Symphis Pubic Dysfunction

[bubbalove]

Hi All

Was wondering if anyone else has explerienced this god-awful side-effect of pregnancy? My doctor has ordered bed rest, or he'll admit me to hospital, which ain't happening let me tell you! There's no-one else to look after my little man...anyhoo, I'm after any ideas on how to get more comfortable/ease this serious discomfort. My doc said that physio is a waste of time/money in his opinion. I'm already going to the chiropractor, so I'll see if she can help. Any other ideas are gratefully appreciated! Thanks all

[xkwzit]

Hi
Sorry to show my ignorance...but I had some moderate to severe pelvic pain with my second baby, which was due to movement in the three pelvic bone joints as all my ligaments were softening up - is that what you're talking about? It really bothered me for a while, esp the joint at the front (pubic bone) which could hurt v sharply if I moved incorrectly. And I remember a day that I broke into a trot trying to catch a bus - I paid for that with a week of really severe pain when walking, getting up, rolling over (almost any time I moved). After that I swore of running (at about 7 months I figured it was probably a silly idea anyway). But I found that a single visit to a physiotherapist helped A LOT :) . She looked at how I was walking, getting up etc and helped me to understand how to use my muscles to help stabilise my pelvis. The pain decreased markedly after that visit (and all we did was walk and talk!) Hope that helps (and apologies if I've rabbited on about something that isn't symphis pubic disfunction :p ).

Cheers

[bubbalove]

Thanks Samantha, that is the same thing! It's awful some days (like today), and quite bearable others. Giving up work early is sounding better and better...

[H&B'sMum]

Hi everyone,
This months Practical Parenting Mag has an article on this subject. Just thought, Kerri-Ann, and anyone else with this condition may want to read it.

[willsmum]

I didn't have this but a close friend did. She saw a specialist physio (ask your ob to recommend one) and was given a special wide belt to wear low around her hips to hold everything together. By the end of her pregnancy she pretty much couldn't even walk without it. Good luck.

[bubbalove]

Thanks guys, I've only got 9 weeks to go, and it's been bearable lately, so hoipefully it will stay that way!

[Lucybelle]

I'd see a chiro or physio (typical of a dr to say it's useless), just to make sure your pelvis is as stable as it can be. I had a horrible labour cos of this. I think it would be worth it, and its not too late. :)

[bubbalove]

Thanks, I am seeing a chiropractor and have been for my whole pregnancy

[kerrie]

Hi Kerri Ann,
Glad to hear your S.P. pain has decreased a bit. I'm interested in hearing more about your chiro. Does he/she specialise in pregnancy...ie pelvic adjustments throughout pregnancy and prior to labour??? I knew a fabulous chiro in Sydney who did this but am yet to hear about anyone who has a special interest in pregnancy in Brisbane.
Kerrie :)

[bubbalove]

Hi Kerrie
I'm in the ACT, so that wouldn't help you unfortunately!

[kerrie]

Thanks anyway Kerri Ann.
If anyone out there knows of and can recomend a chiro in Bris who specialises in pregnancy/ pre-labour pelvic adjustments I'll love a name and a number :)
Kerrie & Weeny Buba Xx

[xkwzit]

Hi Kerri

I'd start with your obstetrician (surely they'd know someone?). I got my referral to a physio at the Wesley through my doctor (who's also based at the Wesley, natch) and she was great. After just one visit, I could manage my pelvic discomfort and was OK for the remainder of my pg.

Cheers

[kerrie]

Thanks Samantha.
I don't have an obstetrician but I'll ask my midwife.
Kerrie :)

[janey]

I suffered with pelvic symphasis from about 26 wks on for my first pregnancy (I was really doing too much exercise and repetitive movement through work) I started seeing a physio and she was fab but I ended up with a brace to wear and had to leave work earlier than planned. I had to spend the last 8 wks on the couch under the threat of a walking frame. I am now 12 wks preg with no. 2 and it has started ALREADY :eek: I thought maybe I'd be lucky and not get it this time - but I've heard it's worse each time. Is this true????

