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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

SPD - Been given a support belt/tubigrip without physical assessement

17 replies

rainand · 30/01/2013 09:55

Hi,

I've been given a tubigrip by the physio without physical assessment/examination of my pelvic (because they don't have a long enough appointment slot). They said they'll try and get me an appointment for a physical examination in two weeks. Should I wear this tubigrip? I haven't been diagnosed formally with SPD but I suspect I have this as I am in a lot of pain! (They've just put the pain as 'normal' during pregnancy!)

During the appointment I was also offered a support belt, but they didn't have the right size for me, so the offer was withdrawn. Which one is better? She didn't seem to have much of an idea.

OP posts:

CityDweller · 30/01/2013 11:27

I'd have a go with it and see if it helps. If it makes it worse, don't wear it until you've had an assessment.

ladymia · 30/01/2013 11:33

To be honest I think you are lucky you have been given that! I have been suffering from this and my MW has said because I am 33 weeks it's probably not even worth her referring me because I will never get an appointment before the next 7 weeks are done and to just get my own support belt.

Try it and see? It might actually help.

KelleStar · 30/01/2013 19:05

The tubigrip may seem daft but it really does help... a bit... I preferred it to the support belt, but then I was on the edge of being too big for the support belt so it dug in a bit. I was on crutches during my last pregnancy with SPD, not this time [currently 29 weeks]. I've been wearing the tubigrip lately and it just seems to hold things together better.

I do recommend being persistent and making sure you get an appointment for a physical exam, I also saw a physio weekly [mainly for a massage] which was a little bit of relief.

scaevola · 30/01/2013 19:17

I had a elasticated belt thingy (like tubigrip, but firmer and with Velcro) and it really did help. I needed to be shown how to position it though (don't know if that's necessary for tubigrip).

It really did help. I think you should try it. You wouldn't have been given it if they didn't expect you'd get some relief.

Do keep an eye on your appointment coming through. When I rang to chase mine, I was told I couldn't be seen for months (!). After I wailed "But I'll have had the baby by then" they checked, it turned out that the appointments clerk had missed it was PG related and they sorted out a slot for later that week.

peanutMD · 30/01/2013 19:18

I was "diagnosed" with SPD by my midwife at 22 Weeks (now 35) and was given a big tubi-grip to wear all the time and the support belt for whilst I'm at work.

I work in a pre-school so do a lot of running around which is still very painful but not as bad if I wear the belt so it definately helps!

I was offered physio if the support didn't help but in my case it did which is lucky because I needed crutches in my first pregnancy but was deemed incapable of Co-ordination with them which could be dangerous :o

Original poster

rainand · 30/01/2013 19:18

Thanks everyone!

Have just put it on and it feels tight! Don't know if its helping yet but I really hope it does.

OP posts:

HavingAnOffDAy · 30/01/2013 19:23

I had one of those and did help. It needs to be tight to hold & support your pelvis.

Did they give you any info on getting comfy in bed, how to get in & out of the car etc? If so, it's worth following that to avoid exacerbating the SPD.

And avoid running for trains - it definitely didn't do me any favours!

peanutMD · 30/01/2013 20:24

Crawling upstairs like a monkey helps me... But do not I REPEAT DO NOT attempt to bump down them on your arse to avoid having to walk!!

You will end up half way down the stairs howling in tears of agony trying to twist and haul yourself up using Bannisters and causing more injury to your fragile pelvis

Grumpla · 30/01/2013 20:26

Also, keep your knees together when getting in and out of bed.

DeathMetalMum · 30/01/2013 20:30

I have a support belt which had helped me a lot. No tubigrip though. I only wear if I'm going out walking as sitting down in it is uncomfatable and it is a pita to take on and off all the time (three elasticated velcro straps).

One piece of advice the physio gave me was to wear the belt over a top if possible as even though the belt can be washed she said it reduced the effectiveness.

Original poster

rainand · 30/01/2013 20:41

Thank you ladies. Did anyone start pilates after they were diagnosed with SPD? Did it help?

OP posts:

ImGoingToCountToThree · 30/01/2013 21:04

Wear the tubigrip it really does help and in bed sleep with a pillow between your knees. And as someone up thread has said keep knees together when getting out of bed/car etc.
I do think its normal pain for pregnancy although to varying degrees.

miasmummy2013 · 30/01/2013 22:30

I was also diagnosed with SPD but at about 20 weeks and I'm now 38 weeks. The advice I can give you is it doesn't ever get any better no matter what you do unfortunatly! I got given a support belt and i wore it at first and don't get me wrong, it did help but once my bump got bigger and bigger the pain got worse and worse and the support belt just didn't help. I then got given crutches and a high dose of painkillers to try helping. I never used the crutches they didn't seem to help enough to deal with the embarrassment of being pregnant on crutches but i have to admit the painkillers did help a bit so go to your GP and insist they give you something stronger than paracetamol for when you in absolute agony! My best advice i can give you is to learn what causes the pain and how to deal with it to the best of your ability for example i sleep with a few pillows between my legs and try to turn over as much as possible in the night so my hips didn't go 'stiff' as i would describe it. Also lots of hot baths!

Good luck!
Hope this helped!

Original poster

rainand · 31/01/2013 09:39

Thank you ladies for sharing your experience.

I put tubigrip on for a couple of hours and gosh it is so uncomfy! Had to take it off for the night! DH tried it on and is much skinnier than I am, and said it was the most uncomfy thing ever and ran to the loo immediately . Is it just something I should give time to and will get used to?

OP posts:

CityDweller · 31/01/2013 13:34

I actually gave up on tubigrip as it was so uncomfortable and didn't seem to make any difference.

Btw, just to give an alternative picture to miasmummy my spd is better now (31wks) than when it first flared up at 20 wks and it's not a given you'll end up on crutches, etc (my sympathies to her). Maybe it's just luck. Or the combo of osteo to get me back in line then acupuncture to keep the pain at bay. I've had to pay, but I've found affordable options and it's been utterly worth it. I just hope it stays this way for as long as possible!

Original poster

rainand · 31/01/2013 14:45

CityDweller, thanks, your experience gives me hope!

I spoke to an Osteopath who I'll be seeing and he said from hearing what I had to say I should be fixed up with just one consultation! I really hope it works. Fingers crossed.

OP posts:

specialknickers · 31/01/2013 14:54

Op I wouldn't bother with the tubigrip OR a support belt until you've had a full diagnosis from a physio / osteopath who specialises in pelvic problems. The chances are that your pelvis is already out of line, so holding it in place will not help, and in lots of cases will make the problem worse. Glad you're going to be seeing someone as soon as possible, early treatment makes a massive difference to the outcome. Good luck!

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