SPD - best to push or carry toddler?

[Turry]

I'm early days with second pregnancy, and have a 19 month old. I sometimes have her in a pushchair and sometimes carry her in a baby carrier.

Had terrible SPD last time, so want to do all I can to prevent/ reduce it this time. First logic tells me it's better to push that apply the extra weight of carrying DD, but then on the other hand I know you're advised not to push heavy things (eg trollies), so I'm confused which way to go! Help!

If you can still carry your toddler, that would be the better option as long as its a carrier that isn't putting too much pressure on your back and hips. Personally I was still happily carrying DS (2.5yrs 32lb) but found I struggled too much in the first trimester so have had to go back to the pram.

I would think pushing is the better of two bad options - but maybe try to speak to a pregnancy trained physio or chiropractor?

Do you have/wear a support belt? I have a Serola one (£30 ish off amazon) which has helped massively with my SPD.

I don't know about you but pushing anything heavy really hurts my SPD, so I'm assuming carrying would be better.

I would definitely go for pushing. Maybe get an uber-lightweight buggy like a Petite Star Zia if your current pushchair is really heavy.

I had a group physio thing yesterday for PGP/SPD. She said if you must carry, carry close to the body- avoid lifting in and out of baths/cots with outstretched arms if possible.
If pushing then when turning, clench your glutes and corset muscles to support your pelvis while your are off centre.

I think she said that pushing was better than carrying.

She also said if this comes back in subsequent pregnancies, go and see her as early as possible (from 16 weeks for this particular physio).

I would suggest you get a referral asap.

Carrying a child in arms is very different to carrying them in a sling Spoon :)

Luckily I have no experience of SPD but I have found using the sling far easier on my body than using the pram.

I'm 39 wks with DC2, DS is 2 in 2 wks and fairly chunky and I've used the pram only a few times in the last month. We walk everywhere during the week and when he doesn't walk I have him on my back in a mai tei.

I found pushing easier - something to lean on as well. Whether I was doing more damage that way I don't know! But I have a weak neck after whiplash from a car accident nearly ten years ago, and with all the extra relaxin, a sling tends to make it extra sore again (although slings are fine postnatally). So I don't have much of a choice really.

Thanks everyone! Seems mixed opinions so maybe should just trial and error til get a referral (though have to admit not finding nhs physio last time very helpful!)