How to sleep with SPD - any tips?

[Cocodrillo]

I had SPD in my last pregnancy, which mainly affected weight-bearing from 18 weeks until about 7 months, when I found it painful to lie down as well.

This time I am more or less painfree during the day (so far), but I can no longer sleep lying down (I am 20 weeks, pain came on v suddenly about 3 wks ago), as my pelvis seems to click out of joint and it is agonising and downright difficult to get out of bed. This happens even taking the normal precautions: sleeping on my side, with cushion between knees, padding underneath, hot water bottle, the works. Have also been seeing an osteopath from 12 weeks.

Has anyone else experienced same? I have 4.5 months to get through, and don't see how I can sleep sitting up for all that time. Sleeping semi-reclined sort of works, but is giving me back pain.

Help!

Hi Cocodrillo, not much to add but as a fellow SPD sufferer I wanted to respond. I found a body pillow helped as I could kind of roll onto it while sleeping so it took some weight off my hip.

Thanks Twirl. Thanks for replying.

A Body Pillow?

Like this?

silk sheets and pjs so you can roll easily.

I slept with a pillow between my knees, two behind my back, one under my bump and one for my head. I would make a nest every night that's how I managed to sleep with spd.

This is the body pillow I had www.bumpto3.com/product.aspx?DISPLAYCAT=bump&CAT=Products&CATGRY=prenatal&PID=KA102
It sort of curves round your body - I would stick it between my legs and hug it round the top.

Thanks Twirl.

I've ordered this one, as I don't think lying down is going to be an option, it just hurts too much.

It's a tad depressing to be scouring the old persons' and disability aids sites, but it does make me empathise with old people with joint probs etc. At least SPD is temporary.

You poor thing. It does look like the pillow should offer support though, you may be able to semi-recline with it. Maybe you could then put a pillow under your knees so they are slightly bent and supported?
Let me know how you get on with it!

I ended up hospitalised with my spd, bedbound. I was semi reclined all the time on an airflow mattress that was ridged, and the ridges moved so I didn't get bedsores. probably not an option for at home, but you can get bed toppers from the district nurse. Maybe a bed topper, v pillow to support you up a bit and pillow under your knees as twirl suggsts for a bit of support?

my sympathies.

Thanks Twirl and Panda for the suggestions, I will look into a mattress topper. Would never have thought of pillow under knees, will give it a go tonight!

Wish my new old person cushion would come!

Panda, are you fully recovered now? Poor you, being hospitalized with it. Did you have a CS?

Here's hoping it arrives soon! I narrowly avoided hospitalisation (although 4 months at home on crutches finished me off!). I can't imagine how horrible that must have been for you PandaG. My physio gave me the tip for the pillow under the knees and it really helped me. I had an elective CS and was walking without crutches within a few days.

How about one of those memory foam toppers, heard good things about them. My SPD wasn't as bad as yours but I got myself a large duvet of my own, and used it instead of the pillow between the knees, basically got into all kinds of contortions. But then again you may be cold at this time of year, I'm a warm person and can't stand to be too covered whilst asleep.

Can you not get some kind of referral, people such as occupational therapists (not sure I have the right title there) could help.

yes, am now fully recovered. 3 days after I gave birth I was able to slowly walk up and down a flight of stairs. Had a wheelchair for about a month, walking a bit further each day. after about 3 months I only had the occasional twinge, and none after a couple of years. DD is 6 now, and I lead a normal active life, can cycle, swim etc. Was strongly advised not to have any more children though, and have followed that advice.

Glad to hear you all got better fairly quickly.

My SPD is worse in cold weather, or on cold nights for some reason. It's getting quite painful in the day time now too, I'm struggling with the train/tube journey to work; then when I get home, lifting toddlers isn't helping

Four months of this... Definitely definitely no more children after this.

when i had spd, i started downing arnica 30 tablets like there was no tomorrow.
i also was lucky enough that i got help with my toddlers and managed to rest a fair bit.
my spd all but cleared up not long after i started the arnica.
ive never seen it mentioned on internet research, but it owrked for me.
worth a try imo.
best of luck whatever you do -