AS if women don't have enough to cope with during the agonies of childbirth, it has become apparent that - for an increasing number of mums-to-be - there is another racking pain to be confronted during pregnancy.

Experts have known about Symphysis Pubis Diastasis, a natural process which allows the pelvis to open up for the birth of the baby, since 1870.

But, as our reporter Alison Fraser has discovered, dozens of women from across Worcestershire are suffering agonizingly.

Last week, Helen Crump told the Evening News the condition - which has been dubbed by some as "The Worcester Disease" - had changed her life. Many more women have now echoed her thoughts.

Today, we report how Sarah Scott had her first experience of SPD 19 weeks into her pregnancy with her child Myriam.

Now she is preparing for the birth of twins and has been told she will endure excruciating pain in her joints.

"I'm already geared up for this time," she says. "But once I'd given birth it was instant relief. I was up and walking again soon afterwards."

The senior physiotherapist in women's health at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Sally Martineau, has told us that it's because women are leading more active lives that the condition is more prevalent.

Her aim is clear. "We want to prevent SPD from getting any worse by offering physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, advice and maternity belts," she says.

"We're not trying to scaremonger, we just want to reassure people that if they rest then they will limit the problem."