Alison Fraser talks to more mothers who have been affected by Symphosis Pubic Dysfunction, a rare condition that is affecting women across Worcestershire

EXPECTANT mum Debbie Herbert is already struggling to manage with the summer holiday.

While looking after her energetic four-year-old daughter she is experiencing the agonies of Symphosis Pubic Dysfunction.

The 30-year-old suffered from the crippling disease while she was carrying Sophie.

And, only 16 weeks into her second pregnancy, she is already in excruciating pain.

"With a small child and a house to run, the last thing I want is to be in a wheelchair," said Debbie, of Nelson Road, St John's, Worcester.

"But if it gets that bad then it'll happen.

"I've been in terrible pain. Walking down the stairs and back is as much as I can manage some days. Most days I'm bedridden.

"I'm having physiotherapy for it to see if it helps but when I had it the first time it didn't.

"It wasn't this bad with my first child."

Because of the severe pain, Debbie has been signed off work at Tesco, where she is employed on the checkouts.

She can't stand or sit for long periods and has crippling pain down her legs. Between pregnancies she experienced twin-ges in her legs.

"I hope I don't have to go in a wheelchair but it's quite bad," she said.

"But the way it's going there's nothing I can do."

Debbie has spoken to her midwife and doctor about her condition but has received no explanation for the disorder.

"The first time I had it the doctor said it was because of the way my baby was lying on the pelvic bones. He thought it was a one-off.

"There are a lot of people I know who have suffered from it, or who have it now," she said.