SPD and pilates in pregnancy DVD? bad idea or good idea

[sedgiebaby]

I had planned to keep fit and maintain some body strength in the pregnancy by walking 30-40 minutes a day, but it just brought on the SPD pain about 4 weeks ago (now 28 weeks) so I stopped that dead.

I've had one session with an Osteo, I see Physio on Friday at the hospital. Compared with what others are saying its not too too bad (better for not walking)

Any thoughts on something like this please
www.amazon.co.uk/10-Minute-Solution-Prenatal-Pilates/dp/B001U3EOJY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Osteo wasn't too helpful just said I need to find something that works for me (exercise wise)

I've had pelvic pain from 4 months onwards and am now in week 31. The physio gave me crutches to use when I'm walking to take the weight off my hips and onto my shoulders. They have been a god-send, I'd suggest you try and get some, they really do make life easier. It's all about making the pain manageable, it's not going to go away until after you give birth.

Pilates is excellent, but not all exercises are suitable if you have pelvic girdle pain. I attend a pilates class aimed specifically at pregnant women and the teacher is very careful to point out what I should not be doing. I'd suggest you try and find a class to join rather than buy an impersonal DVD.

Swimming is also good exercise, but don't do breast stroke as this increases your pelvic pain.

No personal experience of SPD but I do have the Davina pre-natal workout DVD and in it they point out that Davina has SPD and therefore can't do certain positions / movements (although presumably she can't have had it very badly if she was able to produce an exercise DVD while suffering with it), so that might be a good one to get...??

Can you find a local class? I'm a bit wary of the DVDs having rented one and being shocked to find it had no proper warm-up or cool down and didn't do anything not specifically pregnancy related (e.g. stretching arms, upper back, neck, etc which still all need doing!). When not pregnant I love the Darcey Bussell Pilates for Life, but that contains a lot to be done on your back which I can't now do.

Physio is good as they can give you basic exercises to do - many of which are pilates kind of exercises anyway.

A friend who had SPD recommended swimming so I'm going to start that. Just remember to not do breast-stroke legs! If you can get hydrotherapy (ask the physio) it can be great.

I have been doing pilates for years and have a degree of hypermobility at the best of times. I agree that it CAN be excellent at maintaining pelvic stability - pilates has really helped me. However, some of the exercises, including those that are suitable for pregnancy, will be not suitable if you have pelvic issues and may make things worse. Unless you are already pretty experienced I wouldn't recommend using a one-size-fits-all DVD, even one aimed at pregnancy. I think a class with an instructor who is experienced not just in pregnancy pilates, but in pelvic issues during pregnancy is a much better idea. That said, if you have actual SPD, you may need to ask specific questions of the physio about whether pilates is suitable and specific exercises that are inappropriate.

Thank you, I will ask the physio for some guidance, and I will look for a class held by someone who understands SPD but in my area the latter is unlikely I should think.

If this is the case, I was hoping I might be able to somehow make a judgement about what would be wise/unwise in a DVD (rather than do nothing and continue to become a great big slug!) but yes I need some guidance, just not sure how/if I'm going to get it.