39 weeks, horrid SPD - Going slightly spare...

[Sanguine]

Hello, new around here...

I've had SPD since 15 weeks, crutches since 20, wheelchair since 30, and now I'm completely useless and going spare! Pain's been pretty disgusting all through, but ever since baby has engaged it has been eyewatering. What can I do to encourage the little one to get going when I can't shift off the bed or sofa? I'm trying to keep upright, but obviously going for a brisk walk is out of the question! My midwife is horrified at the state of me and is recommending I go for induction, but I'm not at all keen on that plan. Then again, I can't imagine up to another 3 weeks of this either!

I have underlying joint probs (hypermobility syndrome) so I was kind of expecting the SPD. I'm a bit concerned about how I'm going to be after the birth, and how long rehab is going to take before I can walk again. I'd really like to hear people's experiences, and what it's like with a newborn when you still can't walk etc. Like - how do we get a wheelchair AND a pushchair + car seat into a fiat punto?? Emma x

Hi Sanguine. I had similar experience to you although not as bad, I have ankylosing spondylitis and had SPD in pregnancy. I wasn't in a wheelchair but was on crutches towards the end. My MW suggested induction at 39 weeks and like you I was reluctant and ended up going to 42 weeks before I went into labour - the last two weeks were terrible. I would really recommend going for induction - I think things can only get worse over the next few weeks - you will get heavier and more and more uncomfortable and in more pain. For me this then meant I took longer to heal and I do so regret not going for that induction.

With regard to how things are after the birth - I don't want to put you off but I can't pretend it was easy. I was in so much pain and it was six months before I felt better. All I can say is do accept any help that is offered - do you have homestart in your area? They were an absolute godsend to me - again I was stubborn and waited until I was desperate before going to my GP in floods of tears as I was in so much pain. Just say yes to your family, friends anyone who is prepared to help! And I promise it does get better. Do you have a supportive partner? Post again - happy to answer any qs. Good luck with everything and just think at the end of it all you will have your georgeous baby which will make everything worthwhile!

Just to add I did have physio very soon after giving birth for a good few months which was also a godsend. They were also very good with tips on how best to carry baby safely, put in car seat etc. See if you can get a referral from your MW or Consultant now if you haven't already - you should be under one if you have SPD?

God, poor you!

I had SPD with my last pregancy, which came on at 16 weeks and got progressively worse, though I never needed a wheelchair. I do sympathise.

I went to 42 weeks, and did wonder if it might have been because I was so immobile.

Found sex to painful as the SPD got worse, so that was not a feasible method of home induction for me.

Personally, if had SPD again I'd ask for an elective caesarian.

I found the SPD cleared up when I'd stopped breast feeding, but I think it varies from person to person...

Good luck.

Saguine - I feel for you, I had SPD and was in a wheelchair by 16 weeks (and I'm pregnant again and seriously worried). I'm also hypermobile - actually SPD is MUCH more likely if you are and it's weird that midwives etc. don't seem to know this given that 1 in 9 pregnant women get SPD!

I went to an osteopath and he helped me prior to having my daughter and by the time I had her I was perfectly okay (I did have to have a fair bit of treatment for it though). After birth things were a bit wobbly for a month or so, but nothing like I'd expected.

At least post partum you can have some decent pain killing drugs though!

You are in the home stretch (possibly literally) try and hang in there.

Just wanted to add virtual (and very gentle) hug. Iam pg with no. 2 and have SPD, didn't have it last time. At 29 weeks and just picked up my crutches so v interested to hear everyone elses advice to you. I am actually having elective cs because of damage to fanjo last time so don't have to make these kind of decisions but am worried about what happens afterwards... Have friends with diff experiences of induction from first time round - one loved it and sailed through, another couple had a hard time and actually ended up with cs. Difficult decisions to make - sorry can't share any experience of spd labout to help.

Thanks everyone for your kind messages. I've spoken with my husband and we've come up with a plan to ask for an induction date not too long after 40 weeks. If I suddenly rally and get some more stamina from somewhere (!) I guess I can pull out of it.

I have been lucky with the support I get - my husband is great (he's had to do absolutely everything for me from very early on). I also have a lovely obstetric physio who has been a godsend. I even had a visit from an occupational therapist the other day to see how I could best manage with the baby care tasks. My pelvis is in a total mangle, no one seems to know how long it will take to get me back on my feet. Every time I see someone about it the time frame gets longer - started off as 3-6 weeks, then "about 3 months" then "probably more like 3-6 months" and has now settled at "we have no idea". I think it's probably telling that they've referred me for a proper wheelchair assessment - they obviously think I'll be needing one for a while!

Hubby's just got back from supermarket armed with pineapple.

Good decision I think regarding the induction. The problem is that no one can tell you exactly when you are going to give birth and if you end up going to 42 weeks they will induce you anyway and you will have put up with the pain and discomfort for an extra two weeks for nothing.

Your bones are softer after the birth I think for 5 months post partum which can mean it takes longer to heal. That is probably why the professionals are being so vague! Anyway keep posting and let us know how you get on. Please don't see induction as having failed in any way - you need to look after yourself as well as the baby.

"My midwife is horrified at the state of me and is recommending I go for induction"

Im horrified at the midwife suggesting it, induction and spd dont go well together. Often one intervention can lead to another and you end up with an instrumental delivery. the problem with that is that the legs are often placed in stirrups which widens the pelvic outlet and subsequently pulls the symphasis pubis. the problem with that is that if youve had pain relief and can no longer feel your legs, you wont know the point at which widening your legs would usually hurt, this can result in damage or trauma to the symphasis pubis which can result in pain long after the birth.

If you are going ahead with the induction, i would recommend taking a piece of string(before labour begins) and cutting it to the length of how far apart you can open your legs, take it in with you as it may be helpful to show them if you have no feeling. Finally write "i have spd" inside the cover of your notes as they may not realise, especially if your midwife goes off shift and a new midwife comes in.

Good luck, i hope the pain eases afterwards. think about going to see a chiropractor- it didnt stop the pain completely, but it took so much of it away i could of cried there on her table!

hth x

Hi ladies, im 25 weeks and already in eye watering pain; i had no idea that pregnancy had this nice element to it. Glad your partner is being such a super star Sanguine; amazing how some women who have had babies but not SPD seem to think that you can work through it if you decide to. I'm coming round to the idea of Caesaerean (wish i could even spell it) But sad at the thought of not getting chance to experience a natural birth. I may be simply being sentimental though! good look to everyone; i checked on the pelvic partnership site at the kind recommendation of another mumsnetter and it was helpful to find more info.