SPD / PGP birth choices

[kellyjayne100]

Hi,

I am currently 31 weeks with baby number 2. With my first pregnancy I had severe SPD in the third trimester and spent the last 8 weeks on crutches. I was due to be induced at 38 weeks because of it but went into labour 2 days before where I had an epidural and natural birth. Things happened very quickly due to baby being in distress and although it was in my notes for NO stirrups there was no choice as baby needed out. It turns out he had severe heart defects and needed immediate surgery. In this blur of being shipped to Alder Hey and spending the next few months there I completely neglected myself and so never truly recovered from the SPD. He is 6 now and I have had niggles and periods of pain ever since.

So with this pregnancy I started at 13 weeks with it again and already bad. I was referred straight away for physio and have seen her weekly since. I am now on crutches and have very reduced mobility. I am in incredible pain but need to keep at it due to having DS1 and caring for his health needs. I have also been having manual realignment from an osteopath every month as my pelvis is twisted.

My midwife has asked me to go away and decide do I want a section or induction at 38 weeks. Obviously there are pro's and cons to both so I just wondered if anyone had any experiences they could share. At the moment I am leaning towards section after discussing with various medics but obviously it being major surgery is still in my mind.

Many Thanks

Sympathies with the SPD pain, i had with number two and was horrific, made worse as dc1has SN and needed lifting all time. Anyway, my obs advised me to let things happen naturally. Section would take a lot of recovery with two kids to look after, induction would mean full blown labour onto a dodgy pelvis said pain would be awful. I went into labour at 41 weeks and delivered naturally by standing all labour then high kneeling for delivery. Standing and high kneeling keeps pelvis open, aligned and in correct delivery position. Good luck

I too was forced into stirrups during my first labour with SPD. I have had lower back problems since. I am now 17 weeks with my second, PGP started early and I'm already on weekly physio and crutches. I will be pushing for a section. Due to the SPD and other health problems, I could not hold my body up when I got into an optimum position for birthing with SPD last time. I had hoped a water birth could be good to support my body weight this time, but MW has told me I won't be allowed one in case the SPD means I can't get out of the pool quickly should baby become distressed. I feel i don't have much choice. And i would also rather face a c-sex recovery than risk further permanent damage to my pelvis. I would be less use to my two children if natural labour resulted in long term damage. My partner and I have discussed this thoroughly and I'm set on ELCS. Still to see a consultant though.

I had SPD with both mine

crutches for 11 weeks with DD2

I had a natural birth both times but gave birth kneeling up

I was never offered a section, I asked about it, they said they would but advised against due to recovery following surgery with 2 dcs

All my labours have been fairly short thankfully, I laboured on my side in a foetal position and only turned onto my back to push the baby out, which was so short and painful that the pain from the SPD was the last thing on my mind. I think your body finds the best position for you.

I was induced last time as well. The worst thing was they made me do foetal monitoring prior to being induced which was in my back and was very uncomfortable and they got a it shirty when I kept complaining. I was also put in stirrups to be stitched, I had requested not to be but was told that the doctor stitching would not do it without stirrups! I ODed on gas and air to get over the pain. I should have just said no but was so fed up and just wanted it there by then, my 2 births before that one were home births and I just wanted to get out of there as soon as I could.

Thanks for all your replies. Well things have got worse since I posted and it has now been recommended I have a CS at 37 weeks. I can't get onto my sides whatsoever. I am really struggling day to day and have been prescribed Tramadol for the pain. However, I am too scared to take it. Any experiences??

I have been in to the Unit today with reduced movement and really bad period pains and stabby pains etc and all was fine on the monitor thankfully. MW has put it in my notes as Braxton hicks. I never got them with number 1 but my word I am in pain tonight. MW also said I should be trying the pain killers to see if they work but I am still rather scared to. I am back in a few days for a growth scan. It's a good job it is all worth it in the end x