[Kassiasmum]

Hi Kerrie,
There is a guy at JAmboree Hts in Brisbane that specialises in pregnancy accupunture, I know that your were after a chiro but perhaps you could give him try, supposed to be excellent. His business is Shen Therapies, his name is Andrew Orr and phone number is 32795697. Not sure where you are having your baby, but he does do work with the Birth Centre and the Royal Womens, I think some of his charges goes to the birth centre.
Hope this helps and good luck
Tracey

[rebecca]

I am not too sure if this is related or entirely different, but I am sure that someone out there can shed some light for me....
Over the last couple of days I have been receiving jabbing/muscular pain in my inner upper right thigh...the pain is coming in toward my uterus but not in my pelvic region at all....I am off to the clinic tomorrow so will check it out with them...but was wondering if anyone out there has suffered similar pain or problems and can shed some light for me please

Bec & Peanut

[kerrie]

Thanks Tracey,
I know Andrew well, and yes he is fabulous. I'm actually after a chiro though. I dont actually have symphasis pubis pain.... just want a chiro to check my pelvic alignment and do any minor adjustments I may need throughout pregnancy so that I have optimum alignment prior to and to aid my labour.
I used to know a fantastic chiro in Sydney who specialised in this but am yet to hear of anyone in Bris.
But thanks anyway,
Kerrie :)

[shell]

i have a 4 month old . I had to same pain as most women do , i found if you have a warm bath that heat of the water helps to stop the pain for abit . Only thing is it gets hard to get in and out of the bath in the end . give it a try

[janey]

Hi Kerrie

Because I have recently moved to Brisbane my Chiro in Melbourne gave me a printout of the names of Bris based chiros who look after pre and post natal ladies as well as infants. If you want to let me know what area you can get to (ie. southside/northside/western suburbs) I can hopefully give you some names in that area.

Cheers, Jane

[kerrie]

Thanks Jane,
That would be great!
I'm on the North side.
Kerrie :)

[new mum]

hi kerrie,

just wondering if you could let me know of that chiro in syd, i've still got SPD and it's been 4 mnths after birth, it seems to get worse and worse actually, my gp just told me to be in warm water but really, there's only so much time you can devote to filling up the bath and jumping in there...

thx
new mum

[kerrie]

Hi New Mum,
There names are Leanne and Leon Moodie. Moodies Chiropractic in Sans Sousi.....can't remember the ph number sorry. Anyway they are both fabulous. Good luck.
Kerrie & weeny buba :)
PS: If u pop in and see them tell them Kerrie, the midwife from the birth centre, says Hi from sunny qld.

[janey]

Hi Kerrie

I have sent you a private message with the names addresses and phone nos of the chiros on the northside who were recommended by my chiro in Melb. I thought the privacy laws may apply to this info which is why I sent you a private message. Hope all is well for you and Weeny buba.

Jane

[kerrie]

Thanks Janey,
...Ummmmm, Haven't had a private email sent to me via bub hub before... How do I retrieve that??
Kerrie Xx

[BigmrsB]

:( Sorry to hear you are/were suffering with SPD. I myself have the condition on a severe level. Its stopped me from functioning properly and whats worse is I honestly think i can do things, attempt to move to do it, and then im in agony week :eek: .

I have 4 children at home ranging from 17 years to 6 years old and Im in the 36th weeks of pregnancy (yes, definately my last one :confused: ). I have never in my time of having babies ever felt anything as painful, as uncomfortable, and as immobilising as this is, even whilst sleeping.

I have been sent to my physiotherepist who did offer some great advice which has helped, walking on all fours was a good one, as this shifted the baby from her being on my right side and from being her back to my back.

The pain is still here and still bad, and my only hope now is that is clears up quickly after the baby is born and we dont suffer from any known side effects during labour :o .

