OOooh The Pain!!

Hi I mentioned SPD at my phsyio appointment and she said that the hormone will be almost out of my body now so things should start firming up in my hips and pelvis. She did a test where she got me to raise my legs one at a time and then did it again but holding my hips together really hard. The second time around I could lift my legs a lot easier as they felt lighter and she said this would start to improve now.

She's given me some other exercises to help my back as my body is using the wrong muscles because my deep stomach muscles are weak. Worth doing after birth and feeling upto it, feel next to hip bones, about a couple inches in and draw these muscles in, do pelvic floor at same time. She said no end of women don't do them right and end up with bad backs and using the wrong muscles to lift and balance with.

My SPD was really bad with the last pregnancy and I wore the belt too. It did improve straight after birth and then got better month after month. I suppose it'll just take time.

I hope yours feels better too after your new arrival. It's all worth it xx

I've just come from my first appointment with the Physio for my SPD which I have been suffering from for weeks. She informed me that the hormone that loosens the ligaments tend to stay in your body for up to 6 months after you stop BREAST FEEDING - I asked her if my pain would get better and she said "yes" as the weight of the baby wouldn't be putting pressure on the pubic area but in some cases the woman does still suffer after child birth. She told me that if things didn't start to get better within 6 weeks of giving birth I should contact her for another appointment as there are lots more help they can give after you have given birth - before then it is pretty much gentle exercises and the support belt.

Don't know if this helps but I would definately mention it at your physio appointment - can't hurt can it?

Take care
xx

I didn't realise that SPD post pregnancy could re-appear when you have your period. That must be what's happening to me. It feels like my legs are coming out at the sockets when I move sometimes..like when I was pregnant. And hurts at night when I'm lying on my sides.

Tonight it made me laugh as I'd bent down to tidy the toys up when my partner came home from work and I got stuck. Well it was either laughing otherwise I'd have cried. Ouch!

I have a phsyio appointment on Monday for my back and thought I'd trapped a nerve or something but I might mention this and the fact I had SPD with both pregnancies.

Do you think it ever goes completely if you've had it bad before?

Pain at 33 weeks can be due to a whole host of things and I would advise that you get checked out by your midwife. My first thoughts from what you are describing is what is called Symphasis Pubic Dysfunction, SPD for short. The pelvis has a join across the pubic bone where the two halves of the pelvis meet, which loosens in pregnancy preparing for the baby to pass through. Sometimes this loosening process causes the pelvis to move slightly causing the mother considerable pain. Pregnant women with SPD often complain of pain on walking, unable to get comfortable enough to sleep and pain on getting in and out of bed . There is no treatment for SPD and it resolves itself when the pregnancy is complete, but things like a pregnancy support belt swimming and simple analgesics (paracetamol) can help can help. Also if it is SPD it may be worth asking for a referral to an obstetric physiotherapist for further advice.

hi i had SPD with both pregnancies, from 16 weeks with second, the support band will help a bit in the early days but as you get bigger it doesn', sitting on a birthing ball really helps. The physio will just tell you to keep your legs together, don't cross them as this lifts one side of your pelvis higher than the other. kepp your legs together when gtting in and out of the car and bed. i hope these tips hlp, the up sideis it disappears after birth however it dos rear its ugly head ever time you have your period. good luck with everythng x

Hi, I'm 36 weeks and have been getting bad back pain too, especially after walking - christmas shopping was a bit of a nightmare! I agree, try & see a physio - I saw one a while back and she gave me some really good (easy) exercises which do help, and also sitting on an inflatable gym/birthing ball (if you have one) when watching tv instead of slumping on the sofa seems to help! Hope you feel better soon.

Hi, I am feeling the same as you. I have been suffering from really bad bad ache for the last 3 weeks and finding it harder to walk because of the pain. I went to the doctor a few weeks ago who said i could take paracetamol for the pain, i also saw the midwife last wednesday who suggested wearing a support band. I got one from mothercare for £10.00, it has helped a little but yesterday i was in that much pain I was actually crying. I couldn't even bend to put my shoes on because of the pain. I have made another appointment to see the midwife for this wednesday as the doctor did mention they could refer me for physio. I have still another 10 weeks or so to go and just don't think I can bear this pain for that long.

Between the band and the paracetamol they have helped a little but I am hoping the physio will help even more.

Like Katyallen says contact your midwife, hopefully she can help.

Good luck, let me know how you get on.

HI, it sounds to me like you are developing spd, i've had it since 28 weeks and is very nasty and painful. I was also told at first that it was preassure from the baby. I would seriously consult a doctor or midwife as they may wish to send you to a physiotherapist, they will prob give you a support band and maybe even crutches if it is so bad. sounds awful i know but i've suffered since 28 weeks and am now 39+4. it doesn't really get any better either until the baby is born. i really feel for you if you have it bad. sorry if i've scared you, but unfortunately we are the few unfortunate women who have to go thru this. take care. x