Pelvic instability/SPD - does it always happen in the next pregnancy?

[mim1]

I had pretty bad pelvic instability/SPD in my first pregnancy and I'm wondering if it always recurs in future pregancies? Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk? I'm trying to lose weight, so that next time around I weigh less, but I'm not sure that weight played a big part in the first pregnancy.

The worst thing was that from 30 weeks I couldn't even go for a walk outside my front door, unless it was around a shopping centre - I had to walk on completely flat surfaces only. And of course that meant I ended up with gestational diabetes on insulin.

And, now 14 months after delivery I still get little twinges every now and again. I'd probably say that it's only been a few months since I felt it was no longer a major issue.

[Ky]

No ...

My friend had it really bad in her first pregnancy and was on crutches (no easy task when you have cerebral palsy!) and then 4 ½ years later she had no problems with it at all and carried a larger bub.

[MrsP]

I didn't have it at all with my first, then with my second I had it but it was manageable - that was 13 mths ago.

I'm now due with my 3rd I have it so bad I can't even pick up my daughter most days, I struggle to get out of bed & can't do housework.

As for walking around shopping centres, forget it! I can't do a bloody thing except waddle the most slowest of waddles lol!

I'm not that big either, so I really don't even think it comes down to weight problems.

Unfortunately you may get it again, then again you may not. I'd be prepared for it though...

[threeofthem]

I had it with both of my bubs, the first wa worse even though there is only 13 months between babies but i think it is because i had a really good physio and went twice a week the whole pregnancy and only from 25 wks with the first. however after ds i have never felt right and have started swiming to try to strengthen up my core muscles which helps to support the pelvis, this is what should be the thing to aim for before trying for another bub, a good physio will help you with this.
I hope this helps.
I know how you all feel and it hurts. I lived on pain killers for both pregnancies, that might help also.

[Shakey]

i've knowen people to have it quite bad with one pregnancy (needing crutchers etc) and then go on to have another baby 2 years later and have no problem at all

[mim1]

Thanks! I really do need to get back to the physio!

[wonkyjoints]

Hi There,
There is lots of information about this at www.pelvicinstability.org.au (http://www.pelvicinstability.org.au) - this is an Australian association set up to support women suffering from pelvic instability - might be worth having a look.
Best of luck,
Kate

[starr28]

i am totally new to this site and think its great! i am currently 33 weeks pregnant and am seeing a physiotherapist for my pelvic pain issues and i recently asked the same question regarding future pregnancies. she thinks it depends on several things... your weight/fitness, position of the baby, size of the baby... since all these things can be different with each pregnancy i think it will unfortunately be a case of suck and see!

[justmum]

Hi there Mim1, I had it badly with my first pregnancy and it is something I am worried about for subsequent pregnancies.

I managed it by going aqua aerobics with a physio twice a week. She modified my exercises (no side stepping, leg opening, etc) to take the SPD into account. It really helped me a lot.

[stellarella]

I had it terribly with Oscar but it only started from about 37 weeks (he went to 42 +5 weeks)
This time I am seeing an osteopath.

[bunintheoven12]

Had it with both pregnancies and both times it was equally as painful. I saw a chiropractor to try and get some relief.