Can I swim with SPD?

[mumof3tobe]

I am having a really difficult time with this pregnancy in that I really want to do things but because I have SPD I can't. This is my 3rd pregnancy and you would think I would be used to it now. I have stopped yoga which I thought would be good for me but found out it would do more harm than good, I can't walk the dog for as long as I want, I can't run around with the kids as much as I want, my 3yr old has little tantrums because I can't carry her around as much as I used to ( I know she's 3 but she is sooo light and only feels like a 2yr old) It's better for her not to be so clingy anyway.

So I thought that maybe I could do Aquafit classes. There are no anti natal one's here as it's a small town. Also we have just moved house and my DH's mates girlfriend has been doing it so thought it would be good to go with her as we have only moved here 9 months ago and really need to make friends.

I am 20 weeks to go and some day's the SPD is o.k, but other times I feel it more. I know it's going to get worse as the weeks and months go on but if I keep fit it might not be that bad!!

Maybe it's wishful thinking, it just get's be down sometimes and want to do something about it.

Sorry for the long post!

I had SPD and was told not to do breast stroke because of the leg positions and movements.

The trouble is that in aquafit, water is used to provide additional resistance. I think you need to speak to your midwife about it, but I think that aquafit would exacerbate your SPD.

I have SPD again in this pregnancy too - it's frustrating isn't it. I agree with not doing breast stroke legs but I have been going to an aqua natal class. I am careful not to do any of the exercises that require my legs to be apart, do all of it gently and stop any exercise if I feel pain. My class is run by a midwife though so I agree it would be an idea to speak to your midwife first.

Sorry if I sound stupid but what is SPD? Ive had 2DC so you would think i would know

SPD is symphasis pubis disorder, (sp!) gemstones. Not everyone gets it, and you can get it mildly, or very severely. I think that it is a over-softening of the ligaments around the pelvis which results in pelvis pain and can, in severe cases mean that the mother needs to use walking sticks, or even a wheelchair.

It's very painful at times.

Littlefish - I think you will be right it would exacerbate my SPD, I don't always know when to stop and think it'll be o.k. I'm not a good patient.
London11 - I am in Canada and midwives are still new here. In my small town there are only 2 midwives to cover 2 towns so I won't find any classes that are run by midwives.

Yes it is frustrating but only another 4 or so months to go!!

We have just moved house and it has a pool so in a month's time I can use that to gently exercise without the pressure of keeping up with other people.

Thank you.

I was initially told no breast stroke and then when it was worse, no serious swimming or effort in the water at all. But getting in the pool and bobbing about and doing about 4 lengths over half an hour very gently felt wonderful!

Until I was about 7 months and couldn't get to the pool...
House with own pool sounds fantastic!

I had severe SPD and have done loads of research. Water is good for pain relief, keeping mobile and feeling like you can move normally but you're right about not doing breast stroke.

Please make sure you get proper treatment for spd in pregnancy to avoid lasting problems - check out the Pelvic Partnership site www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk.