SPD/PGP Support thread

[livin]

Mrs Glitz, I had vaginal births with all 3 kids. SPD got progressively worse with each pregnancy, was on crutches at 15 weeks with last pregnancy too. They induced me at 38 weeks. Was also told I couldn't have water birth for same reason as you. As long as you have a definite width that you can't open legs past (from physio), the midwives should be able to work with you, you and OH can make sure they don't try to open legs any further. Physio should also be able to give you birthing positions suitable to you.

Personally, after the pain of pregnancy, I don't think I could contemplate the pain and recovery from a c-section. Although I didn't have instant relief from birth, the difference in pain level was immensely reduced. I'd definitely speak to your physio first before you make your decision. Will they induce you early if you decide not to have a c-section?

Oh and don't talk to me about midwives and time, I turned up for my 2.00pm appt to find they had changed it to 2.15pm, didn't get in to see midwife until 2.55pm and was pick kids up at 3.00pm from school. I literally asked for my MatB1 form and left. Thankfully the hospital had given me a full check last week and I didn't have any worries but 45 minutes late and I was the 2nd appt of the afternoon.

 

[Caroline]

I wouldn't opt for c-section just cos of spd Mrs Glitz, vaginal birth is possible I had severe spd last time & managed without any difficulty, just make sure that you know how limited you are in spreading legs and that your OH knows too.

When I delivered my lil girl my OH held one leg & student mw/dr held other to ensure that I didn't open legs too far.

I couldn't have water birth either & the reason is, if baby is in distress you need to be able to get out of the pool quickly which you can't.

You need to remember with a section that there is a much longer recovery time, you can't lift/bend for upto 6 weeks & no driving, couple that with recovering from spd then it is a very uncomfortable few weeks. I was still using crutches for the first few weeks after I had lo.

You need to see your consultant who will make the final decision on whether a section is truly necessary. Mine only does sections if absolutely necessary, something I'm glad about. He opts more induction @ 37 weeks, so all being well next week I will be getting a date for induction.

 

[MrsGlitz]

I am going to speak to the hospital on Sunday about whether it would be OK for a water birth with DH assisting me. I understand that they can't provide assistance themselves but (as it currently stands) I don't actually need lifting, just support to sort of swing my legs in (I sit on the side of the bath and with DH's support swing my legs in, if that makes sense?). Failing that I will speak to the physio as Livin suggested. I can't walk without crutches (I can shuffle! ) and I can't stand for any length of time.

 

[MrsGlitz]

Thanks Caroline! I'll ask for a referral to a consultant to discuss options anyway then. The recovery time from a section does worry me as does the post partum pain.

Cheers ladies, you've been very helpful. Do you think it's worth giving the mw a call and asking her to arrange a refferal now or wait until my 34 week appointment? I like the idea of going for an induction at 37 weeks instead, if possible.

 

[MrsGlitz]

Thanks Caroline! I'll ask for a referral to a consultant to discuss options anyway then. The recovery time from a section does worry me as does the post partum pain.

Cheers ladies, you've been very helpful. Do you think it's worth giving the mw a call and asking her to arrange a refferal now or wait until my 34 week appointment? I like the idea of going for an induction at 37 weeks instead, if possible.

 

[livin]

You should still have time from your 34 week appt to arrange for induction at 37 weeks, but if your worried, you could ask your midwife for confirmation. Its 38 weeks for induction at my hospital and I am to see consultant at 37+1, so leaves 6 days for them to sort it.

As for the water birth, from what I remember the water birth pool/bath is quite high at the side, and I was desperate to use it, but they wouldn't let me in at all even though OH offered to help me in. The danger is what Caroline said, that although you think you would manage to get out, if it was a critical situation it would hinder interventions from medical staff.

 

[sambam]

woo hoo - got my first physio appointment for 3rd of march!
been in agony today - it always seems to be during the night, then first thing in the morning not good when i have a toddler to run around with all day plus so tired all the time now compaired to 1st & 2nd tri when i was bursting with energy ... not fair lol x

 

[MrsGlitz]

Yay for the physio appointment! My pain is also usually worst during the night and first thing.

 

[lynnikins]

speaking as someone who has been in a birthing pool then in the middle of contractions that are 1-2 min apart and lasting for a min and being 10cm dilated its dam near impossible to get out of one of them things anyway and after being in the water dont most of you find you have some pain relif effect from the water making movement easier caus i find after time in the bath that im moving easier with less pain anyway.

 

[Tudor Rose]

im off to see the consultant today for the 1st time, was in agony last night im not bad this morning but took my painkillers anyway as i have a lot on today and i know i.l be sat on my heated bean bag come tea-time.

 

[MrsGlitz]

speaking as someone who has been in a birthing pool then in the middle of contractions that are 1-2 min apart and lasting for a min and being 10cm dilated its dam near impossible to get out of one of them things anyway and after being in the water dont most of you find you have some pain relif effect from the water making movement easier caus i find after time in the bath that im moving easier with less pain anyway.

