Self-help tips for managing Pelvic Instability

• Find out as much as you can about Pelvic Instability

• Stay as active as possible so that you do not loose too much muscle strength

• Have a rest everyday where you put your feet up and weight off your pelvis

• Stay as positive as possible, and remember that most women recover well from Pelvic Instability with the right help

• Ask for help as much as possible – with dressing, showering, house-chores

• Look at your home environment and try to make things easier to reach to avoid bending

• Have everything near you in the day to avoid unnecessary trips up stairs etc…

• If it hurts, don’t do it (easier said than done!)

• Keep your knees together at all times, take small careful steps

• Always keep your body in alignment if possible

• Avoid stairs, curbs, uneven surfaces

• Sit down to do a task - useful for dressing, cooking, cuddling your children

• Wear your belt, as recommended by your physiotherapist, whenever possible, especially if walking or doing house-hold tasks

• Try to visit family & friends (if possible), ring friends, e-mail, involve yourself on the Internet (if you have access) to avoid isolation

Talking to another Pelvic Instability sufferer can offer some relief and a sense that you are not the only one going through this distressing condition.

Tip Sheets: These ideas are things that members of our group have found to be helpful in coping with Pelvic Instability. They may not be suitable for everyone – please be advised by your own health care practitioner before embarking on any new management technique.

►    Activities of daily living

►    Dealing with children and babies

►    Dealing with the emotional impact of pelvic instability

►    Relationships

►   Birth planning

Sample birth plan- This birth plan was used by one of the members of PIA. Please note that this plan should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please discuss your own birth plan with your obstetrician/midwife.