SPD - relatively mild worried but painful when walking - worried about labour

[penguin2za]

Hi,

I have a mild case of SPD - not on cruches or anything but it does hurt when I walk or turn over at night/lift my legs.

Midwives+GP don't seem too bothered about it, have been for physio who didn't do much -I am concerned about giving birth and how this may affect my labour (what I can and can't do)/if the midwives will listen to me about this when I am in labour.

I plan on raising this again at my next midwife appt however, I am not sure how this information will be passed onto the midwives at the hospital I am going to, as I have to go to midwife appt at separate hospital to the one I am giving birth at.

Any suggestions anyone how to make it clear when I go into labour that I have this problem/anyone given birth in different position with SPD?

Thanks!

How worrying for you, haven't experienced SPD myself, but my sister suffered and swears by her osteopath, it's not available on the NHS, but it really helped when she went into labour and the birth. Good Luck

hiya I'm pregnant with number 3 and have had SPD 3 times. Like you never needed crutches but bad enough.

Personally I never found it a problem giving birth I was all over the place but ended up on my back for the final pushes. My SPD went the minute the placenta was out practically as well.

I believe that with SPD they don't recommend being on your back with your legs spread as this can make it worse. Do a birth plan and stamp it at the top that you have SPD. The MWs won't make you labour in a position that is uncomfortable. I don't know about epidurals I've never had one but I know then you are on your back but someone will be along soon that knows more. IME your body finds a position for your in labour.

I had mild SPD too all 3 pregnancies (one still ongoing!!). Sweetkitty is right. Stamp it across the top of your notes, and make sure you tell the mw on the day that you want support finding a comfortable position. TBH, I didn't find it particularly uncomfortable during labour, apart from the obvious labour pains. It kind of blended in - had a really sore back both times, but I just put that down to labour. And it did pass quickly after the birth.

I gave birth on my knees leaning over the sofa ( homebirths ). The midwives "suggested" I laid on my back a couple of times - for their own convenience - but that position was just too painful for me to contemplate. As long as I was upright/on my knees, the SPD wasn't a problem during labour at all.

Hi penguin

I had sPD with no2 and now no3 pg.

With my last pg, I told the midwives at the hospital when I was booked in in labour and they were great - seemed really knowledgable and asked me how far I could open my legs without pain. THen they fought my corner and shouted at any consultants wanting to do internals - "She's got pelvic pain- you be very careful!!"

AS it happened, because I was going for a VBAC I had to be constantly monitored and was stuck on the bed. Ideally I should have been in water or on a ball maybe.

I then delivered dd with my legs braced on the m/ws hips. Very very bad and not recommended for SPD sufferers, but my choices were very restricted by that point.

I then suffered with pain for the next 18 months, although it was much reduced and only flared up after pusing a heavy shopping trolley or long walks etc.

What I should have done is seen the physio after the birth as well. sOmetimes they can check if your pelvis is settling back into the right position.

I spoke to a chiropractor who said if anything, it was more important to see someone afterwards to prevent long term damage - if you have to choose that is.

Have alook at the Pelvic Partnership website - ypou need to get sure of your "pain free gap" and if possible get a piece of string or something that you tie around your knees to the point that you can bear. THen if you end up with pain relief (I had an epidural) you'll still know how far you can open up, even thoguh you can't feel much.

All fours or on one side are good delivery positions if you end up stuck on the bed.

Good luck and take it easy

hi I am 34 wks pregnant and swear by regular visits to a Chiropractor.
I am amazed by the success of the treatment. She basically manipulates my groin area and back/ hip area if needed. Occasionally she gives me acupunture in my bum if needed. Within two days I am pain free and so able to turn in bed!

She has never claimed to be able cure it, but she definately keeps it at bay. I now see her about every 3 wks and just ring up for an app when I feel the need. It does cost 30 quid but it's worth every penny!!
A good tip is to sleep with a pillow inbetween your legs and keep your legs together when getting in and out of the car.

My doctor totally dismissed it and physio i think just give out advise and a band to wear as a longterm cure whereas a chiropractor treat the problem instantly.

I didn't see anyone in my 1st pregnancy and just suffered until 5 months after the birth when I had bad problems with my back. The chiropractor at the time told me I should have seen her through my preg to sort out the problem. good luck!!!

Thanks everybody for your valued advice, very reassuring to hear. Think I may pop along to an osteopath or chiropractor for some help.

You have given me a bit more confidence now when I do eventually do go into labout - 7 weeks to go!! (If its due on time!).