SPD Sofa - support and advice offered at no extra charge!

[pumpkinpureeandghostlypearls]

I am suffering SPD (for the second time) and just need to vent without driving everyone else on my pregnancy thread mental. Not that they aren't supportive but I still have 20 weeks to go and I don't want to ruin their pregnancies by talking about mine!

Please come and join me so I don't feel so alone, and feel free to share tips if you have any....

[Mama2b5]

lissyglitter - my heart goes out to you because your in so much pain and you can have baby now and all will be well!
im not in nearly the same amount of pain and i scream out every now and then when turning over in my bed at nite is worse for me!!!
i decided i needed to rest so called in sick at work and just slept i feel so much better its like i needed this! feel bad for im off soon but not soon enough i think!

Cantthink- your section is just after my bday wow i cant imagine having it done because both other children where pushed out, but ive never had spd before so maybe i wont get the chance to if my mw think it might be harder for me!

I suppose ive got more time to think about it because im just now 29 weeks!

I hope you get your dates changed if thats what you want!

[MamaLazarou]

hello, can I join you, please - I was diagnosed this morning. I'm 29wks and this is my first baby. I was very much enjoying not suffering from my usual arthritis symptoms thanks to the relaxin... now I have SPD instead. And the midwife tells me that if I want physio I will have to pay for it!

HARRUMPH

My sympathy and support goes out to all you other poor girls.

[Defluffmyfanjo]

My heart goes out to you, seriously, I am so miserable and down and Im only 30 weeks!

Hope they will bring your date forward. x

[Naetha]

Hey folks - for those of you being told that you can't get physio, or can't get inductions/CSections moved sooner you just need to be really really forceful, and don't take no for an answer.

Try and speak to another midwife, try and speak to your GP - if you're under a consultant, ask to speak to them. There's no reason why one person should be able to get emergency physio the next day and the next person be told they can't have any physio at all just because someone with little understanding of your exact situation has decided one way or the other.

I saw my midwife today, and although she very much dismissed my enquiries for an early induction (I'm 38 weeks and on crutches with a nearly 2 year old - lots of pain and hard work!) she did refer me for emergency phsyio that I'll be getting TOMORROW! I'll see how I feel after the physio, but may ask to speak to someone else re: an induction if there's no change.

Don't let them fob you off!!

[showmethemummy]

very sorry LG to hear you're in such pain!
There are SO many contradictions with in the NHS ito how they manage pregnant women.

hmmm. my PGP has never been very debilitating but is now definitely already interfering with my movements etc. Have another ten weeks to go too, and really don't want to consider the implications of getting bigger than this!!

is anyone else really swollen in their 'area'? At the moment it gets bad enough I'm struggling to wee. sorry if tmi. what can i do?? I'm worried about getting another UTI or thrush. and then there's the leaking... even after spending ages trying to wee.

ctofn thanks for inspiration- called hospital and they've now offered me a physio apt instead (still in over a week's time, but what else can one do). Apparently though the MW referred me for 'lower back pain' I'm now starting to have serious doubts about her.

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Showmethemummy - so pleased you're getting physio next week. WTF - your mw?? How can they be so dense about this? SPD/PGP is so common - 1:35 pg women apparently are affected with it, albeit at different degrees, but they really should react when a pg women starts complaining of really bad pain in that area. We all know back pain/ache is part of pg, but we all also know that when we have complained about it, it's been a helluva lot worse than a few pg aches & pains!

Naetha - can't you start being forceful about induction etc for yourself now? At 38 wks with a 2 yr old, I would have thought the sooner the pg over, the better IYKWIM?

MamaLazarou - welcome, but wish you didn't need to be here IYKWIM!

On a side note, at 31+4, have been having quite horrid Braxton Hicks today. Niggly too like period pains. Had it with previous 2 pgs, feel v envious of those who say BH don't hurt!

Just had lovely deep hot bath and now signing off and going to bed. Why oh why do we have to go through all this?

Night night all.

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

I had my consultant appointment this morning and now have a c/s (and sterilisation!!) booked for 38+5 wks on 29 December. They wouldn't bring me forward to the 37 wks that I wanted because there is no obstetric reason ie. baby is fine but it is for my medical reasons we need to do c/s. Apparently they don't like doing electives before 39 wks as baby's lungs are wet and the method of delivery doesn't help them mature. When deliveed naturally, the baby is squeezed in pelvis and birth canal and the fluid comes out of the lungs, preparing for those first breaths on delivery. When doing c/s, it increases chances of breathing difficulties anyway so......

Ho hum, a little disappointed that it's not being done sooner, but equally v v happy that date now firmly in my and hospital diary and all confirmed!! 7 weeks today!!!

