Pelvic girdle pain or SPD

[swissmiss2584]

I believe I have Pelvic girdle pain.

"Other Commonly used Terms are:

Diastasis of the Symphysis Pubis
Symphysis pubis dysfunction
Symphysiolysis
Posterior Pelvic Pain
Symptom-Giving Pelvic Girdle Relaxation in Pregnancy

Symptoms
PGP can begin in the early weeks (wk 14-22).
Pain is usually felt low down over the Symphysis Pubis joint, which may be extremely tender to the touch.
Present swelling and/or inflammation over joint.
Difficulty lifting leg.
Pain pulling legs apart.
Unable to stand on one leg.
Unable to transfer weight through pelvis and legs.
Pain in hips and/or restriction of hip movement.
Transferred nerve pain down leg.
Can be associated with bladder and/or bowel dysfunction.
A feeling of symphysis pubis giving way.
Stand with a stooped over back.
Malalignment of pelvic and/or back joints.
Struggle to sit or stand.
Pain may also radiate down the inner thighs.
You may waddle or shuffle.
Aware of an audible ‘clicking’ sound coming form the pelvis.
The symptoms of PGP limit the ability for the woman to carry out most daily activities. She will experience pain involving movements such as dressing, getting in and out of the bath, rolling in bed, climbing the stairs and sexual activity. Pain will also be present when lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling."
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I have many of these symptoms. When I get up in the morning I start off walking bent over and taking small steps until my body adjust because it's so painful. I want to get adjusted by a prenatal Chiro and was wondering if anyone else has been adjusted and it helped them?

Also, will this affect me while in labor and giving birth? Will it be more painful? Harder? Would my midwife be against a home birth if she knew I have SPD? I haven't told her yet.

[Greenmama2AJ]

I had terrible SPD, it was quite painful in the last month or so. I couldn't swing my legs out of bed, I had to turn onto my stomach and crawl backwards off the bed (can you imagine what that looked like, lol) I could feel myself clicking, found it painful putting on underwear. Actually, I think I could check everything on that list, lol

I went to a chiro when I was 38 weeks.
It turns out my right hip was out of alignment with my left - a very common problem caused by kneeling, or wrapping a leg under while sitting, and favouring one leg.
I think this contributed to the SPD.
I did some gentle exercises where I stretched using strategically spaced chiro cushions. I was given tips on how to sit, bend etc I did HEAPS of squatting, which sounds painful but is actually really good for aligning your hips evenly. I think the chiro definetely helped with my alignment but my SPD was still painful until I gave birth.

Can you have a home birth with SPD?
For sure! Dont give up on your homebirth. Tell your midwife. Labour in a position that feels comfortable (for me this was on my hands and knees). Be aware that the SPD may cause some issues like shoulder dystocia - if this happens (it did to me) you might tear - so have your midwife ready to turn bub if needed.

Does haing SPD make labour longer, more painful or harder?
No. I laboured for 4 hours (contrax started suddenly at 10pm by 2am my son was here). Pushing was a pleasure (I enjoyed pushing much more than those wild contractions) and didn't hurt - btw, I pushed for 2 of those 4 hours (that stuck shoulder I warned you about).

So get squatting and see that chiro. I bet you'll have a wonderful birth

[swissmiss2584]

Squatting?!?! I was wondering because I feel so out of shape since feeling all of these painful symptoms because I stopped my squatting and walking. Knowing that they help I will try them for sure. I am looking forward to seeing a Chiro!

Thanks so much for your help and encouragment!

[2+twins]

I had very mild SPD with my first 2 dc but then had it super bad with my twin pregnancy. It helped some to see a chiropractor. He did order me a belt to help with it but it bothered my skin so I'd only wear it around the house over my clothes. It didn't affect me having a homebirth at all (my mw was not phased by it) and it's not something I noticed while in labor. I actually had very quick births the last 3 times (the longest was 2 and a half hours). I'd highly recommend a birthtub if you weren't already planning one. It just makes things that much easier (movement, etc.).

[swissmiss2584]

I think my SPD is on the mild side. I don't think it's as bad as some of the stories I have heard! Some women can't even get out of the bed. I pray that mine doesn't get that bad. It's good to know that it doesn't really affect the labor process or success.

[xelakann]

I had awful SPD... not to be too dramatic but it is one the reason I'm not sure I want to EVER get pregnant again... however I did have a wonderful water birth. I loved the freedom the water gave me and I didn't notice that it caused any problems during childbirth. I didn't like some positions (like the birthing stool) but I did squat in the water.

I was very uncomfortable the day or two after the birth, but I was surprised how quickly I started feeling better.

I think the water was the key for me.

p.s. I did weeks and weeks of chiro treatment. I think it helped a lot too. It kept me aligned and helped with baby positioning.

[3daughters]

I'm 38 weeks pregnant and am suffering from this too. I've been seeing a chiropractor (actually, I've tried 2) for over 4 months and I haven't found any relief . I, too, wonder how it will affect my birth since I don't have the mobility that I'd like to move around freely. I'm hoping that once the adrenaline kicks in it won't be as obvious...

[SalmonBayDoula]

I have had several clients with this

Several clients have had this over the years, and some of them quite severely. In attending their labors, I can't say that it seemed to limit them or that they complained about the PS pain. It almost seemed to become less painful or noticable once they got into the groove of labor. Maybe their body's own endorphin rush in response to the oxytocin.

Good luck and do seek out chiropractic care, it can be a big help!

Sharon

[dkenagy]

This is my fifth pregnancy. I had some significant pelvic joint pain with my third (my fourth didn't go to term), this time I am in PAIN! I can hardly put on pants or underwear for that matter, can't turn over in bed, stairs suck, and I'm having trouble getting in and out of our van. I just started back to seeing the chiro (I wish I could afford to go all the time!) for the last few weeks of this pregnancy and it's helping already. The pelvic instability is giving me a lot of lower back pain and the chiro is DEFINITELY helping with that.
I have to agree with the squatting. Even though lifting one leg at a time kills me, squatting feels so awesome...the gentle stretching and, i dunno, it's like perfect leverage. I also love straddling the birth ball.

[zoebird]

on my web site (linked in my sig) are some movements under the elimination sequence that seem to help a lot of women with these sorts of aches/pains.