20 weeks - SPD already? :(

[sunflower33]

Hey everyone

I'm new here but wanted to write a post as I'm looking to see if anyone else is suffering with SPD already? I hadn't expected this kind of pain so early

It's my first pregnancy. My symptoms are: pain shooting through my pelvis when i try to turn over in bed, pain after a few minutes walking, pain if I sit down in a slightly imbalanced way...

Sometimes it feels like an ache or shooting pain in my coccyx, sometimes it's right in my pelvic bone at the front, like I've been kicked between the legs!

I'm wearing a pelvic support belt now which is helping quite a bit, but have had to totally stop doing the physical work I was doing (I have horses and dogs) - which is really frustrating and getting me down a bit. Still 4 and half months to go!

If anyone else can share tips or experiences I'd be very grateful

 

[Rose83]

I had this in my first pregnancy and they didn't label it SPD but it was exactly as you describe. In my second and this third pregnancy I believe I have SPD as I get all sorts of aches and pains when walking etc. I think I probably had a mild form from about 18 weeks in my first pregnancy and then having three babies so close together has just set it off much worse, sometimes I get this feeling like I feel like everything will fall out down there! Although that was really after birth (you can get the trouble after birth as well while everything heals).

So anyway with my first I saw a physiotherapist and they advised that when doing everything like getting in and out a car, rolling over in bed etc that I needed to keep my knees together (I told them it was a bit late for that!) and behave like royalty or a celebrity. So for example when getting in or out the car not to step in/out one leg at a time but to sit on the chair facing out the side of the car then swivel my legs in or out with knees never parting. It does work to relieve the pain if you remember to do it all the time. I therefore imagine that horse riding etc would aggravate everything. I would also get yourself a support pillow, you'll definitely want it later on but right now it's good for placing between your lower legs/knees to elevate the top leg when lying on your side so that your hips are kind of level if you see what I mean - it definitely relieves some of the bedtime discomfort x

 

[Kitana]

Hey Sunflower! I have spd since week 12. Sometimes it's mild, and sometimes I can barely walk. I do notice that I'm pain-free when I don't lift anything heavy anymore. And when I do, I squat way down and lift, don't bend over, that makes it worse!! I sleep with a pregnancy pillow between my legs and ankles as well, that helped me loads! Don't lie down on your back by the way! Lie on your side only. Don't wear heels and don't cross your legs when sitting down. Don't stand or walk too long, I tend to have more pain when standing around a lot. It's a lot of don'ts but I have been mostly pain-free for 2 weeks now. You could ask your GP about a chiropractor who can help you strengthen your pelvis.
Good luck! xx

 

[kumber]

Exactly what Kitana said (although I use a regular pillow rather than a pregnancy one, just personal preference). Keep your knees together when rolling too as that will help keep your hips level.

Also when getting in and out the car, put your seat back and swivel yourself out, again keeping your knees together. Try and limit your driving if you can as it will be more painful to drive as you get bigger.

I would also add that a physio may be beneficial too, as they are free and they will give you muscle exercises to balance your hips.

I feel for you, SPD is horrible. I've had it in both pregnancies and will most likely have it in this one!

Edited to add that Rose has said the same thing so excellent advice from both ladies!