What is PGP?

PGP stands for Pelvic Girdle Pain and is a condition which affects up to one in five pregnant women. It was commonly known as SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction). There are a wide range of symptoms and the severity of the symptoms varies between women.

On a personal level, I would like to share with you part of my journey with PGP and why our team is so passionate about providing support for women suffering from this often misdiagnosed condition. I normally describe it as a debilitating condition from hell which feels physically like you are being kicked in the vagina every time you try and take a step. Mentally you often feel as though you are losing your mind from both the pain and the stress that this condition brings. It really affected my physical ability, and I had days where I felt I would never walk properly again. This led to a downward spiral emotionally, as I had always been a capable strong woman and now it felt as though I couldn’t even do basic tasks or simply look after my family as I wanted. It was exhausting and not easy for those around me to understand, including health care professionals. IT SUCKS!
I know that other women have had similar experiences to me and that each woman experiences this condition in different ways. Please don’t feel you are alone or that you have to struggle. It is important to remember: IT IS TREATABLE! YOU CAN GET HELP TO MANAGE SYMPTOMS!

This was unknown to me at the time and I struggled on coping as best as I could. But this left me feeling like I was less of a mother to my son and that I was robbed of my early years with my baby. In my heart of hearts I don’t want any women to suffer like that and this is my main drive in working with pregnant and postnatal women at such a vulnerable time of their lives. It has become my passion that through EMPOWER the team and I can help, listen, support and signpost you to where you can get help when you need it the most. Do not put up and shut up, you can take small steps to get your life back on track.

Check out our PGP Treatment and How we can help you pages or simply contact us today for a chat and see how we can help you. We know how you feel!

Alternatively check out our Useful Stuff section for more information on this condition and download our free resources! We have put together a useful leaflet for you to have in your medical files as well as take with you to give birth.