Pregnancy Forums

Posted: 11 October 2007 at 3:26pm | IP Logged

Hi, I'm new to this forum, was looking for some advice on managing SPD

I'm currently 33+2, due 27th November with my first child - and I am in agony when I try to move.  MW has diagnosed SPD, but has only said I can take paracetomol - which quite frankly is not touching the sides at the moment. 

I have an appointment to see my GP this evening to get a prescription for something stronger, but am really worried about doing harm to the baby.  Have referral for physio next Wednesday.  Have been seeing a chiropractor privately (ante-natal specialist), which is helping some with the SPD.  It's cured the heartburn as well, which is an interesting side effect I hadn't expected (but am very pleased about!)

Fortunately I started maternity leave yesterday :-) so am not having to struggle to work anymore.

The main problem is that I am now incredibly nervous about the actual birth, with advice ranging from "you have no choice but a caesarian" to "don't be silly, everything will be normal"

Not sure how it can be normal when I can't really dress or wash myself properly.  And what about when the baby comes?  How do I take care of a baby when I can't even take care of myself at the moment?

Very worried and upset right now, so any advice would be very welcome.

Ali 

Posted: 11 October 2007 at 3:39pm | IP Logged

Hello and welcome.

I'm not much help in this department i'm afraid as i never suffered with this. I have got bad hips through other reasons though so know some of the pain you are going through. I know there are quite a few people on here who can help and advise you.

I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible and the pain eases as much as possible.

Sending hugs hunny xxxxxx

Posted: 11 October 2007 at 3:42pm | IP Logged

Hello!

Welcome to Madmums!

I'm sammie, i have had spd with both of my pregnancies, so i hope i can advise you some!

Firstly, don't panic, just make sure when you go into labour that the hospital know you have spd, and that under no circumstances must you be put in stirrops for an assisted delivery.

I found after the birth of my babies the SPD pain lessened just enough for me to become more mobile and able to take care of them. However it doesn't always just vanish, and can take a long time to recover from fully.

You should see the GP to see about getting some co codamol or co dydramol to help with the pain. You won't harm baby, they won't give you anything that will.

I had both my babies vaginally and i only did what i could, ie don't force your legs too far apart, only go as far as it is comfortable (your pain free gap).

Take it as easy as you can in the weeks leading up to birth, and i highly recommend a birthing ball, it helps open the pelvis up for baby to drop down and it isn't too painful. Also some silky pj's to sleep in, its easier to turn in bed if they are slidy lol!

Make sure you do the pyhsio that they give you as it helps the muscles strengthen to try and support your pelvis, it won't work miracles but it does help.

Do you have much support close by?

Hope this helps xxx

If you feel you need some more support click on the buddy link at the bottom of my signature and request a buddy to help you, one 2 one support! xx

Posted: 11 October 2007 at 3:54pm | IP Logged

Hi,  thanks for the kind words!

I have managed to get an appointment with GP this evening for something a bit stronger than paracetomol, even if only to help me sleep better - nothing is good after a bad nights sleep..

I have none of my own family in the area (I live in Oxfordshire, they are all in Yorkshire), but have fantastic supportive OH, and his family are only about 20 miles away.  May have to swallow pride and accept help, I'm generally not very good at that....

I would prefer a vaginal birth to a caesarian, and it is good to hear that it is possible.  The lady running my NCT classes said that there is no reason for a compulsory ceasarian, except in very extreme cases, which I'm not yet. 

Although when you are in pain it can get very demoralising, even if you know you are not suffering as bad as some people.

Ali

Posted: 11 October 2007 at 3:59pm | IP Logged

Hiya. I'm Kim - I've suffered from SPD for last 11 years (since pregnant with my 2nd daughter). It is a horrendously painful thing - am glad you are getting some sort of help with it - I had to fight to get it diagnosed, and some of the doctors I came across were incredibly unsympathetic. I had a zimmer frame and was unable to walk by the time I was induced (early because of SPD). I managed a vaginal birth, and went on to have my son Cameron 4 years ago too. I agree with Sammie - make sure the hospital knows when you are in labour - they didn't read my notes, so didn't know the full extent of my problems until after Ruthie was born!

You can get stronger painkillers - although I have to say it didn't really touch the pain by the end. My SPD flares up and down regularly - I was seeing an osteopath for a while at the beginning of the year, but it was so expensive that when we moved house I never bothered finding one down here. Have been referred to a physio, although I'm not really expecting much!

I really hope you are one of the 'lucky ones' whose SPD clears up once your baby is born. Now that you've finished work - take it very easy - loads of rest. Keep legs together when getting out of the car, bed etc. I found sleeping with a pillow between my legs helped a bit, and still do that now.

There are lots of people here who will support you and give you as much advice as we can. The most important thing is that we understand what you are going through - so any time you need a chat, just shout!

xxx

Posted: 11 October 2007 at 4:00pm | IP Logged

Hi hun

I had spd with my pregancy and still have 18 mths on. There is an article on this site on spd. (go to articles then pregnancy and look for spd in the bottom bit of the page.) It tends to cover the basis.... i don't know if you have any persific questions please feel free to pm me.

I had a natural birth and with only gas and air. So it can be done.

There are quite a lot of mum's on here who have spd or have still got it or recovered from it.

Welcome to the site.

ps. I've pm'ed you with a list of web sites like the pelvic partnership page which has a lot of information to help answer questions etc.

Posted: 11 October 2007 at 8:02pm | IP Logged

Hello.

I suffered with SPD with my 2nd pregnancy. I had physio from 29 weeks, i was given crutches to help with walking and looking after a 3 year old was near impossible.

I had a vaginal birth, which thankfully was quite quick.  As Angelica72 said, keeping legs together when  getting in and out of bed/ rolling over in bed, in and out of the car etc, helps.

And a Must is to inform the hospital when labour starts.

My spd became very mild from 6 weeks post birth and by 12 weeks i was spd free.

It really is  a horrid thing and makes pregnancy miserable when it should be really exciting.

Take it easy and accept any help offered.

Posted: 12 October 2007 at 8:47am | IP Logged

Well, I saw doctor yesterday and he has prescribed codeine.  And for the first time in ages I've had a decent nights sleep - which OH was quite pleased about as well, as it means he has been able to sleep :-)

Thanks for all the comments, its really nice to know that I'm not the only one who is suffering - but at least the GP's and MW's around here seem very clued up on SPD and how to manage it.  I'm hoping that this means the hospital will be as well.  As far as I know, the John Radcliffe (hosp in Oxford) only has one room with en-suite facilities, so it'll be pot luck if I get that one when the baby arrives

So, just waiting for my physio appointment next Wednesday, see what they can do for me, and keep going to the Chiropractor - every week at the moment, and proabably for a while after the birth.  It is a training college I go to, so at least it is not too expensive...

Breakfast time !

Ali

Posted: 12 October 2007 at 12:57pm | IP Logged

Glad you managed to get a good nights sleep. Hope the codeine continues to help you. Good luck on Wednesday at the physio - let us know how things go.

xxx