Pelvic girdle pain

I was referred really quickly - a couple of weeks I think! I guess it might depend on area but it wasn't a long wait for me.

@Terri that’s good to hear, hopefully it’s not that long then.

My referral took less than a week. They fast track pregnancy related physio as otherwise it wouldn't be worth even referring.

Mine was very quick also! I found moving and things sometimes a lot more helpful than being sat down, like cat and cow exercises, and pelvic tilts. Try to avoid putting pressure on just one side, like standing on one leg, and try to get off the bed/ out of car with both legs together. The band has definitely been helpful. PGP was worse for me around 20 odd weeks and then calmed down. Now I'm 32 weeks and it's in the background, but nowhere near as bad. Hope that helps!

I had crutches and a support band and a tubigrip like thing over my belly for more support. Paracetamol and ibuprofen till I was 26 weeks and the paracetamol and codeine until birth. The only real solution to the pain is having the baby unfortunately.

I am 20w now and for me its been helpful to go on long walks and swim and generally keep active- avoid long periods of siting. At first it hurts a lot but after movement it hurts less…

I'm 34 weeks and had this from 20 weeks and got water bottle, little walks

I got a couple from Amazon to wear under my clothes and then the physio gave me a more robust one. I was also referred to the below video while I was waiting for my physio appointment https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/services/maternity/video-advice-sessions/physiotherapy-pregnancy-back-and-pelvis-advice-session/

Please don't think that because it's bad now it's going to get worse! I started getting mine around 24 weeks and it was crippling, but with physio exercises (which I do on and off) it certainly hasn't got any worse and I'm now 35 weeks. I have good days and bad days of course but the further along you get it doesn't necessarily mean it will get any worse and my physio was very keen to tell me that too

@Amanta oh that’s reassuring to hear it actually eased as you got further along. The midwife on the phone said it was really unusual to be struggling with it this early on so made me feel like there was something wrong. Thanks for the tips.

@Victoria thank you! Will watch

@Ami thank you, was worried about it getting worse too… only at 20w now and it feels like it has reached its peak in pain 😳 very reassuring ro hear it doesnt get worse if you keep on top of it!

@Reena yes I suppose at least the reassuring thing is it will only last for the pregnancy. Isn’t pregnancy wonderful 🙈😅

You should be referred to a specific pregnancy physio where they see you within weeks otherwise there’s no point. My midwife told me exactly how to self refer to he correct pathway and I had an app 2 weeks later. Last year I had to have physio for my ankle and that took like 10 months to come through lol

I had this after birth and since I just went to physio recently and was less than a month for me.

Your first appointment is a video appointment with other women with a physio. They take you through everything and I got sent a tubigrip type bump band to help. They take you through the "red flag" symptoms too, then if you're concerned at all chat to you separately. It then stays as an open referral for your pregnancy and afterwards so if you need further help they can offer solo appointments, different levels of support etc. My call was within 2 weeks but I haven't needed anything. Mine actually got better. I'm now 38+3 and just have the usual lightening crotch etc.

I was referred quick for mine thankfully! I used support bands which really helped, and I did a lot of pool therapy which helped hugely. The water lifts all the weight. I would do 30 mins when I could in the pool, just to take the pain away. I never swam, more holding the sides, moving my hips/legs to get good movement and walking up and down in lengths. Even just floating about! I would really recommend if you could go to a local pool, even just to ease the feeling of the weight around your pelvis!

@Jess I think it's surge of hormones at one point really x

@Chloe-Louise Water is a godsend!!!!!! I haven't done any swimming in so long and recently went back just because I'm taking my step son so he can learn. 38 weeks and just wish I'd done so much more of it before now.

Hi. I had PGP and physio changed my life. It never went away. But; instead of hurting all day, it would start up later in the day. Google some exercises and start doing them immediately. Also get the squeezy app and play it multiple times a day. I also had a support band, but I had a job where I was on my feet all day, and needed it. PGP is horrendous. I also have great news; mine went the second she was cut out! One of the reasons I opted for a c section, is people with PGP often have bad vaginal delivery experiences, double the normal pain. Something you should consider when planning your delivery. Google will give you lots of information. Happy reading