Is this SPD? Or something else? Owwww!

[sarah76]

I'm nearly 16 weeks, and think I might be experiencing SPD, but am not sure! Have some questions for those with a diagnosis:

--Does it start and stop? I've had pelvic pain off and on for the last few weeks (but suddenly a lot worse today). Only noticed it occasionally at night when trying to get comfy.

--Does it come on suddenly? Just today, after a trip to the mall where I was walking around with no problems, I started having more and more pain. Now to the point where I have to slide on my arse with knees together to get down the stairs. Going up is painful, can only lift right leg and then bring left up to the same step (and repeat, instead of lifting left leg to step above).

--What does it feel like? The closest thing I can think of to compare what I'm feeling is when I majorly strained my groin while lifting/moving a treadmill with XH. I ended up doubled over and could only take tiny steps. Right now when I walk, I have to move very slowly, keeping knees together. The pain seems centered in the front of my crotch, very low, like on the front of the pubic bone. It is more of an ache than a sharp pain. Can still feel it even though am sitting comfortably on the sofa!

So what do you think? And if it is SPD, what do I do now?

Certainly sounds like it might be SPD. In terms of what to do now, from experience I would suggest Googling for tips and advice and speaking to your midwife re: seeing a physio. I also found a support belt thingy helped immensely.
Good luck

Aww Sarah, certainly sounds like it. Does it get worse throughout the day?

Definitely make some phonecalls first thing tomorrow and demand physio urgently.

Could be due to your previous injury you know.

That sounds exactly like it - the front centre part of the pubic bone particularly. Walking at anything faster than a snail's pace would start it for me, and it would sometimes mean I couldn't walk at all without serious pain.

Demand a physio app't? And in the meantime, walk VERY slowly, ridiculously so - and keep your knees together as far as you possibly can. Never stand on one leg - sit on the bed to dress etc. Bring your knees together before getting out of bed, into the bath, everything.

On the plus side, SPD can make for easier labours if you're careful not to let anyone part your knees too much. The pelvis is coming apart too much, too early, but that pays dividends when getting the baby's head through it! I was told this and was , but it actually turned out to be correct, at least for me.

A support belt can be great, also a tubigrip thing.

Do you get referred to physio through your MW? I'm not due to see her for ages. Or is it through the GP? Is it even on the NHS? I can't afford anything else.

Well explained Sarah, thats just how my SPD felt, and I must say that I would advice just as Oally has. I had to self refer to a physio the number was in my notes, but I think this depends on where you live. Good luck.

yes it does sound like it... i used to describe mine as feeling like i had been on a horse all night!!!
if it is any consolation.. with my first pregnancy it came very early (about 15 weeks) & pretty much stayed till the end... HOWEVER, this pregnancy, i was awful at 16 weeks... thought... Shit.. im gonna be bad again.. & after about 6 weeks it passed.. i barely feel it now.. only if I really do alot of walking it may play up a bit... so fongers crossed... u may get better once the initial hormones settle xx

NHS, yep. At our hospital you can self-refer; ask your midwife, and if she's not helpful I'd call the hospital directly.

There is hope. I could hardly walk at all at 6 months, but extreme care and support belts meant I was pretty mobile at 8 or 9, and almost pain free. It isn't a one-way street with SPD.

Thanks for the advice everyone, I saw the GP this morning and have been referred to physio. Had to go to hospital for triple test today as well, and just getting from the car park to the clinic took me ages! Very uncomfortable too.

Been signed off work for another four weeks. Don't think I'm ever going back.

Hopefully useful info here for you

Sarah, with my first I was signed off three months into a six month contract! I felt SOOOOO guilty, but these things happen.

Whatever you do, don't resign!

I'm going back to work tomorrow, fairly apprehensive. The physio has worked wonders for me, and hopefully you will be similarly lucky.