That's the thing, I feel almost totally pain free in the bath. Well,
compared to how I usually feel!

I'll discuss the water birth option on Sunday at my antenatal class, maybe I'll be able to 'test' my ability to get in and out. I presume birthing positions will be discussed too.

 

[wannabubba#4]

Hi MrsGlitz - I know this has been answered already by all the other lovely ladies but her's my story and opinion (for what that's worth lol)

My third pregnancy I had spd and delivered vaginally with no probs at all.
I have never had a c-section but have friends who have and they have had problems with severe pain, reduced mobility and wound infections. It also hinders b-fing too, as the hormone released on successful delivery vaginally is dormant in c-sect babies so it can be more difficult to establish. NOT impossible though!!

GoodLuck whatever you decide though xx

 

[MrsGlitz]

I have decided to see the physio and speak to her about positions, ask my mw (or physio? I don't know who?) to measure the pain free gap and ask for a consultant referal anyway. Also, what do you do about pain relief? As an epidural and pethadine aren't advisable from what I gather.

 

[lynnikins]

gas and air and a Tens machine is what i used for pain relief with DS and they gave me co-codamol/co-drydamol in the early stages to take to allow me to get some rest

 

[xxEMZxx]

In my leaflet I got from midwife said that epidural was recomended for the pain for SPD? I'm still waiting for a letter to come through about physio.

 

[wannabubba#4]

Gas and Air for me too -pethidine with my first baby (not with spd) and it made me hallucinate so I wouldn't go down that route anyway lol.

And I have been told epidurals are a bad idea with spd also; as you can inadvertantly cause further (and sometimes permament) damage due to not feelign where your spd pain boundaries are.

I am planningto deliver in a CMU anyway, so no epidurals are aailable -Am hoping to still use the birth pool though, its a walk in one so shouldn't be too difficult (I hope!!)

xx

 

[cymrucath]

I had a different mw yesterday as my usual one was on holiday and she said that she suffered spd throughout her last pregnancy and she used the birthing pool and found it a lot easier to let the water allow more freedom of movement. My symptoms have changed a lot in the last week or so and I now have almost complete range of movement and my pain free gap is the same as it was before I was pregnant, however everytime I put my right foot to the floor I have a searing agonising pain that fires through my hip, groin and back. I also still can't move around at all once I am on my back, I am a bit like an upturned caterpillar!! Not because of reduced movement as such but because of the pain that is in my right hip and groin! My first mw said that a birthing pool wouldn't be available to me because of the spd but the one yesterday said that they are tricky to get in and out at the best of times so as long as hubby is there as he picks me up like a feather we shouldn't have a problem anymore than we would if I didn't have it!! I have a one 2 one referral on Tuesday with the physio so I am wondering if there is anything she will be able to do to free the nerve (as that is what it feels like now) in my back!!

 

[MrsGlitz]

Sorry another question from me. How big is/was your pain free gaps? Mine is 8.5 inches between the knees, does a normal birth sound do-able?

 

[Caroline]

Mrs G I don't think mine was much more last time, & I managed it no problems. I was going to have an epidural last time as my contractions were back to back & my hips were hurting bad & mw said I was only 6cm dilated so had a few hrs left to go. Thet didn't have a problem with it, but I never got chance as lo decided to arrive b4 they had chance to do it.

I'm going to see how it goes. I wouldn't have thought there would be a problem so long as you & moe importantly OH no how big your pain free gap is. Not measured mine yet, but pretty sure it isn't very big. When laid on my side I can't open my legs at all.

34 week consultant referral should be fine they will probably see u around 35 or 36 weeks to see what is best.

I'm like u Mrs G I can't walk without crutches either unless I shuffle like a geriatic penguin with piles. Mine seems to have got pretty bad this past week. I'm in agony on a noght I just can't turn over in bed at all. It hurts across bone & down thighs its horrible. I took painkillers last night which helped a little. Pain just seems to get worse as day goes on. Have to take tabs @ lunchtime too. Trying to keep it to twice a day. I'm at the point now where I am never pain free.

Seeing consultant week tomorrow, hoping I'll get date for induction, and praying that this lo is not breech anymore 'cos I so don't want a section.

 

[MrsGlitz]

Thank you Caroline. Apart from you ladies and my DH, only one other person has encouraged me to go for a natural delivery. Other people (those who haven't had SPD) have said if there is a chance of an emergency section to just opt for an elective.

As I said, I will book in with the physio to discuss positions. I am wary of an induction as I heard that makes labouring longer and more painful but I don't know if I could cope
going to 40+ weeks. I'll ask for a consultant referral and see what s/he advises.

Sorry you are having a tough time Caroline. Good luck for tomorrow! Will be thinking of you, make sure you update us as soon as you can! I love your image of a geiatric penguin shuffle! Exactly how I feel! I can't turn over in bed either, it hurst everywhere to do so. Last night when I woke (only the once!) I couldn't even roll onto all fours to turn over so I had to wake DH! I think that was just as much to do with Baby H's position as the pains. But I only woke the once so can't complain too much!