SPD

[MrsEddChina]

I have started these last 3 weeks with what I believe is SPD. I'm going to the doctors about it tomorrow. It was just wondering what will happen? Will the doctor believe me, will I get referred to a physio, will anything be done?

I'm currently wearing a belly wrap support and a support belt at the same time but tbh don't feel they are doing anything to help the pain although I do feel more secure if that makes sense.

I have pain in my pelvis when I walk, when I turn over in bed and standing up from a chair is really very painful it takes me a few attempts sometimes. I feel like an old arthritic woman and I'm only 24 weeks so I know it will get worse. This is all coupled along with a bad back as well which has gotten worse during pregnancy. It hurts just to sit and I am forever uncomfortable.

I am just wondering about anyone else who has had SPD and if what I am describing is in fact that. I just have a bad feeling I'm going to go to the docs tomorrow and they're not going to do anything for me, if there is anything they can do.

Sorry for the rant but 3 weeks of pain that I've got a feeling will only get worse is starting to get me down.

Sounds exactly like my SPD... Unfortunately the physio refused to touch me and gave me a pelvis sized tubigrip and told me lots of hot baths and exercise would help. I found a hot water bottle my saving grace.. I hope you have better support than I did.

Blondie... lots of exercise would help?? What the hell planet does your physio come from? I physically could not exercise if i tried. Even a gentle stroll is out of the question. Was in tears yesterday as every step hurt that much!!

(BTW, not intended as a dig at you Blondie, merely a dig at your physio)

I had a previous issue with my back that left me more susceptible to SPD, which I got, totally sympathise, it's horrible! The GP will believe you I'm sure, but they'll most likely refer you to the physio team at the hospital, possibly to a class for pregnant women with SPD. They may well give you exercises and a support belt. That can be ok, depending on whether the physio specialises in SPD during pregnancy. I can only give you my advice, but the best thing I can suggest is to see an osteopath rather than a physio or chiropractor if possible. They're far more qualified

You really shouldn't have a support belt without having your pelvis checked for misalignment first, as it can do more damage than good.

There are some good threads on SPD (or PGP pelvic girdle pain) in this section if you run a search. The main things that seem to help are keeping your knees together when you roll over in bed, not walking too much, walking slowly with little steps and resting.

Also, don't accept that there's nothing they can do for you, they should refer you for specialist help! If your GP doesn't help, ask for a referral or speak with your local head of midwife services.

Thank you. I'm at the midwife next week as well so will make sure I mention it to her to make doubly sure someone listens to me!

I'm 39 weeks now, with SPD since about 14 weeks! Ouch. Ask for help ASAP, keep asking if it's not working out for you. Be persistent, it's important. I saw my midwife and GP at first and they were dismissive. There was a self-referral in my NHS notes for the local hospital Physio about pregnancy related back pain so I called them and got an appointment.

The physio explained how to do properly effective pelvic floor exercises (for strength and posture), gave me a giant (and largely useless) tubigrip, recommended a support belt which I'm glad I bought, suggested some exercises, talked me through using a gym/birthing ball to sit on and to exercise with, showed me how to safely get up and down off the chair, bed, floor, etc.

I've needed to support my pelvic joints and ligaments with muscle power as the weakened ligaments could be permanently damaged with over-stress otherwise. She explained that the pain indicates a problem and to use it as a warning you're doing too much. So either do it differently, or rest.

Warm baths are lovely and do ease my pain, but be careful as it is easy to over stretch the ligaments when they feel ok, get help to climb in and out carefully (I put a chair beside the bath and haul myself up from my knees using it for support). I also use a folded cot duvet under my waist at night and pillows between my legs to keep my spine and pelvis in a neutral position.

Finally, when it got worse I called again and got crutches before the pain was unmanageable - no point waiting too long because you need to build up strength in your shoulders and upper joints to use them comfortably. I also got stronger painkillers from the GP eventually, but use them sparingly when I know I won't be compromising my joints i.e. to get to sleep occasionally.

Sorry for such a marathon post, but I know how damned frustrating it can be and just how painful! I do hope you get the support you need. Finally, try here: SPD website

Thanks so much oddfrog. It's something I'd never even heard of before becoming pregnant. I know it will be worth it in the end and I see the kicks and movements I feel as my 'reward' for putting up with pain.

I feel I could do with crutches now when getting up them or an old lady zimmer frame

I was going to leave it till next week until i saw the midwife but just driving to work this morning hurt so I thought its best to start the ball rolling now as it doesn't seem to be getting better.

I've got the pillow between my legs and to rest my belly on at night. Might try propping a couple behind me as well to support my back.

If only I could just lay on a bed of feathers and not need to move for the next 16 weeks!

Ooh, a bed of feathers would be lovely. If you get stabby pains around your, erm.. undercarriage, try sitting on towels - one under each bum cheek - and put an ice pack in the space in the middle. Bliss. Works with a hot pack too.

For driving I can totally recommend one of those swivel cushions so you can keep your legs together as you get in and out. swivel seat

Once you get the hang of minimizing the pain, it's not so bad and at least we have a lovely happy ending to look forward to... Which I'm told will be slightly easier as the pelvis is already nice and stretchy .

Ooh hopefully im all for the pain if it means a super stretchy pelvis for birth as my DH has big shoulders!