SPD - please help!!

[seethebeauty]

I'm 20 weeks pregnant and have been struggling with awful pubic/pelvic/groin pain for the past few days and was today diagnosed with SPD. It feels like my pelvis is going to split in two and hurts to walk and generally move at all, to be honest. I was very active before pregnancy and have been active throughout up to now and am so scared that I am going to end up bed-bound for the remainder - which feels like a very long time right now!

Does anyone have any experience with successful treatment of SPD / any advice whatsoever? I have booked appointments to see a physio and an osteopath but have terrified myself by googling because so many people seem to say it can be 'managed' in some cases but will really only get worse until birth now. I would REALLY appreciate your help.

Thank you! x

I'm so sorry. SPD is vile.

Starting points. The physio and osteopath should be able to help lots. If your doctor/other medical professional suggests pain relief accept it.

You can get these hip belt things. They are seriously unattractive and not the most comfortable thing to wear but they do help hold your pelvis together. Also think about footwear, you want something supportive.

Try sleeping on your side with a pillow tucked between your knees. It stabilises your hips in a 'square' position. When getting up from sleeping bring your legs to the edge of the bed then push yourself up in one motion so you end up sitting on the edge of the bed. It causes the least motion. Similarly get into and out of the car with knees and feet together - swivel your body in the seat.

Find a Pilates instructor to teach you some basics - the pre- beginners class stuff. If you can get a pressure monitor to use under your pelvis that can be helpful in keeping yourself level.

Physio REALLY helped me. She said SPD is a catch all diagnosis for all sorts of hip related issues in pregnancy, and that there are different treatments. Mine was a particular muscle which had gone into spasm putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. Regular physio relaxed the muscle and exercise kept the worst of it at bay, and strengthened other muscles to help support the pelvis. A belt didn't help me, but I did have crutches after about 30 weeks

I went to a specialist women's health physiotherapist who had a wide range of skills (not available on NHS in my area so I traveled to a private one). One to one proper physio once a week, acupuncture (all in the same session) & I did my exercises. More importantly I went back after birth and had everything realigned (same Wonder Woman). I went from being on crutches to walking and was able to give birth normally. Proper back support is important, the belts are also great for support.
If you have private health insurance or can afford to see a specialist - do, it's worth every penny imp. Good luck, SPD is horrid, but with the right intervention it can improve during pregnancy.

Ps princessofpower is spot on with it's a catch all name covering a wide range of hip/ligament issues, and everyone's case is different - a good physic will develop a treatment plan for your specific needs.

Poor you, its bloody painful. My physio gave me a big stretchy tubi grip thing that went over my bump which helped.

Thank you so so much for all of your advice and suggestions! Massively appreciated. I have already realised the important of keeping legs together when rolling over in bed and getting out of the car - my god, if I don't, it feels like I'm actually going to break! I had no idea so many women struggle with this during pregnancy.