[Naetha]

Nice one CTOFN - bet you're stoked

As for forcing an induction for me, I'm going to getting on the case tomorrow!

I was waiting to see how my physio went today, and although it was interesting, it didn't make me feel any better! The physio said my pelvis is hypermobile, and didn't have much hope that what she did would last for more than 5 minutes - she was right! She gave me a support belt as well, but that didn't make it hurt less, although I'd imagine it will help at night somewhat (that's when I get the worst cracking/movement).

I'm speaking to the MW tomorrow about getting stuff moved along - I can't see any reason not to, I'll be 38 weeks on Thursday, I had a scan at 35 weeks, and the baby was already given an estimated current weight (not birth weight) of 6.5lbs, so no worries about low birth weight!

One really good thing I got out of today, was the physio told me that my coccyx was out of line, and had I experienced any pain with it previously (I had, but didn't want to seem like a hypochondriac as everything else was going wrong as well), and that I should get a referral after this birth once things have settled down to get it all re-aligned.

I just need to finish doing all the washing and tidying (tough when you can barely move!) so that I'm ready to have this baby

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Yey Naetha!!! Get that baby out!!! From what my consultant said, I don't think they would have had a problem with inducing me for a natural birth at 37 wks, but my problem is we don't want baby coming out that way and me having to push and put strain on my arteries hence c/s - which quite frankly, I'm now seeing as a bonus with the SPD!

Therefore - if the same medical logic applies - you really should be able to push for induction ASAP. Nest away my dear and come back and tell us all the happy news that baby Naetha is born and SPD miraculously vanished upon delivery

[estar]

Thankgoodness for this thread! I am determined not to whinge and whine through the rest of this pregnancy but it sounds like I'll be allowed to on here.

I am 23 weeks pregnant with my fourth pregnancy and pretty much crippled already. I had it bad in my last preg but it was managable, just about. After a lot of deliberation me and DH decided to go for it again and now I feel like I am really paying the price for being baby greedy.....

Feel so useless as DH has to do nearly everything. Thankfully I can drive and have a lovely automatic car (so no strain on the clutch ) so with the aid of a support belt and sometimes crutches too, I can manage the school runs. My toddler has just turned two and thankfully has taken to the reins I bought him last week so I don't have to lift and unfold the pushchair out of the car, or chase round the playground after him anymore!

Can you tell I'm trying to focus on the positive at the moment??

I am also grateful for automatic washing machines, ironing that can be done sat down, and dishwashers (slightly forced s).

To those who have mentioned pushing shopping trolley, can I say DON'T do it! I made myself weep with pain in my last pregnancy everytime I shopped, until I gave it up at six months and started internet shopping and I have never gone back. I nearly kiss the Sainsbury's man everytime he arrives at the door with my produce, espeically when I ask if he can carry it through to the kitchen and he agrees! It has saved so much wear and tear on my pelvis.

Another thing I have started doing, as random as it sounds - I started knitting a couple of weeks ago and I have found it so helpful for my mental state of mind! Instead of just watching TV / MNetting / reading, I feel as though I am doing something constructive and useful (even though the scarf I'm making is actually for me ) and it's given me something else to focus on while I spend all that time on the sofa. Also must keep the blood flowing to some limbs, hmm?

[Firawla]

Hi, ive not read through all this thread but just wanted to ask about SPD. In the last few weeks ive started feeling quite a bit of pain in the pelvis area, it feels like aching bone and also feels kind of like a lot of pressure on the pelvis? I don't remember having anything like that with ds1, and I wondered if its just because I dont get much rest in this pregnancy as ds1 is now 16 months, very active so im chasing after him all the time and he is v heavy to lift and carry (quite tall and heavily built for his age, only learned to walk just under a month ago so have had to carry him around a LOT until then)
anyway because it is in the pelvis area, and really hurting alotttt 2nite, really hurting to walk around the house, i started to wonder if it could be a mild form of spd, or can that just be normal sometimes for late pregnancy? because i hear about people having crutches, wheelchair etc for it but im not that bad as i still can manage to walk and going out the house everyday as need to take ds1 to toddlers activities and things, but is just aching a lot especially in evenings after i have walked alot?
btw im 36 weeks
ive not mentioned to midwife yet as i think last time i had apt couple of weeks ago it was not toooo bad, but wil have to mention next time. just wondering what people think, as you have experience of it

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Firawla - it's possible and v common 1:35 pg women suffer apparently - but of course there are varying degrees. Most on this thread seem to be at the high end of the scale on crutches etc, but it all starts with a few aches and pains. I have found mine starts fine in the morning but by the evening I'm in bits, so it makes sense for you too.

