SPD in subsequent pregnancies, did you get it? what did you do/not do which helped?

[HarriettJones]

I had SPD quite bad with dd3 after not having it before. It's still lurking 21 months on but only feel it if I do anything out of the ordinary now.
We are considering dc4 and this is one of our potential sticking points.
I'm planning on waiting until later this year before deciding /TTC but would like to know if it's a guarantee that you get it again/worse.

I had it first time round quite badly, but haven't had it this time (35 weeks). What I did differently was:

• did lots of pilates before getting pregnant. Think this helped loads.
• didn't unintentionally aggravate it (no breast stroke, no wide legged yoga moves, knees together all the time as much as possible).
• took early preventative steps. Have seen NHS physiotherapist (and have done her exercises 3 x a day religiously) and private chiropractor a few times since 15 weeks or so.

I don't think it could be just luck that I haven't had it this time (as it did linger a while after DS too). Good luck!

I got it for the first time with dc3 too. I'm currently 35 wks with dc4 and it has been much better this time actually. It is there but not constantly.

When I gave birth last time the midwife said something like 'SPd will only get worse now with each pregnancy'. And I really took that to heart for a while. So I'm really glad it didn't stop me going for number 4, because it's been totally manageable.

One thing I have to say has really helped, we have a new bed. The mattress is actually firmer than the last one, which I thought was going to be a real problem at first. But my hips feel brilliant in the morning so it's obviously helping.

Hi Harriet,

Am watching this thread with interest. I had bad SPD with my first pregnancy that didn't resolve after birth. I wanted to wait until I was better before TTC, because of the horror stories about it being worse second time round.

However, 18 months passed and I still wasn't better, so I just decided to get pregnant as time was ticking on and I couldn't wait forever. Oh, and I was told by a physio that I may well never get better.

I am now 16 wks preg and still have the SPD but it doesn't seem to have got worse than it was before this pregnancy, at least not yet. I am managing it with pilates and regular osteopathy.

I had it in the first two of my 3 pregnancies. In those pregnancies, I started a few pounds overweight overweight and ended up a lot overweight and had desk jobs. In my third, I started at the lower end of healthy and now 10 weeks postnatally am the same weight I started my previous pregnancies at. I also walked miles every day. All 3 were back to back so I don't think position necessarily makes a difference, though I have a tilted womb and apparently that combined with the shape of my pelvis is what may make them adopt that position in the first place. I was dreading it this time round so to be spared it was a giant relief. So I'd say keep weight gain to a sensible amount, and keep as active as you can.

Had it with my first but not with my second - didn't do anything different, although interestingly did buy a new, firmer mattress between the two pregs (maybe coincidence?)
Am now pg with DC3 ( early days ) and am hoping to escape this time too...

I'm one of the not so great stories Im afraid I had terrible SPD from about 25 weeks with DC1, and on crutches form 30 weeks. Luckily it went straight after delivery.
With DC2 it came back with a vengeance! I was suffering from 9 weeks and on crutches by 15 weeks. By 7 months pregnant I was house bound as I couldnt walk for the sheer agony. It never left after the birth this time either, and 2 years down the line I was still suffering with pain when walking or over exerting myself.
I'm now currently pregnant with DC3, 16 weeks, and already I'm in agony. Using crutches to even get about the house now.
I've had physio, crutches, support belts, I even lost 6 stone from second pregnancy to just before I got pregnant again and nothing seems to be helping me.
Good luck, and I hope you are one of the lucky ones.

I had it with both my previous two, 1st started at about 34 weeks and was quite bad, second I had niggly pulling pain with every step that started about 5 weeks But didnt get really bad until 34 weeks. This time I'm 5.4 weeks and the pulling pain has started again but it's annoying more than painful.

Had it with first from about 20 wks then this time round came on alot earlier at 10 weeks and did aqua aerobics twice a week which until recently (37 wks) has helped reduce pain and stiffness much more than anything physio did.
Agree with getting core muscles as strong as you can beforehand but it doesn't seem to always help.
After my first still had hip pain post 6 months and from scans found I have slight hip displasia which is very probably partially responsible- get checked out for bio-mechanical issues that may need addressing first (?)
one thing seems clear- this condition is not totally understood yet
good luck

Yes I have hip and knee problems but nothing fixable. Dd2 knackered my stomach muscles and I've never got them back properly too.
I'm losing weight which should help although I can't do the exercises I did pre SPD( running, riding, yoga)

Afraid I had bad SPD with my first and am now 29 weeks with my second and it is slightly worse this time- despite taking various precautions and having lots of treatment.
But as you can see this is by no means the same for everyone. Hope it isn't for you.

I had terrible SPD last time despite being fit, healthy and doing yoga and pilates twice a week. It completely disappeared afterwards though.

This time I'm 16 weeks and am finding myself worrying more and more about getting it. I can already feel the first signs of it. DP wants us to go on holiday when I'll be about 26 weeks but I just can't forget crying in pain on a flight back from holiday at 30ish weeks last time.

I had it bad with dc1 and horrific with dc2. I used to sleep downstairs, use crutches and take everythin down with a backpack in the morning and try not to use the stairs again. Spa bath also helped. Hth

Had it in my first and worse in 2nd. This time (3rd) I have done some of the exercises I remember from physio & the thing that so far helped most is a new chair. It's an Ikea poang which has support in the right places, not too hard or soft & just very comfy. Usually sit on it instead of the sofa & strange as it soundshas really helped the pain!

Eek the 'it's gets worse' seems to be out weighing the 'it was ok' :(

HarriettJones - I would really highly recommend giving the Pelvic Partnership (www.pelvicpartnership.org) a ring - they are so helpful and can really help with treatment options. It isn't all bad news as many people find that getting the right help early on means they don't get it as bad in subsequent pregnancies.

It hasn't really worked for me this time but it has for other people I know. I may have just not found the right treatment (yet!).