Pregnancy Forums

Posted: 31 July 2008 at 9:15am | IP Logged

Hi Hun

Firstly welcome to the site.  I'm Tsena and i live with my dp in cambridgeshire and our 2 boys. I am a post pregnancy spd suffer and had this with both pregnancies. I’m sorry to hear you are in pain… are you pregnant and is so how far on are you?

It does unfortunately sound like it is spd… and my midwife was keen to write it off as a trapped nerve! We have an article here which gives you some self help ideas… but if your struggling with anything in particular post it up and we’ll all brainstorm for you.

Yes it can start mild and gradually build or it can come on suddenly, i would go to your gp if your mw is refusing to acknowledge the pain you are experiencing.... it might be worthwhile if possible to see a different mw.

We also run a buddy system (see the button at the bottom of my post) where you can get one on one confidential support.

As for seeing a osteopath some people have had good outcomes with members in this profession but be careful to check that they are fully trained in pregnancy related conditions.

Keep on the waiting list to see the physio as they can help with belts and exercises but you’re doing something sensible and seeking help.

Good luck at the osteopath and I hope you are holding up ok. Hugs hun

Posted: 31 July 2008 at 9:44am | IP Logged

SPD can definately come on slowly and its important to get physio soon as it can sometimes get worse suddenly without treatment.

See if you can convince your gp (not mw) to get the referal to the physio put through as urgernt - make sure they are aware it could make things worse if you dont get seen soon. Ask the physio for a support belt, they dont work for everyone but if you can make sure the physio manipulates you pelvis so it is level and then put the belt on it will help keep it in line and therefore pain free.

Ask your osteopath if he has any experience in spd and pregnancy conditions. If he doesnt make sure you have info on SPD with you so he is fully aware of it. The idea is to try and make sure the pelvis is stable and straight and the ligaments arent too slack. Also practice pelvic floor exercises as this will help keep the ligaments tight.

I have never seen an osteopath but I have seen a chiropractor and she was very helpful in keeping my pelvis stable.

Pain medication is avaliable in pregnancy so if the pain gets too bad see your GP, dont suffer in silence.

Read the article and look into the buddy system Tsena mentioned, this site is so helpful as far as SPD is concerned and we all try to support each other. I am a post pregnancy SPD sufferer in the process of being put forward for pelvic fusion surgery. Its been a rollercoster ride for me but it doesnt have to be this bad. You have to fight your corner though as everyone wants to put it down to 'normal' pregnancy pains - listen to your body, pregnancy shouldnt be painful.

BTW I'm maddy and I live with my 3 year old son and hubby in Cambridgeshire. I look forward to getting to know you more.

Posted: 31 July 2008 at 10:34am | IP Logged

Hiya hun, firstly welcome to madmums, I'm Jennie and a single mum to 5 lovely kids.  I'm not as knowledgeable as the previous repliers when it comes to SPD but I do know what it feels like in pregnancy.

I got SPD at the very end of my 4th pregnancy though at the time it was put down as the usual aches and pains of being close to term, I also had gallstones during that pregnancy so my mind was usually on that.

My 5th pregnancy however was much more severe.  It started around the 14 week mark and like you have described, it came on very gradually.  I noticed it was a little more painful to do certain things.  I was shrugged off by my midwife and doctor.  By about 22 weeks the pain was unbareable, I pushed to get in with a physio and for a set of crutches.  It was still shrugged off by the midwife until about 34 weeks when she realised I wasn't kidding.

I'm one of the lucky ones, mine went almost immidiately after birth.  It still returns now and again when my monthly is just about to arrive but it's not as bad as it was.  I hope you manage to get people to listen and you get yourself sorted out soon xx

Posted: 31 July 2008 at 3:33pm | IP Logged

Thank you all so much for coming back to me so quickly, I have really been touched by your support.

You've spurred me on to put pressure on my GP for a quick referral. This is my first pregnancy (I'm 26 weeks now) so it's hard to know what might be normal and of course we all try not to 'make a fuss'...

I have spinal problems too which the midwife is also less than interested in, so hopefully my GP will show more interest.

I do trust my osteopath as I was seeing him on an off for a year or so before I got pregnant, but I'm not sure what he know about pregnancy related conditions so I'll definitely take your advice to bring information on SPD even though it's not confirmed yet.

Am off to phone my GP right now! By the way, I'm Jo, I'm 34 and I live in Stafford with my boyfriend. Thanks again and I'll let you know how I get on.

Posted: 31 July 2008 at 3:46pm | IP Logged

Glad we could help hun. I sympathise completely. Its difficult with a first pregnancy to know what to do for the best. Just remember you know your body better than the mw and gp - if it doesnt feel right it probably isnt.

In the mean time take it easy. Lots of rest but get up and move around a bit every hour or so to prevent yourself siezing up. Try to avoid doing anything where you have to open your legs too wide (ie breaststroke swimming) or open them seperately (careful with stairs - when getting in car sit in it first then swing both legs in).

Best of luck and keep in touch. Let us know how it all goes.

(Congratulations on your pregnancy by the way)

Posted: 31 July 2008 at 3:59pm | IP Logged

Awww many congratulations on the pregnancy.... do push your gp.... i think it's appauling that the mw doesn't seem intrested in your overall health.

Good luck with your gp and ostopath.... if he doesn't know much about it i'm sure he will have a network of people to get the information from.

Hugs hunny and listening to your body is the key don't push yourself into doing more than you can do.... learn your new limitations and do all you can.

Posted: 08 August 2008 at 8:14am | IP Logged

Hun

I'm glad your osteopath was upfront sounds like you've found a good one. As for seeing the physio well done.... i wouldn't worry about buying a belt hunny they should issue you with one and if they don't ask them.... so if i was you save for money for now hunny....

As for your mobility getting slowly worse the best tip i can give you is learn your limitations what you can reasonably do and if needs be let the housework slide it'll be there another day.

If you are struggling with anything inparticular let us know and we'll try and brain storm a solution for you.....

Also might be worth discussing it with your mw and putting in place a request to speak to your consulatant about your care and possible induction of labour incase you get to the stage of being unbearable.... some consultants have long lists so it might be better to plan ahead.

Huge soft gentle hugs hun x

Posted: 08 August 2008 at 10:00am | IP Logged

Wait til you see your physio as it may be that they provide support belts - mine did. Whether it helps or not often depends on how 'level' the pelvis is when you put it on. If it isnt straight then it will probably cause more pain. I cant wear mine but I know of others who find it a god send so wait and see what the physio says.

I'm glad your osteopath was able to help and your physio referal has been bought forward.

Make sure you dont overdo it - SPD is not a condtion to 'push through' - know your body and limitations and take it slowly.

I'm glad the tips on the site are helping. If you need anymore advice just shout.