Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Pregnancy

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

Flip

Original poster

Come and talk to me about maternity support belts for ligament pain please.

17 replies

suwoo · 15/05/2009 13:44

I am 27 weeks with no3, who is potentially fairly big. I have a big pointy bump (pic on profile) and I can barely walk now with stitch like pains horizontally and vertically around my bump. I do have SPD too but haven't had physio as I know all the tips from last time.

Unfortunately I am still lugging around tables and chairs and carryingg heavy boxes for work (this is non negotiable as I am self empl).

I called in at the midwife drop in centre today for reassurance and she suggested a support belt might help, but I can see there are a few different ones.

I managed to pull a ligament in my last pregnancy whilst lifting a table, so I know I need to be as careful as possible.

Anyone used one successfully and which one?

OP posts:

Original poster

suwoo · 15/05/2009 13:59

I know its boring but someone must be able to recommend one

OP posts:

BellaCullen · 15/05/2009 15:13

I have SPD too haven`t used a support belt yet but will be getting one soon.My physiotherapist recommended ones from mothercare they start at £10.hope that helps

mrswee · 15/05/2009 15:50

hi
I take it you have not been offered any advice on making an appointment with a Physio through your midwife?

I am having pelvic pains, suspected SPD and my midwife gave me the number to call for the maternity physio at the hospital. I have been told that if I am suffering SPD or similar then I should get fitted for and given a support belt when I see them.

You may have the same service in your area, worth asking.

craftynclothy · 15/05/2009 16:06

Hi,

My Independent Midwife recommended the Fembrace. I got it from an ebay shop (it's the only one that comes up when you search for Fembrace) and it was fab service (he let dh pick it up same day and then change it for a different size the next evening at his home rather than his shop cos dh couldn't get there early enough).

Only thing to watch out for is the sizing is based on your pre-pregnancy size (hence us ordering the wrong one first!)

I am also booked in with a physio and may get another from them free...IM booked it with obstetric physio yesterday and I'm being seen on Tuesday.

Original poster

suwoo · 15/05/2009 16:07

Thanks. Mrswee she said she would refer me no problem. Last time I self referred and they wouldn't provide me with a belt, so may as well buy one.
I know what they'll say as I've been before and not so easy to fit it in this time with the toddler and the school run, so won't bother.

Which one is beeter though...

Emma Jane
or
this sort

OP posts:

Original poster

suwoo · 15/05/2009 16:08

Thanks crafty, will look at them now.

OP posts:

Original poster

suwoo · 15/05/2009 22:21

Anyone else help???????

OP posts:

diedandgonetodevon · 15/05/2009 22:25

An NHS phsio will provide one for free. Not elegant in the slightest but does the job. You should really be shown support exercises as well as use a belt.
I had to get my GP to refer me as MW dithered about it.

KirstyJC · 15/05/2009 22:28

I got mine from the NHS physio for free. She gave me one at the start but I got do big I needed to go back for a second!

They were both fantastic - really helped with the back pain.

My MW referred me over the phone (ie I called her and asked her to make me an appointment) but you might be able to refer yourself?

The belts I had were simply long elastic with velcro at each end, but the physio will fit them for you.

Good luck - and try to figure out a way to stop lifting stuff - it will really help!!

CarGirl · 15/05/2009 22:29

I saw an osteopath when pregnat and it really really helped - got me off crutches. I had very tight ligaments which aggrevate the spd so she worked on them.

Worth every penny I would strongly recommend at least one visit and see if they can help. You have to ask if they are specially trained & have experience in treating pregnant women as this is an "add on" to standard training.

Original poster

suwoo · 15/05/2009 22:33

I visited a physio last time I was pg and they gave me the basics which I am doing now, like 'legs together' etc. They wouldn't provide me with a belt for free.

OP posts:

CarGirl · 15/05/2009 22:43

I found the support belts useless - tried several kinds, they just rolled over, dug in and made me incredibly hot during the heatwave of 2003.

The osteopath actually treated me not just told me how to move differently.

Original poster

suwoo · 15/05/2009 23:00

Its mainly walking that hurts Theres no bloody hope for me.

OP posts:

CarGirl · 15/05/2009 23:13

Yes there is - I couldn't walk, I had crutches couldn't lift my non walking 14 month old up. I used to have to lift her into a pushchair to stagger out to the car leaning on the pushchair instead of using the crutches. Even driving the car was excrutiating.

Had to go up the stairs backwards on my bum, couldn't turn over in bed etc etc.

It made a huge difference.

CarGirl · 15/05/2009 23:14

You do know the cure is rest? A bag of frozen peas on your pubic bone is really good too.

Original poster

suwoo · 15/05/2009 23:27

Unfortuntely I am a SAHM by day but I work evenings too, so resting is a bit difficult. DS is also still awake up to 4 times a night (oh woe is me). Its not so much the SPD pains I am struggling with, its the stitch like ligament pains and the braxton hicks at the moment.

OP posts:

Hybrid · 16/05/2009 01:00

You need to be getting to grips with core stability exercises which will help to ease the tension on the ligaments. This is particularly important if you're having to lift things as you'll potentially be straining not only ligaments but muscles around your lower back and aggravating your SPD.

I'm a physio and was getting ligamentous pain around my groin. I had to make sure I took my own advice and the pains eased within the week.

It may be good to return to the physio just so they can remind you of exercises which may be helpful, particularly if you're only 27 weeks. You don't want to be suffering for any longer than you need to.

Flip