Diagnosed with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction.. how will it affect my job?

Question

I'm 23 weeks pregnant and currently off sick from the pain and due to go back tomorrow. I work as a nursery assistant which involves a lot of physical work which aggravates it (Hence me being off sick after going to the doctor with unknown hip/pelvis pain). I saw my physiotherapist for the first time today who says it's SPD but hasn't been able to give me a belt as she has had to refer me to another physio who specialises in womens health.

I've already called my boss who said that I'd be moved into the 3-5's room for the rest of my pregnancy which I'm not looking forward to as spending the day with a group of chaotic preschoolers when I'm in pain and can't do much isn't my idea of fun, but it avoids the lifting..

I'm just worried about what I am/am not going to be physically able to do and what I should avoid??

Answer 1

I was in exactly the same situation. I was in 1-2 when I was diagnosed, but was moved down to babies as it was a lot quieter in there. You should also be doing a regular risk assessment (I did one weekly) to keep a check on any task that is causing you bother.
My physio was able to give me a belt straight away, which helped, but she also gave me some excersise to do which really made a difference. The easiest one was pelvic tilts, lie flat on your back and tilt your pelvis back so the whole of your spine touches the floor. Lots of pelvic floor excercises too.
When getting in/out of bed or car, don't spread your legs apart, keep your knees together and swivel on your bum. Sleep with a pillow between your knees. Try not to walk around too much (hence me being put in babies, no running around after them, just sit down for cuddles and bottles!). Go swimming, but don't swim, just bob around in the water and let the wamth soothe you, again keeping your legs together. Once you've seen the other physio and are starting to feel better, (and believe me, you will!) try to find some aqua-natal classes and tell the instructor about your SPD.
Most of all, just take it easy and TRY to enjoy your pregnancy! Good luck with the rest of it and here's to a beautiful baby!
(Make sure the midwives know about the spd when you go into labour so they don't yank your legs around.)

Answer 2

Hi There:

I had the same problem around the same time, and I felt like I was the ONLY person who had it! I worked in an office with 50 women, and NONE of them had that disorder.

I was lucky enough to get in with a good physical therapist who helped me learn some simple ....SIMPLE....excercises that would raise half of my pubic bone to the same level with the other side. I DO feel your pain. I felt like my pubic bone was ripping in half. I had a sitting job, so getting up with knees TOGETHER is the key. Walking, and especially getting in and out of vehicles was so difficult.

The physical therapy helped a lot, but I was forced to quit once I got within my last 4 weeks of pregnancy for fear that the therapist could actually do more harm than good. I was very inactive during the last 6 weeks in general.

Sad to say that almost 8 months after my baby was born, I still have a little pain. I never thought I would say it, but it is a small price for such a beautiful gift!

You will be okay if you can just get some good PTherapy while you still can, and just relax.....Although it hurts horribly, it will not kill you. (I know I thought it would!)

Answer 3

I would avoid lifting any children as this will increase the pressure on your pelvic area i know this will be difficult in the job you are doing, but id ask to be moved into the baby room were you wont be in great demand from the children in your care. If this is not possible id try it for a few weeks and if you cant cope with it go back to the doctors and sign you off for the rest of your pregnancy as this condition can lead to permanent damage for you and you could end up in a wheelchair or crutches till the bone fully heals months even years after the birth. Good luck and congratulations

Answer 4

i suffered form s.p.d from 16 weeks pregnant and my daughter is now four months old and i am still suffering i cant climb the stairs, lift, take long walks in fact most of the time i just shuffle around my problem hasn't gone because i refused to give up my job when i was told to, we needed the money. now i wish i hadn't pushed myself to hard as i done more damage and was in a wheel chair for awhile. physio helps a lot and buy a belt try to not spread your legs to far or walk unevenly i am now walking unaided but it really hurts i get rest from the pain by laying down with my legs resting higher then my head and ice cubes down my pants its cold but it helps when you go into labour you must tell the midwifes good luck take it easy and i hope it gets better soon

Answer 5

hi ,i suffered with that from about 20 weeks of my 2nd pregnancy ,i found i couldnt walk to far ,it is hard to explain the pain isnt it ? all i know is that the 2nd half of my pregnancy i rested as much as i could and did not rush about 2 much , do wot u feel u can but try and rest as well

Answer 6

You really need to have a long talk with you employer- they seem to be unaware that they have a 'duty of care' to you as their employee.
I've worked for a lot of years with children of this age and it is not the place to be if you are unwell.
You need to think very seriously about your own and baby's health and welfare.
Good luck

Answer 7

Sorry hun, I'm not able to give any advice on this but I also had this problem during both of my pregnancies and I was in absolute agony. My sympathy goes out to you but congrats on the pregnancy! :o)

Answer 8

you answered your own question with this statement:
as she has had to refer me to another physio who specialises in womens health.

only they after examining you can give work do's and don'ts

unless you want one of us here to examine you?