14wks with SPD

[sadie2017]

Hi ladies,

I'm only 14weeks but have awful SPD. I saw my docs about 3 weeks ago and she basically said, get used to it as it'll get worse as baby grows. She said there was nothing they could do...

However, having read lots on the net, it sounds like I could get a physio referral so I'll be going back this week.

The pain is in my groin and hips.

I was just wondering if anyone has a recommendation of a belt I could get?

Thanks x

[clarebear1983]

I had SPD from about 20 weeks with my last pregnancy and I'm 13 weeks with this one and symptoms have just started so I sympathise entirely.

Get a referral for physio asap as there can be quite a wait. The physio will be able to give you belt if you're willing to wait as they are quite expensive I believe. I didn't use one last time, just crutches and about a billion pregnancy pillows. I found a birthing ball helped at my work desk too as I couldn't sit for longer than about 30 minutes.

[MissCardew]

I started with spd at 11 weeks this time round and there is plenty that can be done to help/treat . I see a chiropractor privately who specialises in spd/pgp. It's pricey so not for everyone but absolutely worth the money for me. She re-aligns everything for me and after a couple of days the difference in mobility is amazing. I go from hobbling around in agony to walking freely with low level pain.

[Littlecaf]

I had SPD from 8 weeks this time. Was refered to a physio and now at 35 weeks it hasn't progressed like the first pregnancy did. See your midwife and hopefully they can get you done physio. Best of luck.

[Littlecaf]

You can use tubigrip cut to size as a belt or get one from John Lewis or Mothercare. Not expensive at all, prob under £10. Also make good choices about the activities you do, drive/bus rather than walk, sit down when you can, explain to work what the issue is early on.

[Jasmine1111]

I totally sympathise. Mine has been awful since 11 weeks. I'm now 25 weeks. Saw the hospital physio who was very good but she basically told me a couple of weeks ago that there isn't much else she can do.

I've had acupuncture which helped but didn't last. I've got a good support belt - think it's called Serola - it was about £35 but much comfier than the NHS ones. I've also got crutches.
Things which help me are warm baths, hot water bottles - I have one on my back and one between my legs (so attractive!!) and I sleep with pillows between my legs at night.

I also had an amazing pregnancy massage which although it didn't cure anything it eased everything for a few days.

Hugs. It sucks. And living with pain is so depressing xxx

[dontquotemeondailymail]

Lots of sympathy! I had SPD from 20 weeks and it was agony. Like others have said, definitely book in some physio as it really helps.

Also, I used to use this very odd looking massage tool, which my physio recommended. You just work it gently into the top of your bum and it helps smooth out some of the niggles.

Plus, LOTS of pillows to support you in bed, lots of hot water bottles and lots of hot baths.

It's awful but there is light at the end of the tunnel: by the time my son was born I couldn't even get out of bed without my crutches, but I gave birth and then walked out of the delivery suite, only remembering to ask where my crutches were when I was back on the ward! The SPD disappeared that quickly! 2.5 years on I get the odd twinge of I've walked a lot but it's rare.

[mindutopia]

I would see an osteopath and see if you can get an idea of what the underlying cause is. I had SPD start from 16 weeks with my first, but with exercises and yoga was able to hold it off until around 30 weeks. Then I saw my osteopath who adjusted my pelvis (I have SI joint dysfunction which significantly contributes to the pain) twice and then took up gentle swimming. That helped tremendously. I was just about running on the treadmill at the gym 12 hours before I went into labour and was 95% painfree after those 2 appointments. It was a lifesaver. I'm pregnant with #2 and started to have a lot of discomfort early in 1st tri with this one, but regular exercise and stretches that help my SI joints have helped so much and I'd say I'm pain free again (at 14 weeks). It's worth getting it assessed as you don't have to be in pain and it's likely do to an underlying misalignment or muscle tightness that's being complicated by the loosening of your joints in pregnancy. Personally, I'm not a fan of physios. They tend to give out strengthening exercises and reccommend lifestyle adjustments, but without fixing the underlying cause, which I think seems a bit silly.

[sadie2017]

Thank you ladies. There's a waiting list for physio so me being impatient, I've booked a chiropracter for tomorrow - hopefully they can sort 🤞

[Moanyoldcow]

A serola belt is what you need. And a chiropractor. Mine was a fucking wizard.

SPD is horrendous - I think mine started around 20 weeks but by 28 I was using crutches as I couldn't manage without them.

[Moanyoldcow]

Also, icing your pubic bone for 10 mins and then your lower back for 10 mins each hour is helpful.

[sadie2017]

Fab thank you - someone else recommended that belt so will check it out now x

[meltingmarshmallows]

Mine started at around 20 weeks and it's been really bad. Physio has helped a lot, as has a belt. Good luck x

[BeeFarseer]

Lots of great advice here. I ended up renting a wheelchair from the British Cross (very cheap!) towards the end as it was so bad. Best thing ever, as I still got to go out on day trips in the last few weeks.

One tip that's not been mentioned - keep your legs together as much as possible, like when getting out of a car. I used to imagine my knees were glued together and swing out both legs at once. Same when getting up from the edge of a bed or chair. It really helps.

[dontquotemeondailymail]

keep your legs together as much as possible,

Gosh yes, I remember that being a big help! Also remember yelling at husband on one occasion when it really hurt getting out of the car, and he said don't forget to keep your legs shut - I yelled back "I should have bloody done that 8 months ago, this is all your pissing fault"