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Pregnancy

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

Midwife made me really sad

75 replies

physicskate · 11/12/2018 12:32

So I've had spd since crazy early!! Turning in bed has been a nightmare since 9 weeks and I'm now 27+4. Some days I can't walk which has left me pretty isolated. My job involves walking and moving things from place to place, but I only work two days a week, which is a godsend.

I've been to the 'group' physio session and now have an appointment for 1-1 where they will actually look at me and my joints.

Had my 28 week appointment today and the midwife (who I otherwise adore) was so dismissive and told me they won't do anything while I'm pregnant and have I been on the pelvic partnership website (which bye says there is lots of manipulations that should be done during the pregnancy).

It's just left me feeling really upset that my midwife basically said why bother, just be in agony whenever you move for the next three months (on top of the four months it's already been like this). I completely understand that physio May be of absolutely no use, but it felt like she didn't believe how much pain I'm actually in.

She told me to get up from the couch after doing my fundal height and I literally couldn't move because my sacro-iliac seized up, even though I was engaging my pelvic floor and core muscles and using my arms.

I just can't face true next three months of this much pain whiteout anyone taking me seriously!!! Plus pregnancy hormones are on the rampage and I've got a bad cold!!!

Did anyone's spd at least not get worse from physio?!?!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
fastyellowcar · 11/12/2018 14:10

Morning be was?!! Should read mine was!

NameChange30 · 11/12/2018 14:32

Just found this, looks helpful
pelvicpartnership.org.uk

physicskate · 11/12/2018 14:35

It's given me tips... I haven't been keen on the 'recommended' people to help though...

OP posts:
magdela · 11/12/2018 16:05

I developed SPD/sciatica symptoms at 30 weeks (currently nearly 32) and felt like I'd become almost entirely immobile practically overnight. GP didn't help by trying to sign me off work for the rest of my pregnancy on the basis that it would only get worse 'as baby gets bigger' which made me feel like she assumed it was all normal and par for the course and something I just had to put up with. I've been feeling really depressed and dreading the next couple of months but saw an osteopath this morning who did some manual therapy that was literally like magic. The pain hasn't gone completely but my range of motion is so much better. He assured me that over the next couple of days I should start feeling normal again. He actually said that treating pregnant women with pelvic pain is one of the most rewarding parts of osteopathy because of the immediate and sudden relief it can provide.

I totally understand where you are coming from and why you are feeling so frustrated with your midwife, please try an osteopath!! Will keep my fingers crossed for both of us...

UntilTheVeryEnd · 11/12/2018 16:18

Have you considered acupuncture? I had it in my second pregnancy to help many severe SPD... it wasn’t a cure by any means but defo kept me on my feet longer than in my first pregnancy. I got refered from physio but could also pay private it was an option?
Also I had pregnancy massage which helped ease discomfort too! Not a cheap option but anything for a little relief?
Have you got a good pregnancy pillow? They really do make a difference at night x

physicskate · 11/12/2018 16:25

I've been using the pillow since 11/12 weeks. I had acupuncture with my ivf cycle and had to stop when I was pregnant because it was too intense.

Re: drugs. It's hard because it's when I move in a certain way, not constant and it sometimes take me by surprise. Because I haven't realised it would hurt - and it's a really sharp pain. I've obviously been avoiding drugs as much as possible and opiates really make me constipated (which the iron tablets are also doing!!!!).

Ok - so plan: physio tomorrow. Also prenatal yoga tomorrow and get recommendations for osteopath, masseuse and chiropractor. And go to each to see who helps the most. If none do, off to the gp to see if meds might help.

I'm at my wit's end with this!

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Angelmiracle · 11/12/2018 16:31

You sound much worse than me. But I had my 24 week midwife appointment yesterday and she done my physio referral there and then! She said they're quick with appointments so we'll see. I have paid for physio and definitely got relief but only for a couple of days.

I'm at pregnancy Pilates and felt way more crotch pain than normal after it so im going to ask her how I can adapt some of the exercises.

Physio also sent me this not sure it brings much relief though!

Angelmiracle · 11/12/2018 16:34

instagram.com/mid_ulster_pilates?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=jdtr8ds7u7s

Second video on the above Instagram page here gives exercises for PGP

twobambinos · 11/12/2018 16:35

I wouldn't see a gp. Id go for physio. They can give you exercises and a belt to help at least not make it worse. Had none on my 1st. Awful on my 2nd and really worked hard to strengthen up and suffered very little on my 3rd pregnancy. Give up hoovering/sweeping now. Keep legs together as much as u can. Pillow between legs and do the exercises the physio gives you. Also different shoes I find can aggravate it.

