Coping with SPD and a toddler...

[BionicEmu]

I'm 16+6 weeks with my second pregnancy, and I think the bastard SPD is back.

Aside from dreading the rest of this pregnancy, has anyone got any tips on dealing with a toddler? DS is 22 months old, is there a good way to pick him up/carry him etc?

I can't believe it's back, and earlier than last time too, does that mean it's likely to be even worse this time too?

Try not to pick up & carry him if you can help it. When DD wants picking up I always sit down & put her on my knee, or crouch down on the floor & give her a hug instead if we're out & about somewhere. Is your DS in a pushchair still? I was made redundant a couple of weeks ago from a job where I was on my feet all day yet found spd has gotten worse since finishing! I'm sure this is due to pushing DD around! Just bought a micralite pushchair & its a godsend, so easy to steer & light so puts a lot less strain on pelvis.
Try not to feel too disheartened that its back & earlier than before, it might just stay at the level it is now or even improve, just try to do everything carefully & follow the usual guidelines & have your MW refer you to physio.
Take care of yourself, its bloody hard especially with other children to think about!

Keeping weight central is best, I.e. not over one hip. Agree with debdee's point about pushing buggies- lugging a heavy one over kerbstones etc is terrible for your hips.
Don't do hoovering- seriously it's not worth it for the damage you do!! Following all the physio advice is vital, and really does help with damage limitation. Best tip from my physio is when rising from chair etc, squeeze your bum cheeks and hold tummy muscles in (ha!). It really helps to support pelvis and keep it stable as you get up.

I got it early but this time but not been as bad this time.....until last couple of weeks.

Get an early physio appointment even before you think you need it.

If you are conscious of it this early you are less likely to do as much damage and it will be easier to manage.....hopefully!

Thankyou all! On your advice this morning I self-referred to the physio, and my first appointment's the week after next.

DS is in a pushchair for longer journeys, but we tend to walk if we're just going up into the village to the shops. The problem is, he'll then decide he doesn't want to walk, so I end up carrying him half the way. I think I might have to just start putting him in the pushchair for those journeys too, as pushing the pushchair seems less painful than carrying him. Our pushchair's not too bad, it's a nipper 360 and I could push it with one finger if I wanted!

I think the poor dog's going to hate me though! We're fairly rural and tend to go for lots of walks in the fields/bridlepaths, but I don't think I'm going to be able to cope with the pushchair and the dog for much longer.

Thank you all again!

I sympathise, I am 31 weeks and have had to stop walking the dog entirely, I miss it lots (dh does it now).

I have switched to online shopping for groceries too as pushing the trolley round the supermarket absolutely wrecked my pelvis.

Definitely avoid picking up your toddler if you can. I have had to do the same tho' ds is a bit older at 25mo. He has to climb into his own car seat etc etc.

I'm 15 weeks and in the same position OP. Started physio , got hip belt and making husband do thing like hoovering and dog walking. But it's the one to one time with with my 26 month old daughter that is hardest.

I'm home alone with my two year old. Was put on crutches this week and really don't know what to do while we're alone. As it's so miserable outside I have declared a duvet day today, but we can't do this every time we are alone together for the rest of my pregnancy