SPD.... best way to deliver?

[jofeb04]

Hiya all,
Ive been told ive got a severe case of SPD (am only 26weeks), been given crutches and support belt etc by consultant. Saw midwife yesturday who stated that I should think about birthing position, as at the moment, i can hardly open my legs (sorry if tmi).
She has mentioned a water birth, as it can help with the pain (how???), and an epidural can cause alot more pain (as i may not know how wide legs are etc).
However, due to this and difficulty with first labour previously, im starting to think that maybe a planned section may be worthwhile.
What as everyone else done. Really need some advice about it all!!!

[motherinferior]

I wrote a piece on this, drop me a CAT and I'll send it to you, it might help a bit.

[trace2]

i started at 22 weeks by 34 weeksi was put on total bed rest at hospital, would not walk without crying they was hoping i had natral bith, but at 38 weeks gave me a section.

[motherinferior]

Oh, and I'm so sorry - I've had SPD in two pregnancies and it was horrible. I have had two vaginal births, though, one in water.

[RedZuleika]

I have no personal experience of this, but I have read it suggested that someone with spd tie string between their legs to a length they are comfortable opening - then keep it there during epidural, so that no one suggests opening your legs wider than the distance with which you are comfortable. Supposed to lead to less pain / damage later. If you can hardly open your legs, that might not be applicable. I've also read that trying a position on your side can work.

Surely there's some onus on your midwife to think about positions too - she presumably has some knowledge of the condition...??

[strawberry]

Had spd throughout last trimester and had DS2 2 months ago! Gave birth standing up, leaning over bed. It was fine (well as fine as childbirth gets!!). SPD was no problem during labour and disappeared after giving birth. My legs felt like they had run a marathon though! DOn't give up - I had a difficult first labour and second time around turned out to be an amazing experience. Good luck!

[motherinferior]

It doesn't disappear for everyone, though. Mine moved slowly away with the help of osteopathy.

[mumbojumbo]

Hi

You have my sympathy - SPD is grim.

I had SPD with both my pregnancies and for a year after the birth of ds2. I had an emergency c-section with ds1 and ventouse with ds2. Had an epidural with both. I kept reiterating about SPD during both deliveries but with ds2 I was so exhausted I was desperate to deliver without having to have a c-section. I was told no stirrups and ended up having to use them. Are you having any treatment before hand? Can you get to see an obstetric physiotherapist? I saw one leading up to the birth of ds1/ds2 and together we came up with the most suitable birthing positions. (Still went out the window when ds2 decided to stay put!).

Hopefully you will get lots of advice on Mumsnet. Good luck!

[bonym]

No personal experience but know someone who had spd during last two pgs (in wheelchair 1st time, crutches 2nd). Both were home births and took place in water - the water facilitates greater ease of movement and therefore it is less painful. TBH water is great for pain relief even without spd and I would highly recommend it.

[piglit]

Please please go and see an osteopath/chiropracter who specialises in SPD. I had SPD in my first pg and saw a wonderful osteo every week right up until I delivered. It made the world of difference to me (together with the support belt) and my SPD was not a problem in labour AND I had an epidural. It has returned with this pg and I wear my belt a lot. Unfortunately my old osteo is no longer around but I see a wonderful chiropracter who has years of experience of dealing with SPD and I feel it's under control again. I really do feel like a new woman after I've been to see her!

[Rochwen]

I've got SPD (since week 26 I'm now week 33) as well and I am really worried about the birth !

I just can't imagine how I will cope not being able to move around in labour or give birth without spreading my legs.

My GP and midwife have both said that under no circumstance must they put me into stirrups as that could separate the pubic bone completely and then I would end up with longterm damage.

The problem is, both GP and midwife admitted it, that for a forceps or ventouse deliver as well as for geneal stitching up after a tear etc they WILL put me into stirrups, SPD or not, simply because there is very little else they can do.

Personally, my future orthopaedic health is more important to me than a vaginal birth, so I'm going to go and beg beg beg for a planned c/s.

[Mae1]

I had spd in last pg very bad - couldn't walk had support belt. Physio (v good!) advised that I could deliver normally - but to warn everyone of my condition - make dh aware of personal limitations (eg how far I could move my legs apart!) because if I was in the throws of pain I may not remember!!
All went well and so quick - I was induced @ 40+10days and delivered within 25mins of getting to the delivery room. I did need stiches and hence stirrups - but everyone was so "gentle" with me!!
Still have aches & pains now though 21mths on!

[Rochwen]

Mae, that's what they said to me, if I wanted a a quick recovery from SPD I must not get damaged further, and being put into stirrups, gently or not, WILL damage me further, so I just don't want to take that risk.

BTW, my pysio said that a c/s would probably be the better option.

[shhhh]

A waterbirth really is useful. I also suffered with spd although not to the extent that I struggled to walk etc, the birthingpool allowed me to forget the discomfort as water is a natural pain relief. Your body is also supported so you don't need to do as much work iykwim.
Would recommend 100%. Goodluck.

[fifilala]

I was told on all fours but ended up with emerg CS