Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain

If pain levels are severe and persisting postpartum it’s important to rule out infection, injuries or something more sinister. However, usually there would be other symptoms or a history that would indicate this. These investigations are requested by your GP. If all other causes of the pain have been cleared then you would get a diagnosis of PP-PGP.

I can’t answer that question specifically for you, because pain is complex and your experience is unique. What we can talk about is risk factors. So, when researchers look at large groups of women with and without PP-PGP, what similarities do those with pain have?

You will be pleased to hear that PP-PGP is absolutely treatable. The gold standard would be to see a pelvic health physiotherapist/physical therapist for an individualised treatment plan. We need to find the factors that are driving your pain, and why the system won’t chill out. But let’s talk through what an assessment and treatment plan might include.

The assessment should delve into the pattern of your pain, things that make it worse, things that help. We want to see how you are moving and look at those movements that trigger the pain. We also want to screen for any pelvic floor dysfunction, look at your gut health, delve into what kind of sleep you’re getting and anything that might be causing stress. Remember – not necessarily in a negative way. Stress = high demand. This helps to paint a picture of your PP-PGP and identify your pain drivers.

A good assessment makes the treatment plan straightforward. We remove or manage those pain drivers. If there is constipation, we look at why and treat it. Are there better ways you can pace your day? Moments where you can recharge to allow your central nervous system to go into the rest and digest state? Are you moving enough? We need to rebuild the strength that inevitably reduces during pregnancy and desensitise your pain system to the movements that trigger the pain. And the sleep one I won’t say too much about, as you have a baby! But could you get to bed a little earlier? Create a better wind- down routine for yourself? Maybe not scroll on your phone during the night feed, waking you up more than is necessary? Control what you can control.

In summary, your plan should get you moving, pooping well, managing stress, and encouraging sleep. But what that looks like is unique to you. So please, get some support. You don’t need to put up with it!