now, well, not quite back, lower than back but higher than bum if that makes sense? Its all on the right hand side, and I get shooting pains into my back and down my leg, if I lean on one side or one leg it can practically paralyse me

Anyway, I had something very similar with Lilah and the Doc signed me off work saying it was sciatica. It more or less went within a week or two. This time it has been going on for weeks and getting worse and worse.

I spoke to the MW last week, and she gave me the number for Physio at the hospital, and I called this morning to get an appointment. I spoke to a lovely lady for over 20 mins about my symptoms and pregnancy, and she says it sounds very much like Pelvic Girdle Pain, she told me ways of trying to manage it, what aggrivates it etc, and booked me in to see them, but the earliest appointment is 8th Sept. Almost 2 weeks away.

I've been googling since I got off the phone to her, and after reading the symptons I'm pretty sure thats what it must be. And now I am completely scared to death that I am going to feel like this till the baby arrives.

Its been so bad over the weekend I've barely been able to walk, I cried on Sunday morning as I couldnt get out of bed, and yesterday I couldnt drive as it hurt so badly. I slept better than I have in a while last night, and this morning, it was there, but much better. But already I can feel it getting worse.

To add insult to injury I am having cramps in my lower legs in the night so my calf's (How do I spell that plural!?) are super sore and painful in the morning too. I must look like a right idiot hobbling around

Also, Im getting a little confused as some websites say SPD and PGP are different, some say they are the same and it is now called PGP. God knows.

Sorry to moan, had to get it off my chest

oh that sounds so painful. sorry i cannot help with anything ((hugs))

calves?

PGP is the new name for SPD

I had it with each pregnancy but with doing the right things it can be managed!

Tips I have are:

Keep your legs closed as much as possible
Keep knees together when turning in bed.
When getting into bed swing both legs together
Put a plastic bag on the seat of your car and twist out with both legs together
Accept as much help as possible so you don't overdo things
Baths are a good reliever but always get help in and out. I used the kids bath step to get out so I didnt open my legs too much
Make sure it is in your notes so midwives know when you are in labour that you shouldnt open your legs too much. Highlight it if you have to!



If I think of anymore I shall let you know but thats all i can think of for now

Thank you.

The Physio said some similar stuff too, and I've found in the last week the easiest way to get out of bed, is to try and sit bolt upright (With help of DH) and swing legs out together, and I've been getting in and out of the car as you suggest, but the carrier bag sounds a good idea.

I feel really anxious about it actually, its so sore to walk, I keep thinking how can I possibly cope?

I'm having a planned c-sec so no need to worry about labour, unless he comes early, and the Physio asked for my consultants name so she could let her know I was coming, what we had discussed etc.

I cant believe how miserable and useless its making me feel.

Oh, did it clear up quickly after birth for you Dizzy?

No useful advise I'm afraid but I did suffer similar back pain from 28-32 weeks with this pg and DD2. It did improve after about 32 weeks as the baby got a bit bigger and their weight tipped forward.

poo Lise sounds shit.

just try and keep to the exercises / movement management the physio told you - she sounds very nice. can you take anthing for it like paracetamol?

It can make you feel so yuck but if you rest lots and don't push yourself it can be managable.

Did mine clear up: After ds1...immediately. After ds2...took a few weeks. After dd...few weeks longer than dd. After ds3...not really.

I still do get a bit of pain at AF time and if I overdo things.

This doesnt mean this will apply to you. You are getting it for the first time with #3. I had it from #1 and it got worse each time. So to get it now I don't think you will have major problems afterwards.

The thing to remember is straight after the birth not to think it's all gone. But you will be resting from your section so in a way it could be a good thing iykwim

Thanks for all the adivce, I really appreciate it. I'm a born worrier and get in a state quite easily so I was a bit upset this morning.

Its so hard to take it easy with other little un's to look after too isnt it? I am dreading walking to preschool and back next week. I am just so glad this didnt start even earlier.

LOL i am a born worrier too! I stress myself out way too much. The thing with the walk to pre-school is take your time. Leave that bit earlier.

Are there any mums who could help you as you get further into the pregnancy?

And yup I found it impossible to rest with the others to look after but even if you sit down while they are playing, you are sort of resting then.

Did the physio not give you a support brace? I had this great big strap thing that supported the bump a bit, which eased the weight on my pelvis
Its horrid but it does usually pass after you give birth