Symphisis Pubic Dysfuction (SPD) any releif???

[guitarhero_queen]

Hey everyone,
Doctor has told me i have SPD and if anyone unsure of just what that is its a TERRIBLE burning/ripping pain in my pubic bone which feels like someone hacking at it with a circular saw! Its especially bad after resting and when rolling over in bed!
Im 38 wks almost and wondered if anyone has had this before and how to i get some releif?
Can they induce me early? I cant even look after my 2 yr old anymore...

[AnyDream]

See if you can get into a women's physio, either at the hospital you will be attending or otherwise. They should be able to fit you with a support garment that sits around your hips and pelvis and can help. They may also be able to massage out various muscles which will help realign your pelvis and they will give you tips on how to keep your weight centered and keeping your knees together when you get in and out of hte car, etc. When you roll over in bed, roll onto your tummy, get on all fours and then turn (it's much less painful than rolling on your back). I'm not sure about induction, best to speak to your doctor about that.

There is a SPD support group, their website is here.

[Diamond75]

Ohh you poor thing!!!!!

I had this with my last pregnancy. Mine started at 15wks and I ended up sleeping upright on the lounge for 7mths as I couldn't sleep on my side or open my legs to get on the bed and using crutches from 20wks... so I know what you are feeling!

At 38 weeks you haven't got too far to go which is good although I doubt they will induce you as (despite begging/pleading/crying) my ob told me they wouldn't induce a pregnancy when the baby isn't at risk incase the induction didn't progress and a c-section was needed (hence unnecessary surgery for the mother).

Whilst in labour its important to let the midwife know you have SPD especially if you have a epidural as you can't tell if your labouring position is hurting your pubic bones. (does that make sense???) and I also agree with the physio (now and after the birth).

If its any consultation I found that shortly after birth (about 2hrs) later I had a huge improvement and about 3mths later I am back to normal.

On the down side.. I have heard it gets worse with each pregnancy!!

Sorry I can't offer any real advice, just lots of hugs and hopefully you will soon have your beautiful baby in your arms!

[guitarhero_queen]

thanks guys!
oh wow diamond sounds like you had it bad! I am seeing the physio on wednesday and the hospital have given me a brace which is helping a little bit. Thanks for the advice about labour...i hopefully will avoid an epidural if i can and ill be sure to tell the midwife!

Thanks guys and good luck with everything!

[~Raven~]

Ow you poor thing

I had it with my last PG and I have it now, though it is still rather mild ATM.

You need to be super careful with your movements. Make them slow and deliberate.

Try not to lean on one leg more heavily than the other. ie get up off the floor using the couch using both legs at the same time for support and not in a kneeling (think man proposing) type fashion. When you're getting in the car then sit your bum on the seat first and then swing your legs around, reverse for getting out.
If you're not already sleeping with a pillow between your knees then do so.

In my case I was still in a lot of pain after the birth and I had to continue with physio and being very careful with myself. Post birth my symptoms seemed to peak at 6 months and then thankfully day to day stuff was fine (ie picking up the washing basket).

[Sugar83]

I too suffered from SPD in my first pregnancy but didnt find out that was what i was suffering from until about 30 weeks along and i had my son 4 weeks later. My doc just kept telling me the pain i was experiencing was normal preganancy pains. I'm now 18 weeks into my 2nd pregnancy and already the pain is getting really severe. I'm starting pregnancy hydrotherapy classes next week which i'm hoping may help but i'd say i may end up needing a brace in the next few months. I've read somewhere that putting an icepack on the pubic bone can help alleviate some of the pain and ive found sleeping with a body pillow helps as well. Hope you don't have to suffer from this terrible pain for much longer and you soon have a healthy happy bubba

[Nicambhar]

I have it severely now and have been on crutches for the past month, which is good as it takes the weight off.
I do see a physio and have a massage weekly. It's very painful at the time but at least I seem to get a good sleep that night.
As for the pain when you move, take it very slowly and clench your pelvic floor muscles and buttocks, it helps to stabilise everything and reduce the pain.
Another tip, put a plastic shopping bag on your car seat to help you get in and out easier.
HTH...

[BellyBelly]

We have two great osteopaths in the BB pregnancy centre who specialise in women's health and would definitely be able to help. Unfortunately though we have some stairs leading up to the centre...