What Is It?

SPD is a kind of achy grindy pain around your pelvis/hips/top of your legs.  It is caused by the hormone relaxin softening up your ligaments.  It does this so that the pelvic bones can seperate and let babys head through during birth.  Unfortunately the hormone starts it’s effects sometime after 12 weeks so the joints and muscles in that area can ache from quite early on.  Most ladies start to get it around 25 weeks.  The effects normally wear off after birth as the hormone stops being produced.  However in some cases the effects can linger on and in rarer cases it can be a purely postnatal condition.

What Are The Effects?

Walking becomes very painful and sufferers can develop a waddle.  Also any activity using one leg at a time can be tricky (stairs, getting into a car or bath, moving in bed etc).  Lying on one side can make the ache feel worse.  Any activity involving opening legs may also trigger the pain so swimming breaststroke and (sorry girls) some sexual positions may need to be avoided amongst others.  ** Swimming breaststroke will feel ok while you do it but will aggravate the issue for later on when you’re dry.

Effects On Labour & Birth

The standard lay on the bed flat on your back position will most likely cause pains in trying to keep the legs open particularly when pushing.  If opening legs is difficult laying on one side can help (if can bear the possible ache of lying on hips).  Ask a supporter to hold your top leg.  Squatting will likely also be out.  Kneeling and leaning forward takes the most pressure off the pelvis – try kneeling on bed and leaning over the back of it (or a couch if at home).  Epidurals do take away the pelvic pain as well as the labour pain but special care may need to be taken when the needle is sited.

Help/Comfort In Meantime

Anti inflammatories may be prescribed by your GP depending on your stage.  Physiotherapy can help.  There are pelvic girdles you can wear to help the muscles support the area and reduce the pressure.  Chiropractors/Osteopaths are sometimes helpful but be sure they are trained to work with pregnancy. A TENS machine can help as can accupuncture.  In some cases you may need a crutch/crutches to get around and in very severe cases a wheelchair.  Some exercise plans can be given to help – pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles that are taking the strain.  Also water can take the weight off and provide welcome relief.

Other info

• It is sometimes recommended for sufferers of SPD to leave a 2 year gap between pregnancies.
• If you suffer in your first pregnancy it will likely be worst the next pregnancy and again for further pregnancies.
• More info is available on the website: http://www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk/