35 weeks and just been told i have SPD?!

[lfitzgerald100]

Hey all! Just got back from my gp as I've had terrible lower back, pelvic and hip pain only to be told I've got spd and the babies head is nearly fully engaged!

I'm 35 weeks today and the doctor said the waiting list for physio is 3-4 weeks and baby will more than likely be here before then

So I've been given cocodamol and basically left to get on with it!

Anyone else having the same? What can I do? I've tried all the pillows you can imagine, warms baths, hot water bottles etc etc but nothing is helping the pain

[GerrysSuccessor]

Hi I'm now 40 weeks in my second SPD pregnancy, both times have been signed off work and on crutches from 28 weeks. It is grim. In my experience, NHS physio has been a waste of time, but I do know that others have had more luck. Worth taking the referral though, as I was told it would be that long but then had a phone call offering me a cancellation appointment.

I've heard much better things about osteopaths and chiropractors. Not on he NHS though so be prepared to fork out. I've never tried because I can't afford it, but my friend was terrible in her first pregnancy, looked like second time round was going to be the same but with osteo she's still walking the dogs and carrying her toddler at 37 weeks! Have a google you should be able to find someone local who specialises.

In terms of what can help the pain in the mean time, I wish I knew! Just doing as little as possible is the only thing that helps me, along with all the painkillers and hot baths I can get away with.

The pelvic partnership might be worth looking into as well. I've only just discovered them but think they have a list of recommended practitioners.

My midwife agreed to an early sweep at 39 weeks but where I am they won't induce early for SPD as it doesn't pose any risks.

I've found the attitude in general from HCPs has been a bit shit, so don't underplay how much you're struggling at all, make a fuss if you need to!

[Me624]

I am 34 weeks and have been suffering since 32 although thankfully it is quite mild. The thing which has been helping me the most is Pilates (needs to be an instructor who is experienced in pregnancy as some exercises have to be adapted). I go to a proper class once a week which helps enormously with the pain and I have been trying to do 10/15 minutes of exercises recommended by the instructor each night. There are quite a lot of videos on YouTube you can have a look at if you want to give it a go.

[lfitzgerald100]

Unfortunately I can't afford private treatment, I wish I could, the pain the last 2 days is starting to become unbearable, not sure if it's the pain or the lack sleep that's worse! Lol

The general attitude of my midwife(s) I have 6 who I can never seem to contact) my consultant and the general nhs has been terrible through my pregnancy to the point where I debated going to stay with my parents in Shropshire (I'm in south Wales) to see if the care there is any better but it's impossible with a 7yr old to care for!

Will have a look at the yoga online as there are absolutely no classes within my area that deal with pregnant ladies!?!? But I'm worried if I have to get on the floor, I may get stuck! Lol I got my leg stuck on the side of the bath yesterday whilst trying to wash my feet in the shower! Haha

Am at my wits end now

[Fourormore]

Keep your legs together. Avoid going up and down stairs. When getting in and out of cars, twist with your legs together. Have a pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side. I can't imagine yoga will help that much - a lot of yoga poses would aggravate it.

Tubigrip can help, maybe ask a pharmacist about that?

Otherwise, beg steal or borrow £40 for an appointment with an osteopath. If you can drive to Banbury, see Hector Wells. It takes me nearly 2 hours to get there but I've seen him in two pregnancies and it's only required one session.

[Fourormore]

Actually in some areas you can get osteopathy on the NHS so could be worth checking with your GP.

[lfitzgerald100]

Ive been doing all of those but it hurts to even walk or just sit! I will have a look at an osteopath as I'd try anything, I don't drive which doesn't help matters

[Noodledoodledoo]

Look for a pilates instructor - mine had SPD herself and it has been an absolute wonder. Mine came on in the very late stages of labour and I struggled for 6 months after before I went to see the Dr for a referral to physio.

You should have had an urgent referral as well.

I am keeping up pilates throughout my second pregnancy to try and prevent/minimise a return.

[TheFear]

Another recommendation for osteopath. Amazing.

[TwllBach]

I'm 28 weeks and have had it for the last monh or so... Every time I mention it to a midwife they brush me off. I did go to physio as initially they thought it was a bulging disc. She gave me a fembrace but only after I pushed for one. I do sympathise... I've woken myself up with the pain from turning over and sometimes I can't move my legs for the pain when I get up in the morning.

[UptownFunk00]

Upmost sympathies had it in varying degrees since 16 weeks (now nearly 39). It's getting unbearable again now!

My support belt helped earlier but seems to squash the babies head now.

Warm baths work for about 15 minutes.

It's trying to find a comfortable position!

I hope something comes up for you sooner.

[lfitzgerald100]

Sorry to hear you are both suffering too :(

I've resigned to the fact that what ever I try isn't working so I take a few pain killers sleep for 3-4 hours, wake up in pain, take some more painkillers, try and sleep until the tablets wear off again! I've been like this the last week and I'm exhausted.

On the school run yesterday I literally felt like my hip was going to pop out of its socket!

And I agree with the midwives brushing it off, mine have done the same so I'll be making sure my consultant hears me at my appointment later on today!

[TwllBach]

What painkillers do you have?? I was told I could take two paracetemol every five hours and was reluctant at first (previous mc) and then took them for two days... Then realised I couldn't feel the baby moving, panicked, went in to the hospital and although the baby was fine and they told me that he had probably just changed position, I can't shake the feeling that I drugged my baby and won't take them anymore!

[lfitzgerald100]

I'm on 8mg cocodamol which my gp prescribed me, I was initially worried about taking them so phoned the antenatal clinic and asked and they said they are fine to take, I've been taking them for the last 2 weeks, although they arnt really helping now, they were a god send when they did!

[whatsoever]

I had NHS physio for SPD & meralgia parasthetica early on this pregnancy (had both last time so knew what it was straight away). Tbh I found the manipulation of my pelvis very helpful in reducing the meralgia but the help for SPD is more what people have mentioned above - advice on how to get in & out of bed, cars, not to put shoes & socks on when standing on 1 foot, working out what to avoid in terms of moving your legs apart etc. Other than the provision of crutches and support belts if you need them, I don't think physio does a huge amount for SPD.

However I did get referred to an ante-natal class for people with pelvic & back issues which was quite handy, especially as I didn't get any other classes with this being a second baby. It was like a circuit class of birth positions to try out what wouldn't aggravate your pain. Might be worth a Google and trying out some weird & wonderful ones? All the ones I'd lined up last time (all fours, kneeling, on the gym ball) were agony when I was actually in labour so I ended up on my back which didn't go well, but this time entirely different positions seemed to suit me without pain when I tried them out.

Good luck. SPD totally sucks.

[BubbleandSqueeeek]

I had SPD during first pregnancy. No crutches, just general discomfort and painful hips.

This pregnancy it is only just starting to rear it's head at 25 weeks. But this time round I'm regularly exercising and doing squats for about 5 hours a week. I feel better when I'm moving. If I'm sat about or trying to sleep, that's when the pain kicks in. YY to feeling like your hip is going to dislocate!