Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Pregnancy

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

Original poster

SPD/GPD.....can you share your stories with me?

36 replies

PlantASeedWatchItGrow · 30/09/2009 19:25

Hi

I had SPD in Pg#1 and am currently TTC #2.

I got it quite near the end (around 33weeks) and ended up with a support belt and on crutches. The statistics show that I am likely to get it again in the next pregnancy and it will be worse but was wondering if there were others out there who didn't get it again, or didn't get it any worse second time? Or those that did, if they can shed any light to help me(and others)?

Do you think anything helped you to not get it? I am desperate to not get it again, and if there is anything that I can do I will try it, including losing weight, swimming everyday etc. The pain was pretty bad!

Basically want to know everything...The Good, The Bad and The Ugly!
Thanks

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
Original poster
PlantASeedWatchItGrow · 30/09/2009 19:34

Bump

OP posts:
Dogwouldlikeanotherpup · 30/09/2009 19:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

itchyandscratchy · 30/09/2009 19:41

I had it first time but didn't get it diagnosed until 6 months when the pain got really bad so like you I had a support belt and crutches. I had some group physio at hospital but it didn't do much good.

With my 2nd pregnancy (4 years later) I knew what to look for and so tried some preventative stuff: moved rooms at work so I could avoid stairs; rested a lot more and a lot earlier and most importantly perhaps, went to see an osteopath regularly. He had a history of working with women with spd so it well worth the outlay. I do think though that nhs physio services have improved loads since my 1st pregnancy (8 years ago) so that might be worth pursuing, although I don't know if they'd refer you as a preventative measure...? You could ask though.

I do think my spd second time round was much more manageable. Also helped that dd1 was 3-4 and didn't need picking up much. Can see that it would have been much harder if she'd been a toddler. I was told to avoid swimming btw as it would have put too much pressure on my pelvis as I parted my legs.

nickytwotimes · 30/09/2009 19:41

Have you looked at Pelvic Partnership? www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk/
THey are fab.
You can help yourself by finding a good physio NOW before you even conceive or experience any discomfort.
I am pg with no 2 and am fine atm, but seeing my physio next week and will visit her every month regardless.
Pelvic Partnership can help you find a good 'un.

Fwiw, my best friend had hellish PGP first time and was fine second as she got checked at the slightest niggle.

GOOD LUCK.

Original poster
PlantASeedWatchItGrow · 30/09/2009 19:41

Thanks Dog (doesn't feel right calling you that)

Did it also start earlier each time? That's what the midwives told me would happen.

Sorry to hear that you had it too, it's so painful and relentless isn't it?!

Did it go away each time too? Mine went nearly straight away but I know that some are less fortunate and it can stay with them

OP posts:
nickytwotimes · 30/09/2009 19:43

Forgot to say, make sure your physio is very, very experienced with PGP. Ones that aren't are at best useless, at worst will exacerbate the situation.

Original poster
PlantASeedWatchItGrow · 30/09/2009 19:46

Thank Nicky, havn't heard of them before, I will have a look in a mo.
Heard really good things about Osteopath, but didn't know anything about it first time round. The physios were the ones who gave me the crutches and belt and the only other thing they done was to tell me not to separate my legs which I wasn't going to try anyway!

I thought that just 'crawl' kicking would be ok in swimming? I hope so as I was going to use this as my main exersise as first ime ended up putting on so much weight because I couldn't move!

OP posts:
Original poster
PlantASeedWatchItGrow · 30/09/2009 19:47

Sorry for the spelling trying to type too fast!

OP posts:
nickytwotimes · 30/09/2009 19:49

Crawl is fine if your technique is really good and if your pelvis is in a good position to start with. Breaststroke is a no-no.
Vital to work on your core stability too. Again, decent physio will help here.

SOme practitioners in all the back-fiddling professions are crap. I had a dreadful time with an osteopath, but there are others who are great. Same with chiropractors and physios. Trick is to find one who knows a LOT about PGP.

nickytwotimes · 30/09/2009 19:52

And it is not inevitable that you get it earlier or worse or whatever. Early intervention is key. ANd as you are ttc, you can go for a pre-emptive strike!

