SPD question - how much worse does it get in subsequent pregnancies?

[bronya]

Last time I had to wear a belt from about 20 weeks, couldn't step sideways, lift my leg to get on a bicycle or to go up large steps. I was VERY careful, and with limits, was able to enjoy life relatively pain-free.

How much worse is it likely to be next time?

I didn't have it at all in second pregnancy.

It'll be worse, if you get it, because of the child you already have.

I only had spd in my second pg but it was excruciating and a very dark time in my life. On the 2 days DS was at nursery it was bearable, but when I was looking after him (he turned 3 when she was born) it was awful. All the things you take for granted when looking after a toddler like playing on the floor, picking up for cuddles, bathing, standing for long enough to cook, all agony. And using crutches while trying to contain a toddler, ha!

So, i'd make sure you do LOADS of core strengthening before becoming pg with pilates or similar and then if you do develop it, try to get some help early, both physio and help in the house etc.

I admire your courage. I couldn't do it again and feel so lucky it came on only in my second pg otherwise DS would be an only child. I have never known such unrelenting pain, and I have to say that I still get pain at times and have to use a pillow between my knees at night still and DD is 15 weeks. But I believe this is unusual.

Sorry to not be more positive. No one can guess how your pg will go, hope its an easy one.

This is my 3rd pregnancy I'm 23 weeks. It was baaad in my 1st pregnancy due to me running throughout the 1st trimester, not knowing much about it, working as a child minder so constantly on the move and carrying young children and gaining 5stone!

2nd time around I recognised what I should and shouldn't do earlier so when it started around 14 weeks I was more careful, still gained 5 stone again and was very sore towards the end.

This time I'm even more careful, have kept my weight gain in check and avoid lifting, carrying, pulling and pushing wherever I can. It started again around 14weeks so it's pretty unavoidable for me.

You can help by being really strict with yourself, if you get it 2nd time around its more likely to be worse as you have another child to run around after but you are also better informed.

I think it is meant to get worse with subsequent pregnancies. I had it bad during first pregnancy, started at 14 weeks, I stupidly didn't realise what it was and when off walking in the lakes. 6 miles later I was virtually crippled.
This time round it has only just kicked in (30 weeks) and is really not that bad.

At least the second time round you will know what to avoid and how to look after yourself, very best of luck.

Its not worse,its just different. Depending on the actual problem it could be quite treatable - physio can work wonders

And I don't mean a physio who just gives you crutches and a sympathetic smile. I mean one who assesses you properly and advises according to your particular issue.

Awful in my first pregnancy. Ended up in a wheel chair very depressed from 30 weeks. 6 months with a fantastic physio post birth relearning posture, how to get up off the floor (yes really, I found myself on the floor changing a nappy in tears because I couldn't work out how to stand).

Second pregnancy with a toddler to look after, expected lots of problems, had a few small twinges.

Third pregnancy a few problems around 38 weeks so I used a stick to get off the sofa etc but probably shouldn't have had a very full house at 37 weeks staying for three nights for Christmas.

The doctors told me it would be worse with subsequent pregnancies but the physio had advised otherwise and really did teach me self awareness.

First pg was horrendous, had a belt, then crutches and it was unbearable. It was so bad because I didn't actually know I had spd, being pg for the first time I just thought the pain was a normal part of pregnancy.
Second time, I recognised the symptoms immediately, as soon as they started I got referred to a physio through my mw. I had to wear a tubi grip type of bandage over my bump and hips. It was amazing it worked like magic totally eliminating all symptoms...till I had to wash it, they only gave me one. If I took it off to wash I was in agony! But it quickly went as soon as I put the bandage back on, thankfully.
Get referred as soon as you feel any niggle.

Mine was not nearly as bad in my second pregnancy...but it was there and stated earlier

that should say "started"

Mine started earlier but was no where near as bad as the first time.

Thanks all, will look for a good physio as soon as I get bfp then! I have extra stretchy ligaments anyway so it was no surprise when I got spd last time!

I don't think it always gets worse, mine's got better each pregnancy, if that helps! With my first I was working in an office, didn't really walk or exercise much, I think the office chair I sat on aggravated it a lot. It started at 11 weeks and just got worse and worse til at the end of pg I really could hardly walk. It took ages to clear up too (well, never did fully)

2nd pg it started at 20 weeks and wasn't worse than the first pg. incidentally it never affected either birth, just my mobility beforehand.

3rd pg it really didn't start til abooout 34-36 weeks.

No no don't know look for a physio after you get the bfp. Look for help well before that to get your body into the best position possible for pregnancy. I would recommend pilates exercises prescribed by a physio and regular osteo treatments from someone who specialises in this area. And save as much ££ as you can to put your older DC in childcare as it will be physically very wearing caring for them.

HP, my boy is 5 months and I'm having to use a.pillow between my legs at night . Also can't.kick a ball or move things on the floor with.feet (having kitchen done so stuff everywhere!)

My Physio said to get.to pilates, I just need to find a class with a creche.

Weird thing is, during pregnancy (only 2nd, was fund with 1st) my pain was in my lower back. Now it's underneath - feels like my fanjo will literally crack open :(

*fine not fund!