Thread: Do you think it might be SPD?

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could help me. I'm 29 weeks pregnant and since very early on in the pregnancy I've been having pains in my pelvic groin area and lower back area. It hurts mainly when I get up from a sitting position, when mounting the stairs, when turning in bed and when going for long walks. This may be unrelated but I've always had trouble with my joint, where my leg slots into my pelvis. It always needs clicking back into place, and now it's gotten alot worse during pregnancy, needing to be clicked back a few times a day. As this is my first pregnancy I really don't have a clue as to what is normal, but according to others I've spoken to they've never had this problem, so I am left thinking it isn't a common thing.

It has died away a bit now, mainly due to the fact that I haven't been leaving the house much to avoid walking. I went to Morrissons for a food shop and gave up on the way home one day. After that my DF has been buying all the food after work to bring in, or I order online.

I've spoken to two midwives about it, and neither seemed very understanding. They say if it becomes unbearable they could refer me to a physiotherapist. I doubt whether that would do any good, plus how bad does it have to get before they refer me, I already can't leave the house much. I saw a lady on Portland Hospital, the TV program, get her pelvis clicked back into position by a chiropractor I think, or maybe that was physiotherapy??. This was the only thing that worked for her after undergoing other treatments from people who didn't know much about the complaint. How would I go about getting this kind of treament?

Does any of this sound familiar. I realise that SPD can be very severe, and up until now my symptoms haven't left me incapacitated or anything. Do you think I might have SPD, should I suggest it to the Doctor? And if I do have it will it affect my birth?

Thanks
Fizz

Go see an osteopath - really. I saw a physio during my second pregnancy for SPD and there was nothing they could really do for me. Seeing an osteopth the second time around kept me from getting completely incapacitated the third time around.

Meanwhile, have a read of the info here http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/pubicpain.htm to see if anything fits your situation.

Hi there.

Totally, totally agree with Nan, see an Osteopath, and asked to get referred to an obstetric physio NOW for practical help.

It does sound like SPD, especially the stairs and turning over. Can you get hold of a maternity belt? It can help a bit.

And a bit late....but keep your legs together.

Thanks, that website has been really helpful. Reading about my symptoms on there does make me think I might have SPD. Luckily I have a midwife appointment tomorrow so I will be more assertive with my new knowledge, and ask for a referral. I'm so glad that I now know about the correct birthing positions and the need to avoid intervention where possible, as it seems that the birth could do more subsequent damage in some positions and so on.

I will have a look around for a maternity belt, thanks Pie for the suggestion. Hehe if I understand you correctly about keeping my legs together, gosh well that won't be hard, pregnancy has done my sex drive in lol.

By the way does this Scandinavian heritage ring true for anyone? It doesn't for me, but might be interesting to see how accurate it is.

Fiona XX

I've got a maternity support belt that the osteo recommended which I wore for a few months during my last pregnancy. Had to stop wearing it when my hips and belly got too big. I'd be happy to send it to you if you want it. Just PM me with an address to send it to.

Hi, just a quick update, sorry for the delay I haven't been able to be online much.

I spoke to a different midwife. She couldn't believe I hadn't been referred before now. Unfortunately she's referred me to a physiotherapist, apparently they don't refer you to an osteopath or chiropractor on the NHS, which is annoying, if you need it, you have to go private, and I don't know how I can afford this with all the new expences that a new baby entails.

I looked up my DF's Bupa scheme and unfortunately I'm not covered there either as it's pregnancy related and they don't cover you because of this.

Oh well, I will see what the physiotherapist says. Hopefully an appointment will come through before the baby is born :disagree .

Nan, thanks so much for the offer of the maternity belt, I will pm you when I figure out how to use the system

Fizz XX