16+1 pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)

I have been having a lot of pain in my pelvis and pubic region.
What feels like cramping and sharp twinges, I’ve been so worried so called the midwife yesterday and she said pain like this is normal.

Is this similar to the pain you are having?
I’ve found that keeping posture up straight is helping somewhat and just putting slight pressure.

I had pgp quite bad with my last pregnancy to the extent I could barely walk or open my legs. I did get referred to physio but by the time I got the appointment I was a bit late as I was already 36 weeks so was a bit pointless. I would definitely recommend speaking to your midwife to see about getting referred to physio as they can give exercises to help and also a support belt (although it’s crap and you can buy better). I’m 14 weeks and mines starting already and I’ve been given a physio email to self refer myself which I’m definitely going to do before it gets worse

Oh and just to add I found it helpful to not sit for too long but also not to stand or walk for too long, need to find a happy medium which can be hard

oh hun bless you, pregnancy isn’t easy is it! Sounds a little different to what I’m experiencing, you sound like you could be dealing with lightning crotch although it seems a bit early if you’re only 14 weeks? We all experience pain differently so may well be pgp or spd!

Mine feels like I’ve been kicked in the pubic bone, almost bruised or a pulled muscle as doesn’t hurt when I press it just when I move (walk, rolling over in bed, picking up one leg to put my clothes on, getting in and out of the car 😅)

thanks lovely that’s really helpful to know, it’s really taken me by surprise to be honest - I could feel it slightly a couple weeks ago but it’s gotten so much worse. This is my first pregnancy and I thought regular pain like this was only something you dealt with later on 😅 although it doesn’t sound as bad as you suffered with it it’s really starting to impact parts of my day and is much worse in the evenings x

I'm a physio and have seen several patients with PGP over the years. Start strengthening your gluts and abductor muscles in addition to your pelvic floor muscle exercises.
There is also a belt you can buy from amazon called "serola belt". You can wear that all day except when sleeping.
The idea is to keep your pelvic girdle strong throughout the pregnancy. Hope it helps xx

that’s so helpful thank you, would the belt be effective given I’m only 16 weeks? I don’t have much of a bump yet. Looks like I need to start researching exercises to do! X

@liz, you're welcome. Yes, you can wear the belt as long as you have symptoms. Start working on those muscles, and you will find you won't need the belt as much.
In extreme cases, towards the end of the pregnancy, we have even given crutches to women who struggle.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C345jx-s5Ga/?igsh=MTA3b2J0b3oxazdlNQ==

This is the correct way of doing pelvic floor exercises. She is a good friend of mine. Follow her for more advice.
The NHS SQUEEZY app is also a great way to learn more about pelvic floor.

I went to the hospital about the pain today, and they confirmed it as pelvic girdle. They said it’s quite common and yoga can help

aw I’m so glad you’ve got a diagnosis and nothings wrong with your bub 😊 good to know about the yoga!