NameChange30 · 11/12/2018 16:38

Do not do any exercises without first getting advice from a physio (preferably) or osteo/chiro. Everyone is different and you need a trained professional to assess you.

BlingLoving · 11/12/2018 16:42

Definitely agree re chiro. I suffered with DC1 so when I found out I was pregnant with DC 2 I booked myself weekly appointments for the remainder of the pregnancy. Hideously expensive, but LIFE CHANGING in terms of pain.

If you say roughly where you are, I'm sure there are people on this thread who can recommend a chiro (or specialist physio/osteo). I can make recommendations in London (City), Surrey, South West London.

Pandamodium · 11/12/2018 16:44

Thats a bit rubbish for you as antinflamitarys (sp) aren't or at least weren't recommended and would probably be more helpful then opiates anyway.

I hope you have some luck with the other suggestions I remember being thoroughly miserable.

physicskate · 11/12/2018 16:48

I gave up pushing the shopping trolley too by 14 weeks!! The Hoover hasn't seen action in a looooong time. Believe me, I'm using all the basic advise! Plastic bag on car seat, engaging pelvic floor (which btw has always been so strong it's difficult to get the speculum out after any exam - sorry tmi!), sitting on my exercise ball, doing pelvic tilts... ice, hot water bottle, you name it (at home remedy) and I do it!

Strangely, going up stairs is mostly fine as is sitting cross-legged on the floor (though getting into cross-legged is NOT ok!). Go figure..?

Again, I think it's more how dismissive she was of my pain and inability to move much that really got my goat. Because I've finally admitted I can't manage this on my own because I do do all the things I'm meant to and it just keeps getting worse!! And then my midwife (who I generally really like and trust) goes and pisses on my plans saying nothing can be done and I'm whinging about something normal!

OP posts:
physicskate · 11/12/2018 16:50

Anywhere in Yorkshire? Preferably Leeds/ York/ wakey??

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Santababyclaus · 11/12/2018 16:51

I was told by my midwife that I would be using crutches by the end of my pregnancy. I'm now 39 weeks and not on crutches but I am in quite a bit of pain with spd. It really sucks doesn't it? I always thought people were exaggerating but I had a whole weekend when I was 30 weeks where I could barely walk (physio told me I should have gone to A&E at that point).

What has helped me is just not doing much. I don't walk too far any more (some days I take the bus for 3 stops). When I clean I take a lot of breaks. I also had to stop my pregnancy yoga class as despite the teacher being aware of my condition the asanas seemed to be triggering and I'd pay the next day. Swimming was also out for me as that exacerbated the symptoms. I feel so unfit it is worrying (I don't drive so most days I'm walking at least 2 miles and usually a lot more but that distance kills me now).

Physio gave me a few exercises to try. The 'cat stretch' is good for me as is being on all fours and circling my hips in a figure of 8. If you can afford it I'd go private, the spd website mentioned above has recommended professionals.

physicskate · 11/12/2018 16:54

I haven't liked the look of the websites for the people near me - basically made it look like nothing can be done in pregnancy on their blurbs... and if I'm splashing the cash (which I don't really have) I want to have some faith that they'll try to help me...

OP posts:
BlingLoving · 11/12/2018 16:57

Sorry, don't have any contacts up there - and as all my recommendations are for chiropractors who aren't actually English, I don't think even asking them would help much. But do believe personal recommendation is by far the best. You could start a thread with the need and area in the title and see if any local mumsnetters pop up with ideas?

NameChange30 · 11/12/2018 16:57

The excellent osteo I saw wasn't even listed on that site. (Nowhere near you though!)

Try asking in Mumsnet local or ask local antenatal class leaders and doulas. Maybe ask at antenatal yoga too.

makingmiracles · 11/12/2018 16:58

Get yourself a app with a chiropractor who’s works on pregnant women. SERiously will be the best money you ever spend.

IMO the physio was next to useless, apart from advising about positions and not over doing it etc, gave a support belt but didn’t have any effect.

MY first pregnancy, suffered horrendously, by the end I was unable to get out of bed or dress without assistance, was crying and in pain all the time. With my second pregnancy, the minute I felt the first twitches of spd around 10 weeks I booked the chiro. I had about 3 sessions and safe to say she cured me! I’ve had 5 pregnancies in total now and spd only in the first. When she did her manipulations in pregnancy 2, several of my vertabre were out of alignment and my pelvis was titlted to the left, which you could visually see when I was led on the couch.