Original poster
PlantASeedWatchItGrow · 30/09/2009 19:56

Wow, that website is fantastic, thanks for the link! It has so much information, good to know, as when I first had it some of the midwives actually asked ME what it was when I told them I had it

Good to know that more id known about it now and that it is treatable.

How much does a session with an osteopath cost then? And how do I find one that specialises in SPD/PGP?

OP posts:
strongblackcoffee · 30/09/2009 19:57

Sorry, another story from me to reinforce the 'getting worse' idea...

First pregnancy - had it towards the end, it hurt enough to see physio and get support belt, but not enough for crutches. It went away instantly.

Second pg - can't remember if it started earlier, but it was definitely far worse. Again, didn't get as far as crutches, but I couldn't walk more than a couple of streets (maybe I should have had crutches!). Worked quite well, cos DS1 was 1.5, so we moved at about the same pace . However, it did not disappear immediately, it was still moderately painful for months (agony the first time we tried to have sex - sorry tmi, but it was quite funny) and I still get the occasional twinge now - DS2 is approaching his 2nd birthday... Not good.

And I have no useful suggestions about avoiding it, other than don't do anything that hurts. Good luck...

nickytwotimes · 30/09/2009 20:05

You can contact Pelvic Partners from the webstite. Or there are contact numbers for the osteopath society who might be able to tell you too. Under links. I am VERY lucky that one of our NHS physios is fantastic with pelvic stuff.
About 20-30 quid here for a private session.
Sadly, the lack of treatment means that most women get it worse the second time. It is SO under-treated, it drives me mad.
I am really passionate about this subject, in case you hadn't guessed. It is totally unnecessary for so many of us to suffer pain and disability for the sake of a few physio sessions. Many hcps are woefully misinformed as you have found out.

Original poster
PlantASeedWatchItGrow · 30/09/2009 20:06

I still do get odd twinges if I slip or overdo it, but it tends to go by the next day. Just thought that was normal?!

Did you try osteopathy strong?

OP posts:
nickytwotimes · 30/09/2009 20:07

this website is good too. Obviously focuses on Scottish services, but useful anyway. It is not so up to date as the other one though, which is frankly shit-hot!

Mama2b5 · 30/09/2009 20:08

Hi im 23 weeks and this is 3rd child and i never had it before until now! when it first started i thought oh just stretching pains, then it hit me again about 19 weeks and now the pain is getting worse, walking up the stairs in my house, getting in the bed, in the bath, putting my clothes on,turning in the bed also hurts why!!!!!!!
when the pain was just ongoing i had to wait till the morning then called and went to my GP who sent me to the hospital i was checked over and they also looked to see if i wasnt goin into labour, all clear nope you have SPD! wot!!
so now im off to physio tomo and aint got a clue wot they r going to say, i just pray i dont end up bed bound or in a wheel chair ( just some horror stories i heard!)
i have some way to go,and have 4 other children to look after my DH is great but that is no replacement of me!

The future looks bleak! we need a miracle! !

Original poster
PlantASeedWatchItGrow · 30/09/2009 20:10

So do you know if the stats show that if women were to get treated before a subsequent pregnancy that the chances are they wouldn't get it as bad as if they didn't? (Does that make sense? )

It is very unnecessary for women to suffer and it upset me that knowbody seemed to know what to do other than offer me crutches and say 'poor you' 'hopefully it will disapper after the baby'

OP posts:
WayItGoes · 30/09/2009 20:10

I've actually got a positive story !

1st Prenancy, ot around 20-25 weeks, was bad but not referred for specialist treatment.

Became pregnant again when ds was 9 months and first symptom that gave me a clue I was preg was return of SPD. Pain intolerable during this pregnancy and remember being nearky immobile and crying with pain for duration of pregnany.

Now pregnant again and in least amount of SPD type pain from all pregnancies Just feel stiff in the hip joints and occasionally get the kicked between the legs by a mule pain . Oh am 35 weeks now so am relitively confident in saying have avoided it this time. Hurrah!

