Pregnancy Related Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)

Summary

This video, presented by pelvic health physiotherapists from North Bristol NHS Trust, focuses on understanding and managing pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain. It explains the common causes and symptoms of pelvic pain during pregnancy and reassures viewers about the strength and stability of the pelvis. The video offers practical tips on posture, sleep positions, and gentle exercises, emphasizing the importance of staying active and managing mental well-being. Additionally, it covers pain relief methods, including the use of heat, massage, and support belts, and encourages seeking professional advice if needed.

Takeaways

• 👶 Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain is common, affecting around 1 in 5 women, and involves discomfort in the lower back, pelvis, hips, pubic bone, groins, or inner thighs.
• 💪 The pelvis is a strong and stable structure, and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy does not indicate any damage.
• 📉 Factors that can contribute to pelvic girdle pain include previous back pain, overweight before pregnancy, and increased sensitivity to pain during pregnancy.
• 🧘‍♀️ Posture management is key to coping with pelvic girdle pain. Regularly changing positions, using cushions for support, and adopting comfortable rest positions can help.
• 🛏️ Sleeping on your side, especially the left side, is recommended in the third trimester to reduce the risk of stillbirth, and using extra pillows can improve comfort.
• 🧘‍♂️ Simple exercises like rocking the pelvis and stretching can help relieve pain. These can be done on a gym ball or while on hands and knees.
• 🌡️ Heat or cold therapy, massages, and the use of a pregnancy support belt can provide relief from pelvic girdle pain.
• 💊 Paracetamol is usually safe for pain management, but consult a GP if stronger pain relief is needed.
• 🚶‍♀️ Maintaining moderate physical activity, about 150 minutes per week, is important despite the pain. Light exercises like pelvic floor exercises are beneficial.
• 🧠 Managing mental well-being through relaxation, mindfulness, or yoga can help reduce anxiety and stress, which can exacerbate pelvic girdle pain.

Q & A

What is the term used to describe aches and pains around the middle during pregnancy?

The term used is 'pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain'.

What are some common areas where one might experience pain during pregnancy?

Common areas include the lower back, back of the pelvis, buttocks, sides of the hips, pubic bone, groins, or inner thighs.

How common is it for women to experience pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy?

It is quite common, with around one in five women struggling with pain that really bothers them.

What is the general outcome for most women after giving birth in relation to pelvic girdle pain?

For most women, the pelvic girdle pain improves quickly after giving birth.

What factors might make a woman more likely to experience pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy?

Factors include having back pain before pregnancy, having pelvic girdle pain in a previous pregnancy, or starting the pregnancy being overweight.

How do hormones during pregnancy affect the body in relation to pelvic girdle pain?

Hormones make tissues a bit more stretchy and joints a bit more mobile, but research hasn't demonstrated a direct link between joint mobility and the amount of pelvic pain.

What is one of the significant changes in sensitivity during pregnancy that may contribute to pelvic girdle pain?

Sensitivity to pain increases in pregnancy, which may be a bigger factor in experiencing pain.

What are some non-physical factors that can contribute to pelvic girdle pain?

Depression, stress, anxiety, and lack of sleep can contribute to pelvic girdle pain.

What is a recommended strategy for managing posture during pregnancy to help with pelvic girdle pain?

Changing position regularly, not sitting for too long without breaks, and using support such as a rolled-up towel or a gym ball can help manage posture.

What is the recommended sleeping position during pregnancy to reduce the risk of stillbirth?

Sleeping on the side, preferably the left side, is recommended to reduce the risk of stillbirth.

What are some simple exercises that can be done at any stage of pregnancy to help with pelvic girdle pain?

Simple exercises include moving in a box shape on hands and knees, tightening the pelvic floor and tummy muscles, and balance exercises with arms and legs.

What can be used as a tool to help with pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy?

A gym ball or pregnancy ball can be used to perform exercises that help with pelvic girdle pain.

What is the recommended approach to exercise during pregnancy in relation to pelvic girdle pain?

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, stay hydrated, avoid heat, listen to your body, and take breaks when needed.

What should be done if a woman is struggling with pelvic girdle pain and the self-help strategies are not enough?

If self-help strategies are not enough, it's important to talk to a GP or other health professional about pain relief and possibly being referred to pelvic health physiotherapy.