SPD sufferers - advice??!

[Anna2006]

So I was fine throughout my pregnancy. Had an assisted forcep birth an third degree tear so was then in stirrups for few hours in theatre.

I developed severe pain after delivery and my hip and pubic bone click when I move and walk. MW said was likely due to stirrups etc and it should go away. It’s got mildly better but 8 weeks pp and I’m still in pain with any amount of standing or walking.

Is it also hurts when I poo afterwards. The muscles in my groin area and pubic bone start to ache. Can SPD do that with a bowel movement?? Or is that likely more tear related. Tear is all healed up though.

Anyone else gotten SPD after delivery?!

Feeling very down. Going to try go to a private osteopath to help!

Only had spd with my last 2 pregnancies which resolved after childbirth. I saw a chiropractor for my last pregnancy as preventative measure. Didn’t cure it but helped a lot to reduce pain. I still my chiropractor for back pain flare up which helps a lot too.

I am an advocate of chiropractors Some practices will give you a free assessment.

Hi

Sorry to hear you are still suffering. I developed something similar to you (apart from the bowel movement problem) which my physio and midwife put down to having legs in stirrups. I think it is a type of SPD caused by over stretching the joints and ligaments in that area during delivery. I didn’t have any SPD symptoms pre-labour!

I had a few private physio sessions with a physio specialising in ‘female problems’ and it eventually cleared up. I’d say it took a good 5 months before I was back to normal, and at 8 weeks still had many of the symptoms you describe, such as ache/pain in groin, hips and back of my pelvis. Couldn’t lie on my side, Bent the frame of the pram as used it like a Zimmer frame etc. Like you I felt very down about it as I wasn’t expecting such a tough recovery.

I think my advice to you is to take it easy and seek the advice from a women’s issue physio who should also be able to advise on the pain when going to the toilet and how your tear is healing / impacting your recovery in addition to assisting with the ‘SPD’ problem. My physio was great and did some massage which helped release some of the tension in the muscles in my lower back and thighs which then made everything less tight and allowed the joints and ligaments to go back into place.

Good luck and hope you are feeling better soon.

@Tigerpig thanks very much for your response. I am the same and didn’t suffer in pregnancy. Only this has appeared afterwards which I’m certain involves the stirrups. Bloody things.

Do you no longer suffer at all with it? Gives me a bit of hope it can maybe be solved. God it’s been tough. You just expect to heal from the general birth and all be well.

I believe something is not aligned right and pulling all my muscles wrong in my groin. So when I have a vowel movements an it presses or uses some of them muscles it aggravates it a bit. (That’s my presumption anyway)

@anna2006 I’ve been problem free since about 5 months post partum, ran a 10km race at 10 months post partum so was definitely problem freely then.

However, I am due DC2 any day now and I’ve had SPD symptoms since about 30 weeks this time round. Could be coincidence I guess but I’m putting it down to the previous issues. Ive put in my birth plan no stirrups etc and hopefully this will disappear like normal SPD after delivery!

Yep! Me!!!!
Also had stirrups
Back and hip pain started a few weeks after birth
Was fobbed off again and again by the gp
I suffered for over 2 years with increasing pain
Moved areas, got pregnant
Went to the doctor because by that point I was on strong painkillers which I had to stop taking
And they told me I could self refer for Physio
In my first app the Physio was absolutely shocked/disgusted that I had never been sent for Physio as my pelvis was completely 'wonky'
It only would have taken a few Physio sessions to put right but the damage has been done!
Got severe SPD this pregnancy from 10 weeks as a result!
Terrified of stirrup delivery again, even contemplating a c section because of it!
But the Physio is supportive and is doing her best, but I think the key is making sure your pelvis is in the correct position as you heal from the birth and the hormones die down!
So I will deffo be seeing a Physio after this birth also thinking of seeing a private Ostopath aswell as they are meant to have good results!

So my advice is

DO NOT BE FOBBED OFF
Get a self referral sheet
Ring the local Physio department
Have a breakdown in the doctors office if you have to!
Honestly, I wish I had stood up for myself and maybe I wouldn't be in such a state now 😩

Thank you!

Appears like this can happen after delivery method then.
I will certainly make sure I do not get fobbed off. I have an appointment with NHS physio for my tear scar anyway so will ask then an taking matter into my own hands by paying to see osteopath next week.

I’m only 8 weeks post birth so hopefully if they find an issue it can be resolved as my body reduces the relaxin and hormone levels settle. Can understand why getting it resolved sooner rather than later is better.

It’s actually crazy how many complications and birth injurys can happen from delivery!!