The main thing physios etc look for is gapping at the front of your pubic bone. Tbh, if you are 36 wks, it is probably worth you talking to mw about it and getting some information on what you can/can't do - even looking through this thread for pointers should help. Then adapt those things for the next few weeks until your DC2 arrives. Upon delivery, you will hopefully be symptom free! But do take note in delivery not to put your feet on anyone (ie mw) for pushing, v bad with SPD.

HTH

[Firawla]

thanks

[mommymeggie]

Thanks for this thread! I swear there seems to be more and more problems that crop up when your pregnant ( I'm 31wks btw) that you've never heard of. I didn't even know what SPD was, I thought I had pulled something in my pubic area while walking up the stairs at 27wks. Then it seemed to get worse through the days as I did my daily chores. I couldn't even cook dinner in the kitchen without turning a certain way and pain shot up my left leg. I was also walking around in tesco's and when I was ready to leave the store, I was dragging my left leg it hurt so bad to lift it. So I googled it and came up with SPD. I waited to see the midwife and she said it seemed mild and referred me to the physio. She told me that its good to go and find out how far in width I could spread my legs b/f it hurt so when i'm in labour I know when to stop. Also, she said SPD will get worse through time so best to get it checked out now. I also have an 18month old and she is running around making it harder for me to control her. I can't believe how frustrating this is!!

I would like to thank all the women with the advice you've given. I will try all things, pillows, slide sheets, satin sheets, etc. Oh, and I pushed a trolley yesterday and today I am dying with the pain. I have learned my lesson so thanks to those who mentioned not to push trolleys.

I was wondering if it is safe to get an epidural during labour? I don't want to get permenant damage from it. And can anyone suggest a way to sit properly without feeling pain while sitting down? Thanks ladies!!

Oh and I would also like to add, i feel so much for those of you with severe SPD!! This bit that I have is painful enough, bless all of you that have the clicking sounds and have to use sticks and etc.

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Welcome Mommymeggie. For sitting down, my physio has said absolutely NO comfy sofas, soft chairs etc. Basically we should have our feet firmly on the ground, knees as close together as is comfortable when relaxing/sitting and cushions if necessary behind us to keep back posture as straight as possible. Tbh it really does help. Every now and then I decide I'm going to sit on the sofa and I totally feel the difference when I try to get up.

As far as labour is concerned, I had an epidural with both previous pregnancies and LOVED it. However, I didn't have SPD then, but as far as I can tell, it can only make the labour more bearable. The key is to get written on your notes that you have SPD and the distance that you can move your knees/legs apart before pain. Then, whilst in labour, your birth partner should ideally be equipped with a tape measure, ensuring that the medical team don't try to get you to open your legs further than that when pushing (pain free or not). A big no-no is putting your feet on mw or other person to help with the pushing, and of course stirrups for emergency forceps/ventouse would likely cause some pain post-natally (but if you get to that stage it doesn't matter, it's just important to get baby out).

Ha - there's me giving all this advice that i was given by physio, yet I'm having a c/section !!! 6 1/2 weeks and counting.....

[estar]

NO comfy chairs?!?!?

That's crazy! It's the only thing that brings me relief, if I can sit leaning to one side or lying down on a sofa. Some nights by the time I've made tea, the last thing I can do is sit upright on a hard chair to eat at the table - I feel like the vertical pressure on my pelvis is pushing it in half. I do, however, have a little cushion I put into the small of my back when I am driving which definately helps my upright posture to be better, but again, that's a soft seat rather than a hard one.

Do you sit upright on the sofa or kind of tilt?

[Defluffmyfanjo]

Saw midwife yesterday and asked her about normal birth, bearing in mind I'm signed off work and on crutches with the spd, and she said it was fine, I just had to squat or give birth on all fours!

I said that that would mean no epidural then and she agreed. I'm definitely talking to my consultant re a caesarian when i see them in 4 weeks time, I think i might be a wimp but there's no way i can give birth without one!

[mommymeggie]

Thank you so much for the advice FunnyName. I am though having trouble sitting on hard chairs as Estar stated. I sat having lunch at Marks and Spencers just yesterday on their plastic chair ( or whatever kind it was)and when I got up I was in agony! That was the first time through my pregnancy I had a pain in my back, usually its down below in the vajayjay area. I could hardly walk after i stood up. I do sit with very good posture as well. When I'm home I do have a comfy sofa that I tend to sit on most of the time. I can't hardly use our leather chairs in the dining room. And I make sure that I don't sit for long periods b/c that seems to make it worse. I go to the physio tomorrow and really looking forward to that. I hope she gives me some exercises to do at home.