I do hope you are feeling better now.

[wattle]

Hi. I too suffered with the pain. It has been six weeks since delivery and I'm making a slow but good recovery. I had a few days where I literally couldn't move one leg in front of the other, and one night I couldn't swing my legs into bed. I just sat on the side of the bed for hours feeling miserable.

I have noticed that doing heaps and heaps of pelvic floor exercises is helping. When I feel the pain now, the exercises actually relieve the discomfort. I found that a hot water bottle helped a little during pregnancy too. Might be worth a try. My physio said that it is quite probable that I will have it with the next pregnancy........ oh no please. Hopefully I'll recognise the signs if it happens again, and won't push myself physically as much.

Good luck to anyone who is suffering with this debilitating problem.

[Rainbowbrite]

I too have just been diagnosed with this today at my 28 week check. Not fun at all. Amazingly though the RMO at my local Hospital managed to get me in to see a physiotherapist this Thursday. Also told me that swimming or simply walking in deep water would be helpful to reduce the pain.

I really hope that something helps, the pain is unbearable most nights.

Rainbowbrite

[sandrakn]

Jane,

Could you please PM me the list of chiropractors - I work at Milton so someone nearby or in the city would be fantastic. Either that or out towards Springfield.

I think I have SPD - I'm now 33 weeks. I'm seeing my OB tomorrow so will see what he says but I'm pretty confident I have it if you know what I mean!

Sandra.

[bubbalove]

Hi All
I had my bubba a week ago today, and the pain in my pubic bone has diminished immensley! Not completely, but it's definately much more comfortable. So there is hope yet for everyone suffering this! Good luck to you all

[kerrie]

Hi Sandrakn,
I'll post you the list that Jane posted me,
Kerrie :)

[kerrie]

Bubalove, Congratulations!
I'll look on the birth stories thread to read all about it!!
Very exciting,
Kerrie :D

[Rainbowbrite]

Hi again,

I have had the first of a four week stint of Hydrotherapy and am in total agony even worse than before. Next time i need to take it easier and not push myself so hard.

Just a question to all that have suffered - do crutches or anything else ease the pain? I can't help but think that having something to support my weight would help.

Being 31 weeks pregnant with my first and in this much pain after such a wonderfully easy pregnancy with no morning sickness or anything else I suppose I shouldn't complain. Its just really concreted our decision to only have 1 baby

Thanks

[xkwzit]

Hi Rainbowbrite
My physio session focussed around getting me to learn how to use my muscles to help stabilise my pelvis, so I can't imagine that crutches will help. I also found that some of the worst pain would be when I was trying to roll over in bed (when there's no weight on your pelvis). It's all about too much movement in your pelvis (and this movement can be reduced by using your muscles while walking, sitting and rolling over in bed, once someone shows you how).

Having said that, you can get a strap that goes around you, a bit like a belt, but down around the widest part of your butt that helps to stabilise your pelvis. You can also use it when you're sitting fastened around your upper legs to help keep your knees together (which also helps to keep your pelvis stable). Made me think about bondage - but hey, what ever helps you through the day ;)

Ask your physio/chiro/doc about these options. The good news is it does go away v quickly post delivery.

(also my physio told me to REDUCE exercise (even walking). Maybe hydrotherapy is not what you need, have you considered getting a second opinion?)

[Rainbowbrite]

Thanks so much for the advice. I have also noticed that rolling over in bed causes more pain than anything. And that if I have a day with alot of walking or standing that I am in agony for days (Not fun when i can't afford to leave work yet :confused: )

I have heard about the belt, and will ask the midwives this week when i see them. They have told me to pretty much do nothing at home, rest as much as possible (luckily have a great husband) and just work short hours and do the Hydrotherapy because it gives me exercise without the pressure of weight. But i will definately tell the physio on Wednesday that I have been in agony since the last class.

