SPD - any advice?

[cocoloco]

Hi all.

I was wondering if anyone could advise...

I developed SPD around 8 weeks ago and so am avoiding exercise as a result :-( I tried basic step now and then which wasn't too bad but I feared I could make the condition worse, so that's stopped now. Stepping didn't hurt in itself but could I have been aggravating the problem, especially when considering simply walking is so very, very painful. No idea why one method of movement hurts more than the other. Lower body weight training workouts are completely out of the question, even with no weights being used as these are just excruciating.

I'm concerned as to how long it would take to recover once baby is born (in about 4 weeks) and what type of exercise can be done post delivery?

Thanks!

COCO

 

[MSJ]

What is SPD?

Maggie

 

[Beccat]

Hi! SPD stands for "Symphisis Pubic Dysfunction" and it is a condition in the pelvis, which is brought on by the pregnancy hormone relaxin. Basically, the hormone has caused the joints in the pelvis to soften/loosen and this causes extreme pain and discomfort...when walking or putting weight on one foot.

Unfortunatly, I know about this, because I have developed it myself. This is my third pregnancy. I was diagnosed with it during week 20 or so of my pregnancy (I am in week 34 now) I have been unable to exercise since then. Not even walking as the risk of injury could do further damage. I have had to go to physical therapy a few times and the PT tries to realign my pelvis. As a result of not being able to exercise, I have gained 30 lbs already and my body is so so chubby! I guess I look like a 5'2" pregnant woman who hasn't exercised much this pregnancy. That is tough because I am normally pretty fit and thin. I still have 6.5 weeks to go!! I could gain 40 lbs by the end! Anyhow...sorry to complain about my own ailments Coco, but this has really gotten me down not being able to exercise and putting on all this weight. I don't recognize myself. I read this forum every day and wish so much I could join in on the pregnancy exercise check ins.

To answer your question about exercise after delivery...I am holding on to the hope that after the first couple of weeks, I will be able to start back with walking and adding in the high intensity cardio and lower body work to get my body back. My physical therapist seems to think that with nursing, the hormones may prevent my body from healing back to normal "non pregnant" mode for some time. I pray she is wrong. I read the post partum check ins all the time and see how great those women are all doing getting off the weight. (Melanie is amazing )I hope it is the same for us.

I'm not sure if I am giving you any info you didn't already know...but you are not alone! Most people have never heard of this SPD condition!

I wish you well...maybe we can support each other with this!!

Take care,
Becca

 

[cocoloco]

Hi Becca

Chin up girl, Melanie really does look amazing now and we can console ourselves happy in the knowledge that we can use a really good rotation that's going to get results and fast

Anyway, thanks for your input. This truly is a miserable condition isn't it. Some days the pain is quite manageable but other days the pain is just unbearable for me and even trying to get out of bed has me crying out :-(

I'm so envious of everyone maintaining an exercise program thru pregnancy and I too have enviously been reading what everyone else is doing. In fact, I'm not envious, it's pure jealousy!!!! }(

I haven't had any physio yet but my consultant recommended I should start if it gets worse. This past 10 days has seen the condition really develop, maybe the baby has engaged which has caused more pain?

Wish I hadn't read that nursing prevents the body from healing back to normal "non pregnant" mode for some time! x( Ah well, I know what I'm up against now ;( Melanie's weight loss work-out will have to wait a little longer for us, no doubt huh?

If I find out any info about this condition, I'll let you know!

Take care of yourself

Coco