Also, my tail bone is feeling pressure and getting sore now. Do you think that is from SPD as well?

[estar]

Defluff, I know others may say different, but I found the birth the single only good part of having SPD - everything is so soft that hardly any pushing was required! Mine were all 20 mins of pushing tops, and DS4 felt like 3 pushes and he was out! And I was on my back as well, although I hadn't lain on my back for months!

I presumed that was related to the SPD anyway - what was everyone else's experience?

[Defluffmyfanjo]

Estar - that's good to hear, thank you.

-----

About to write my birth story so please don't read if you're a first timer and don't want to see what could (and only could remember) happen, I don't want to upset anyone.
-------

I'm just scared silly because last time (dd is now nearly 5, no spd) I went from mild period type pains to utter agony in about an hour and seemed to have no gap between contractions. I really panicked. I had gas and air and was sick everywhere (a lot!), then had pethidine and threw up, then finally had epidural.

Had to have drugs to make it progress quicker, that didnt work so went down to theatre for emergency cs but they had one last go with forceps and got her out.

I ended up back in hospital 4 days later when I couldn't walk - I had retained products and was in on a drip for 5 days.

I ended up with pnd and my marriage broke up. Basically I'm trying to say I'm scared silly of birth now. I would try normally perhaps if I was guaranteed an epidural the minute I walked in but the midwife has really scared me.

Sorry for the rant - I think stuck on the sofa all day without being able to move is giving me too much time to think!!

[estar]

Wow, defluff

Definately tell all that to the consultant. I'm so surprised that your midwife has just dismissed all that information as unimportant for your next birth! Wonder if you could use the SPD as leverage or not. At the very least you should have the reassurance of knowing you can probably have an epidural. I had one with the twins, and nobody mentioned SPD as being a problem. It was surreal at the pushing part. They were saying 'push!' and I was squeezing some muscles from memory and saying 'Am I doing anything???' Thankfully I was and in the end it was very smooth going.

Really hope you have an understanding consultant!

[Mama2b5]

Hi all - well had an early nite last nite which was great but woke up middle of the nite because turning over is Painful plus constant toilet breaks! got a letter from hospital asking me to come to get measured for a support belt! so will see how much that helps!

[CantThinkofFunnyName]

Hello everyone - thought I might add a bit of light at end of tunnel for everyone, although v concerned I might speak too soon.....

The last two days I have been positively hopping around. I've been fairly active in a pottering way indoors, which means I've spent a bit more time on my feet rather than on the "SPD Chair" and I haven't had anywhere near the amount of problems I usually do when moving. I'm a little stiff when getting up and i have a few twinges in the pubic bone area - but other than that, really have not needed belt or crutches.

Feeling quite chipper really. Ah well, let's see how I feel tomorrow after doing the ironing....

[Naetha]

Hey all, got an appointment on Monday with the consultant about getting an induction.

Best case scenario - they do an examination, discover I'm already a little dilated and effaced, give me a stretch and sweep and things happen naturally that evening. If that doesn't work, then hopefully I can get booked in for an induction sooner rather than later, i.e. in the next couple of days.

Worst case scenario - (well worst case is they completely fob me off, but other than that...) they do an examination, eveything's shut tight, no point in forcing an induction so they leave me to it.

Although I want an induction (or rather I want this gremlin out sooner rather than later!) I really want to avoid a C-section, and ideally an epidural as well. I gave birth last time with no pain relief (not my choice - MW took away my G&A cos I wasn't concentrating!!) so at least I know my body can handle it, and although it was hell at the time, we both came through in one piece, so I know I CAN do it.

Fingers crossed for consultant appointment. Getting my hair done on Monday as well, and maybe a pedicure too!! I know it's the daft things, but very excited about that!

[mommymeggie]

Hi everyone,

Went to the physio yesterday and she was very helpful. She said I had PGP ( Pelvic Girdle Pain) as they diagnose now rather than SPD....whatever that means.She gave me a really good belt and showed me a few exercises. She also adviced me on things as

not to put all your weight on one leg while standing

Sit on a comfy chair and if sitting on a sofa to roll a towel and place it on your lower back to straighten your spine.

Don't squat down to take laundry out or for any reason really.

And not to push trolleys or the hoover.

The exercises she suggested were:

Sit with a pillow b/w your legs and gently squeeze your legs towards the pillow and then release.

Do your pelvic exercises, the ones they give you after having a baby, she explained it as squeezing your bum like your holding in wind and squeeze your front like your holding in a wee. Hold for 5 seconds and release.

I hope this comes in handy for anyone. I thought I would share this info since it was given to me by a professional. I love the belt she gave me as well and I just hope all of this info will help me get through this pregnancy.