Thanks again, i'll be sure to let the physio and midwives know its causing more pain and find out more about the belt :)

[shellbell]

hi girls,

this would have to be a side of pregnancy that you just don't hear about, so its great to see this thread.

my 2 cents - i developed this condition during my first preg, at about 7 mths and it wasn't particularly bad. when i fell preg the second time, i had horrible pain straight away, which lasted the whole time. it didn't help that i worked in a job where i stood all day and actually walked to and from work ( i was later told that walking and standing too long are both bad for SPD). and that awful pain when you need to roll over in bed ... excrutiating. i even had pretty bad pain after the birth of #2, but him being over 10 lb didn't help. thankfully its gone now

stupid pregnancy hormones ... :D

[cherrie]

hi all i am pg with bub #7 i first started to get the pain slightly with my fifth bub and has gotten worse with everyone thereafter i am 21.1wks now and i am really starting to feel the pain now i am having trouble doing everyday chores which is not good with all my kiddies as the house seems to get out of control hubby is really good he does almost everything

[summerly]

I am so glad I am not the only one to have had this. After the 14th week of pregnancy my pelvis started hurting - as if someone had beaten the front pubic bone with a baseball bat - and it continued hurting until long after I gave birth. The pain was sheer agony. I had physio and hydrotherapy and wore a belt to keep the baby wieght off the front but it didn't make a difference. Even walking had me in tears and I carried a pillow everywhere I went so I could sit on something soft. So this was 4 and 1/2 years ago and I still get pelvic pain when I walk long distances or stand on hard floors, or do things that involve pushing with my stomach muscles like heavy vacuuming and cleaning. We are planning on trying for a baby at the end of this year when out maternity cover kicks in but I can't help but be scared and think that it is perhaps the most stupid thing I will be doing. If anyone finds a cure please let me know because it is a right pain in the a***.

[sandrakn]

Thanks Kerrie for the list. I went to a physio recommended by my OB and since then my pain has been reduced. Not because anything physical that she did but just explained what to do and what not to do to help relieve the symptons.

I'm now at 38 weeks and find that some days I overdo things and the pain is worse. But at least I am now aware of what I should be doing. Fingers crossed it magically corrects itself after the baby is born.

Sandra.

[xkwzit]

Hi Sandra
Hope this gives you hope...my pain went away once DD2 was born. I had backaches (normal post delivery wobbly spine) but no more pelvic pain AT ALL.

Cheers

[Exportskip]

I have suffered with this for nearly 5 years. It first happened in the 16th week of my 1st pregnancy, but wasn't diagnosed until my daughter was nearly 3. She is now 4 and a half and the SPD has become managable although it's not gone away. I am 11 weeks pregnant and crossing my fingers. This time I will at least have some experience. Here are some things I have learned.

Do see a Chiropractor AND an Obstetric Physiotherapist. Ask your Chiro to pay particular attention to the Sacro-illiac joint. The proper abdominal exercises can really help you to make the best of what muscular support you still have. Take it easy and slow. Stay within your comfort level.

Take care if swimming, not to twist your pelvis excessively or slip on the bottom. Try to find a pool where you don't have to use a ladder for access - steps with a rail are better.

Do your pelvic floor exercises. Even sneezing can really hurt.

Do not put any undue stress on your pelvic floor. Don't hold on if you need the toilet. This will injure your pelvic floor muscles.

If you must climb stairs, keep your knees as close together as possible. Keep your knees together in general.

Don't stand or walk unsupported if you are in pain (simple enough but too many women push through this). See your physio about getting elbow crutches and a pregnancy support belt.

Don't let anyone tell you that the pain isn't as bad as you think. Don't feel guilty. Don't let them tell you this is normal pregnancy pain. If you don't get support from your health carer, find another one. Pregnant people are expected to be demanding, so make the most of it and demand decent treatment.

Measure how far you can comfortably part your knees and note this on your birth plan. take a piece of string with you if you need to when you deliver, so that the attendants know how far you can part your knees (especially if you have pain relief and cannot feel the pain when they are parted too far). Don't let them put you in stirrups. Talk to your midwife about delivering on your side.

