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Pelvic dysfunctions, DSP and SPD

Traumatic Birth experience

My first birth was quite traumatic - I was 52 hours in labour and dont really remember having much contact...Read more

Traumatic Birth experience

I had a really horrible labour with my first I went through 60 hours of labour and where they had...Read more

DSP (Diastasis Symphysis Pubis) and SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) are two causes of pelvic pain in pregnancy. We know from your experiences that living with these problems can be extremely stressful and debilitating.

This page is about sharing some of your experiences of coping with these conditions and providing links to further sources of information and support.

Your views and comments

During my third pregnancy I did have some mild discomfort in the last few weeks, and when it came to the labour I was in agony for the whole time, couldn't walk around or anything, much worse than the previous 2 babies. I didn't know anything about spd, of course, and certainly not enough to make any connection with this difficult labour.

I am now pregnant with my fourth child and I have been having pain since about 15 weeks pregnant. My job is fairly physical, on my feet and getting up and down off my knees a lot. I cannot carry out many of my normal duties, and my boss has found lighter work for me, but still I will be taking maternity leave at the earliest opportunity. Hopefully things will not worsen in the next few weeks until that time comes. I can't afford not to work, and have only been doing an hour a day. I get pain mostly in my lower back and buttocks, across the top of my hips, and have had days where I cannot stand unsupported. My sacroileac joint crunches on a regular basis, and I feel as if my right leg is likely to fall off. Just this last week I have also had times where I have pain at the front joint, a sort of burning,stinging pain which is horrible. I had my 24 week appointment with the GP, and she is referring me to physio, so hopefully I will get help. She told me it is probably Diastasis Symphysis Pubis, but I guess we will see. It seems I am very lucky to have a doctor who knows about this condition. Luckily I was having a particularly bad day when I saw her and could hardly move.

Having read all the stories, I am hoping that things will not get as bad as others have had, but only time will tell.

Jessica

Hi I am currently 24 weeks pregnant and in the last two weeks, the pain has started up again, just like in my first pregnancy, but this time is worse.

The pain is spreading all down my left leg and I feel I have a severe groin strain. My hip and lower back is killing me and the it feels as if someone is sitting on my pelvis.

In the last couple of days walking has got unbareable. My husband is very supportive and my parents are going into work late and coming home at lunch time to take and pick my daughter up for nursery and friends are coming round to help me when is not at Nursery and my husband is at work.

My GP is no help and has just advised me to take painkillers, but like everyone else this is something I don't what to do.

I have 3 1/2 months to go and it feels like an eternity.

Tracy

I am 35 weeks pregnant with my first baby and have had SPD since I was 4 months. I now experience immense pain and have been advised about choosing an elective c-sec as midwife/physio are not sure my pelvis will cope with labour, but of course hospital disagrees and thinks i should try a natural birth. "They can always take me to theatre if needed"!. Doesn't this seem a more riskier way?

Ursula

I am still suffering with chronic pelvic pain four years after the birth of my second child. I was diagnosed with Osteitis Pubis only 9 months ago from x-rays taken as a last resort. I believe I had a separated pubic symphysis, I used to feel a click when I would turn on one leg, and subsequently feel shooting pains through my groin, up into my abdomen. Lack of appropriate treatment has caused the cartilage in the area to breakdown and become roughened. Treatment with a physiotherapist, seeing a podiatrist specialising in gait, and working with a gym who have trained staff for rehab has helped me become more mobile. The greatest problem is getting people who have no experience in the area to believe the pain, and to take steps to help. Family and friends may not have heard about it, and neither may your healthcare provider. The best advice I received was to make sure that I eat well, and look at finding nutrients to heal the damaged cartilage.

Information and Support Links

British DSP Support Group

The British DSP Support Group provides information and support to women with Pelvic Dysfunctions.

Their site offers a comprehensive information booklet, details of possible treatments,a discussion board link plus the stories from other mums.

Email: info@spd-uk.org

www.spd-uk.org

The Pelvic Partnership

The Pelvic Partnership is run by volunteers, all of whom have personal experience of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD).

Their aims are to give information and support to minimise the impact of pelvic pain on women, to prevent deterioration and to achieve a quick recovery. They feel that giving as much information as possible as soon as possible empowers women to make informed decisions about their care and their needs, particularly what they can ask from medical professionals.

Tel: 01235 820921

Email: support@pelvicpartnership.org.uk

www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk

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