There will be just over 2 year age gap between ds2 and new baby so I think that spacing of pregnancies crucial.

WayItGoes · 30/09/2009 20:12

Dear God, the bad spelling fairy obviously just paid me a visit!!

echops · 30/09/2009 20:12

Hello - I'm 18 weeks with 1st baby, and have been suffering from PGP for the last 4 weeks. I found this web site quite helpful www.pelvicgirdlepain.com/index.htm. I've seen an Osteopath who was initially helpful, however, after some over enthusiastic stretches/basic pilates I seem to have made things much much worse!

nickytwotimes · 30/09/2009 20:39

Plant, I don't know the stats, but according to my physio who specialises in this, yes, a pre-emptive check and regular check ups throughout pregnancy have been found to minimise and sometimes prevent altogether the recurrence of PGP/SPD. Pelvic Prtnership do a lot of research and development into treatments so they might know more.
Galling, isn't it?
It is also amazing how many people get it; until I had it myself I had never heard of it, but I know loads of people now, mainly from the waiting room at the physios! And look how many of us are here in this short space of time too. One would have hoped such a common condition would have a higher profile and better funding.
Good luck to everyone on this thread, btw. It is the fecking pits being in pain.

Original poster
PlantASeedWatchItGrow · 30/09/2009 20:46

Sorry, putting little one to bed.

I, like you nicky, only heard of it once I suffered myself. And most people i talk to about it ask what it is.

It nice to hear the good stories too, gives me more hope.

Mama2b5- The horror stories are truly horific arn't they, but I'd rather know than not know IYSWIM.

WayitGoes- Did you do anything different this time round?

Echops- I would go back, I don't think you are supposed to do anything that hurts as this makes the condition worse. Maybe ask for a second opinion or referal.

OP posts:
Mama2b5 · 30/09/2009 21:27

Waiting to see how this works out for me ! physio tomo!
legs crossed! xx nah..... better not that actually hurts!

Original poster
PlantASeedWatchItGrow · 30/09/2009 21:41

Yes, please do let us know how it goes. See if the physio does any more than mine did? Maybe they might be able to refer you to an osteopath?

OP posts:
domesticslattern · 30/09/2009 22:34

I have done a lot of research into this subject as I had SPD with #1 and don't want another baby if I have to go through it again. (It was that bad). So I have spent a lot of time trying to answer the question posed by the OP, and sorry in advance for long post but this is, like for others, a subject I feel very strongly about!

From talking with physios etc. they have told me that:

it is statistically likely (but not inevitable) to get it again
the hormones are high when you are just pregnant, so start taking it very easy / wearing belt etc. from then and not just from when you are in the second or third trimester
you may not have such bad symptoms as the first time because you may recognise them and so take sensible steps not to exacerbate the symptoms eg. cutting down on physical activity, not standing on one leg eg. to put socks on, not pushing trollies or buggies, not spreading your legs etc. These are things that I didn't do with the first pregnancy because I didn't know what was going on and my MW knew bugger all about what was going on with me.

I have been doing one-to-one pilates for several months in order to make my core as strong as possible; this has been specifically targetting my pelvis but also looking at the alignment of my whole body as it is clearly weak. This is costing a fortune but worth every penny.

If I do have another baby, I have resolved the following: I will also go and see an osteopath as soon as I get pregnant, and start my maternity leave as soon as I can rather than working right up to the end. I will also take a painkiller (cocodamol) as it is safe to take in pregnancy; with #1 I was prescribed it but didn't take it because I was very hormonal and worried about the baby, next time I think I would take it. I would also get a cleaner!

I am also going to leave as long between pregnancies as I dare. That isn't difficult after being told not to push a buggy, as I wouldn't be able to look after DD if I got pregnant now.

Once you're pregnant, I can't really recommend swimming to be honest as even with the front crawl I found it exacerbated my symptoms. Just gentle walking suited me (not stairs or uneven ground).

And if you do a search on MN then there are thousands of tips which really helped me in my first pregnancy.

Good luck.

Swipe left for the next trending thread