If you have a C section, make sure they give you a laxative so that you don't bust yourself with your first bowel movement. Wind pain can be excruciating. Try Homeopathic Mag. Phos (follow directions carefully).

Don't lift or push heavy things. Heavy doors can be pushed if you back into them, similarly with sliding doors - stand with your back to them and pull the door towards you rather the trying to slide it front-on.

When turning over in bed, try to keep your knees together to avoid pain and that horrible 'clunk'. If you wear a long T-shirt or a nightie, use it to turn yourself: if it's under your bottom, you can pull it from behind you like a rug to help roll yourself over.

When buying a pram, try to find one that doen't require you to lift your foot to unlock or fold it. Some have a handle release mechanism that you should be able to bend down and pull up.

Take care getting in and out of cars. Keep your knees together and swivel out. Rent, borrow or buy what ever aids you think will help. eg: swivel disk for car seats; elbow crutches or even wheelchair if you need it; a strap attached to the bottom of our bed to help you get up; a stool for the kitchen or anywhere you can't avoid standing for any length of time.

If you can't lift your baby, use a pram where possible, even in the house.

Do try to organise as much help as possible. If there's someone who can help you with any housework that you just can't bare to leave. Don't carry wet washing - get a trolley to put it in. If you've had a C section you'll be more immobile than others.

PLEASE do what ever you can to get helpwith the things you can't do. The better you take care of your pelvis, the easier it will be for you. Accept your limitations and work to improve your health where you can. Be nice to yourself.

I really hope this helps someone :)

[jszapirko]

Hi Janey or anyone else, are you able to give me the details of a good chiro in Melbourne? I am seeing someone but I don't think he is experienced with Pelvic alignment. I think this is my issue. I feel so crooked. My baby is 8 months old and I can't pick him up. I am getting so distraught.

Also I have just discovered a SPD support group in melbourne. They are great. The email address and phone number is 0413 459 094.pelvicinstability@yahoo.com.au. They meet every 3 months.

my email address is Jszapirko@deloitte.com

thx

Jodie :)

[Mumof2+1]

Hi everyone.
I posted a similar topic about pelvic displacia. It started with SPD and now my whole pelvis is out of allignment. I see a physio at the Mater mothers hospital. I wear the belt and have to use a walking frame to get arround. Have only just got out of hospital because of this. They wanted me to stay until I had bub, but I have two children(8yrs & 6yrs) and no one to look after them as my husband does shift work so they let me go home.
I get maybe 1-2 hours sleep at night and have not been able to walk for the past few days. Have even wet myself a couple of times as I could not get up to go to the tiolet.(sorry if I'm getting too personal)
I go back to my doc on Friday to discuss being induced early.
Going by my LMP and 4 ultrsounds, I'll be 35weeks on Friday but the hospital doc says I'll only be 33weeks as that's what my first ultrasound dates are.
My ultrasound last week said bub's weighs about 4.5 to 5lbs.
Doc wants to induce me soon before bubs gets to big. She is worried because of the pelvic displacia I won't be able to have bub naturaly & would like to aviod having a c-section because I can't have an epidural due to disc desease in my back & I'm allergic to general anesthetic. My other two children weighed 8lb 3 1/2oz & 9lbs 1oz.
What is everyones opinion on being induced early?

Realy sorry to about the whining, :o I just don't know how much more I can take of this. :eek: :eek:

Trish
Taylah 8yrs
Jacob 6yrs
35eeks pregnant

[charlotte]

My daughter is nearly 6 months old and i am still suffering with spd. I'm under the physio who is going to refer me to hydro therapy which sounds fun but i feel very housebound at the moment and it doesn't help when you are told that i will not heal whilst i am breastfeeding and once i have it could be another 7 months before i see major improvements. This has put me off having anymore babies so much i am considering sterilisation.