If you had pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during one pregnancy, you may have it again in your next pregnancies. It is possible that your PGP may start earlier and be more painful if you did not have treatment last time. However, you can use a range of tools alongside hands-on treatment to manage your PGP symptoms during and after pregnancy.
If you had severe problems last time and think this may happen again, you can proactively plan what help you may need and arrange it in advance. Think about:
There are no hard and fast rules on the time you should leave between pregnancies, but it is helpful to recover as much as possible from one pregnancy before starting another. For example, being pain-free, back to previous fitness and mobility levels can help you manage your PGP well in your next pregnancy.
It is worth seeking treatment as soon as you become pregnant again or even while you are planning your pregnancy. We suggest keeping your PGP under control as much as possible rather than waiting to see if it starts again. This can also help you to feel in control of your PGP rather than the other way around.
If you have had PGP it can seem that everyone has an opinion on whether or not you should have another baby. Whilst this concern is often well-meaning, it is not for other people to comment.
Remember, the decision whether or not to have another baby is yours and your partner’s only – nobody else counts. Having a baby is not only about pregnancy, birth and the early months. Babies grow into children and adults, and are part of your whole family unit.
You may find it helpful to talk over your decision with somebody neutral, such as the Pelvic Partnership helpline. Call and leave a message for one of our volunteers on 01235 820921.
