Am I The Only One With Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), also known as Pelvic Instability Disorder, is a condition that causes pain around the joints of the pelvis (pelvic girdle) during, and sometimes after, pregnancy.

During a normal pregnancy, the hormone Relaxin will soften the ligaments around the joints of the pelvis. This is a natural process which assists childbirth and does not usually cause discomfort, however for some women, this process does not always go to plan.

During some pregnancies, the hormone can cause the joints of the pelvis to loosen too much which results in the pelvis becoming unstable or misaligned.

The exact cause for Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is not fully understood.

Pelvic Girdle Pain all started for me during my pregnancy with my first child. I was planning to continue work throughout my pregnancy. I was looking forward to motherhood and a part-time career.  I was hoping to have a natural child birth and breast feed my daughter. I soon discovered all my well thought out plans and visions were about to be shattered.  I was experiencing increasing difficulty just walking once my pregnancy progressed past 6 months. The pain increased to the point where I was unable to walk without the aid of a frame or wheelchair and I was practically bed ridden for two months. I was suffering terribly with anxiety and depression. In the end my daughter was delivered via elective c section which was a terrifying experience for me. I was very lucky as my post natal recovery from the pelvic girdle pain was gone a few days following the c-section, although it was replaced by the new pain from the significant abdominal surgery.

The best advice for someone who thinks they may have PGP is to seek help as soon as possible.

You should make an appointment as early as possible to see a physiotherapist who has experience treating Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP).

Support from family and friends are crucial during this time.  I had to rely on my partner as we did not have a tremendous amount of support. I was able to find another PGP sufferer through the Pelvic Instability Association (PIA) and Facebook support groups which were very helpful. You really need to look after yourself. The Pelvic Instability Association of Australia is a great starting point!

Have you suffered PGP? How did you cope?

 Source:

www.piaaustralia.com

www.sportsmedosteo.com.au

If you become concerned about your or anyone else’s health please seek immediate medical attention or go to our health hotlines and website post for further resources  https://www.stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/ 

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