4 Ways to Feel More Comfortable With Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)
If you are suffering from PGP, you are probably exhausted and fed up by now. You have yet to figure out how to sleep when pregnant. Those shooting pains in your rear and the burning or knife point pain in your hips and back are now the bane of your existence. I'm sure you didn't seek us out so that we could remind you of every little ache and pain. Let's look at some of the best ways to soothe your aching body and soul.1. Gentle Exercise
The thought of having to do your exercise routine while pregnant may have you back-pedalling. Don't fear! Just a few simple exercises may help to ease some of your woes. Yoga and Pilates studios now offer classes especially for pregnant women. Yoga and Pilates are both fabulous exercises that many pregnant women enjoy. It might benefit you to have a look in your area for studios offering these classes. If you can't get out of the house, a few gentle abdominal exercises may help as well. Warning: Yoga and Pilates may not benefit more severe cases of PGP. See if you can do a couple of classes before you decide to pay for a whole month. If your back and pelvis hurt more the day after the class you might want to back out.
2. Sleep Postures
Maybe you're slapping your forehead (duh!) or rolling your eyes at this right now, but it is worth mentioning. The way you sleep can make a difference to how comfortable you feel. Many women find that keeping the spine and pelvis aligned makes it easier to sleep when pregnant. Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees and pull them up a bit to imitate the natural curve of the spine. Everyone is different and if this doesn't work, try sleeping in a slight sitting position with the pillow in the small of your back.
3. Comfort Tips and Methods
There are several things that can make life with Pelvic Girdle Pain more comfortable. For daytime help you may want to wear a prenatal belt for added support. Many women find a heating pad comforting on sore joints and muscles. At night, you may like to use a maternity slide sheet along with the pillow between your legs. A maternity slide sheet makes it easier to move when you change positions. It makes moving around in bed easier and can make nights more comfortable when pregnant. Find out more about the Snoozle, our maternity slide sheet designed to make turning over in bed easier.
4. Medical Attention
The thought of a visit to a doctor for help may not be your first choice, but it can be necessary. If you have tried everything above and you still don't hear the sweet song of comfort, your doctor may have a few suggestions. Your doctor or midwife can explain which options are safe during pregnancy. The other option is to visit an acupuncturist or a chiropractor. Acupuncture has become a popular choice for women with Pelvic Girdle Pain. Some women swear by it. A chiropractor specializes in keeping you aligned. Some women with PGP find their expertise useful, but please ask around and find one who's worked with PGP before.
Don't let Pelvic Girdle Pain get the better of you. It may mean less sleep when pregnant and pain you never knew you could bear, but there is hope. While you can't make it go away completely, feeling a little more comfortable may be right around the corner when you try the ideas listed above. At least it doesn't hurt to try. Explore our blog to find out more about Pelvic Girdle Pain and how women cope with it.