SPD

[Ab202]

Hi ladies,

I have seen my GP today who has diagnosed me with SPD. He has suggested getting a support belt and also referred me to a physio.

I was just wondering what people's experiences were with this?

Where can I buy a good support belt?

And how long will it usually take to get a physio appt? He said I'd get a letter through the post and that they generally tend to be quite quick with pregnancy, but didn't really specify how long I'd be waiting?

Thanks!

 

[becsybabe]

Hiya I'm 36weeks and have been suffering from severe SPD/PGP since 15 weeks. I'm currently on the verge of being admitted due to this. My advise is take it easy, get the belt from your physio. I'm on crutches also. Roll out of bed. Keep your legs together don't separate them. If your pain is on the front area use ice packs if the pain is the back then heat so a hot water bottle is good. Pop a carrier bag on your car seat to help you swivel out of the car without having to open your legs. Rest as much as you can but also do light walking. Anything like hoovering get someone else to do take it easy and don't over do it. Unfortunately it's only going to get worse as u go thru the pregnancy. Xx

 

[Ab202]

Oh goodness! That sounds so difficult! Couldn't imagine going through it for that long! Thank you very much for your advice! How long did your referral to a physio take? And does every case of it get worse through pregnancy or is there a way it can be managed?

Hope everything goes as smoothly as it can with baby arriving x

 

[becsybabe]

I got the letter thru pretty quickly but had to wait a month for the actual physio session but will be different in every area. I would have thought. Iv had it with two of my pregnancies and in both cases they have got worse this time it's more severe tho but I was told that it would be. So I was prepared. Just please take it easy and don't be afraid to ask for help don't over do it and don't think one day your not in as much pain so spring clean the house because you will pay for it later xx good luck xx

 

[kumber]

I've got pretty severe SPD which has gotten worse with each subsequent pregnancy. No idea what's going to be happening as the pregnancy goes on but physio is usually started within the week to help take the pressure off your hips and pubic muscles.

Definitely take it easy, keep movement slow and gentle, and keep moving. If you're in a queue, walk on the spot to help keep your hips moving, keep knees and ankles in line with your hips, and not together, as much as possible. Definitely discuss the option of crutches too

 

[Ab202]

Thank you so much ladies! Really reassuring to know other people are in the same boat! It's gotten worse quite quickly over the space of a few days, so it does seem like it's going to keep going that way - especially as I have quite a physical job! Thanks for all your advice, I now feel like I know what questions to ask etc when I see the physio!

 

[kumber]

Make sure you inform work as they need to provide you with regular rest and somewhere to do your exercises - you normally need to do them about 5 or 6 times a day

 

[Ab202]

Physio was a waste of time! Given 2 exercises to do, didn't even read my answers to the questionnaire, told me the band I spent £25 on was rubbish and instead gave me a stretchy bandage??? Also said that she'll see me at 34 weeks cos things will be more "set" then apparently? (Does baby not grow for the last 6 weeks then... duh! Haha), and said if I'm struggling to walk at 34 weeks (like I already am now), then she'll give me crutches. Very unsympathetic and was expecting a tad more support tbh!

 

[nikkix86]

ive been suffering for ages im pretty much housebound now. luckily ive only got 16 days left but the consultant gave me codeine today as i cant walk anywhere or drive. ive tried belts, crutches and nothing helps

 

[kumber]

That's disgraceful Ab, I would go through your GP instead of paying for private. They should whizz you through being pregnant.

 

[Ab202]

This was through the GP, gutted! Hoped they'd help a little bit more! My GP did give me codeine but I can't take it during the day due to side effects (makes my head go funny!), but doesn't really seem to improve my pain at night either as I still wake up in pain! Suppose I've just gotta ride out the next 10 weeks!

 

[nikkix86]

i feel your pain ive had it for about 10 weeks maybe more. so glad ive only got 2 weeks left to go!

 

[Emmajaine]

You do not have to ride it out at all!! Please go and see a chiropractor! They WILL be able to help you massively.

I had big issues with Spd last pregnancy, was signed off work at 27 weeks, because I couldd barely walk. The physio I saw was like yours, complete waste of time. I tried belts etc, but nothing helped until I saw the chiropractor. A good chiropractor will be able to do some manipulation and get your pelvis more stable. They will also advise you on belts etc (mine gave me one!) This pregnancy I have started having some pain. (started at 7 weeks) so went straight to see my chiropractor and we are working on keeping my pelvis stable and supported, and so far it's looking good.

A good website to look at is the pelvic partnership, there is loads of good info on there.

Em x

 

[sunflower33]

I started to get bad SPD at 16 weeks but with some changes it has actually eased considerably now (I'm 31 weeks)

My tips are:
1. Don't get constipated! A full bowel definitely puts pressure on the pelvis. I have improved my diet and also take stool softeners (dulcoease)
2. The promedics Wiltshire belt helped me a lot
3. Millions of pelvic floor excercises. If I'm walking or lifting anything I make a real effort to engage my pelvic floor
4. Rest.
5. Also: move! Find any movement that doesn't hurt and do that, little and often. It's so important to stay gently active, for your body, baby and your mind!
6. Silky pyjamas so you can slip around in bed easier

 

[SalisburyMum]

I got a good tubi grip and told to suck my pelvic floor in on the exhale with each movement, which helped a lot.

I am having acupuncture next week for it and making sure I walk every morning really helps.