I always rave about chiros now as 1st pregnancy was horrifically painful and I still can’t believe chiro I still no given as advice by mws as it really works.

BlingLoving · 11/12/2018 16:58

Oh, and yy re walking up stairs. I didn't have problems with that either. Downstairs on the other hand... Hell on earth. As for getting in and out of the car.... I once had to get rescued by the chiro assistant who saw me get out of the car, then promptly more or less collapse against the side.... On another occasion after a good session, I got back into the car and realised I'd just put myself out again completely. I went back....

bumblebee39 · 11/12/2018 17:03

DC1 Told to crack on (got private classes)
DC2 Pain relief (referral for physio finally came through a couple of weeks before due date!)
DC3 (Current) pain relief

bumblebee39 · 11/12/2018 17:04

I couldn't walk for the whole of third trimester and most of 2nd though!!

physicskate · 11/12/2018 17:09

How do you cope with that @bumblebee39? Not that I'm normally crazy active, but the lack of mobility has really started affecting my mood...

I also felt like I went through so much with fertility treatment that I was expecting to get a pass for a smooth pregnancy!

OP posts:
joeyb1234 · 11/12/2018 17:33

Hi OP,
Sorry to hear you are in so much pain. I have had SPD in my last two pregnancies, last one was the worst. Had to be signed off from 21 weeks and was housebound for the rest of it. Had crutches to get to my midwife appt and didn't leave the house otherwise so I know how isolating, debilitating and mentally draining it can be. From a personal point too, I struggled to bond with baby in the womb as every ounce of my attention was on how much pain I was in. Similar to you, the midwife told me it was "normal"...

I tell you the rest of my story not to scare you but just to help you avoid what I have been through - I had to get induced at 38 weeks due to GD, baby did not want to come out and got stuck in my birth canal for 2 hours. I had the epidural and spent this entire time in high stirrups - midwives weren't concerned re my SPD and said so long as I couldn't feel pain I'd be ok Hmm.

After the birth I struggled to walk for 6 weeks. 2 years later I am still in physio and have learned a lot about recovery and how to help yourself with the condition - obviously mine is a major horror story BUT I just want to share some of the things that have worked for me and learned on my journey.

I have seen advice on here to do pregnancy yoga - I have been told this is a big no no by several physics. The relaxin is stretching your muscles so without any strengthening work, stretching them more with yoga can aggravate the condition.

Rest rest and rest some more. Get signed off for a few weeks and see how you do. Resting meant I could move around the house at least. At the same time you need to maintain some level of activity but do not go beyond your current means. If you can only walk 100m pain free then maintain that and try the exercises physio gives you on top and slowly build up.

Get to the 121 physio and do whatever homework they set you. It may take a while to feel the effects or notice a difference but you will get there. They will give you exercises specific to how your pelvis is - what suits one doesn't always suit all with SPD. Avoid any internet classes until physio have told you your limitations - it is hard to go from being young and active to doing simple and gentle "exercises" I did and do feel like an old granny making tiny movements instead of bouncing away in a gym class but you don't want to make anything worse. Internet classes won't take account of your condition and it is far too tempting to try and keep up with those glowing instructors.

Use a tennis ball to massage sore points. Put the ball between yourself and a wall when standing and slowly jiggle around - it won't cure you but it may get rid of some pain.

Sleep with a pillow or pillows between your knees and feet so they are equal. Brace your core when turning and use arms to help you get up before swinging feet off the bed- gently and slowly!

If you can't afford an osteopath, look up osteo schools nearby - the downside is you will have several students looking at you in your undies but it is a fraction of the cost, about £18 per treatment in central London so hopefully cheaper outside.

See the GP or go to triage - They can give painkillers. I only ever took them 4 times but it was 4 nights where I got some much needed sleep and you really sound like you need a break.

My current physio recommends icing the area even when not sore as a preventative measure. Either soak a pad or fill a condom with water, freeze and then wrap it in a clean tea towel before placing next to your pelvic bone/SI joint - very attractive! I've not done this yet out of sheer embarrassment as never home alone 😳. Alternate ice and heat where necessary.

Most of all, be kind to yourself. It will get better and take each day as it comes. Right now that 40 week finish line seems impossible but you will get there and you can do this. Adjusting expectations from what you normally do to what you can do when do restricted is mentally very hard, or was in my experience. Take each win where you can, take as much help as is offered and spend as much time in the bath as possible! Look after yourself and all the best Thanks

joeyb1234 · 11/12/2018 17:34

Ps sorry everyone for such a long post!

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