DOZENS of women from across Worcestershire have revealed the agonies they face during pregnancy, after the Evening News highlighted the torture of Symphosis Pubic Dysfunction.

Last week, Helen Crump told how the condition had changed her life - and many more women have added to her painful testimony.

SPD affects pregnant women by softening the pubic ligaments.

But, while it is supposed to prepare women for the birth of their children, it can cripple them.

Sarah Scott is one woman who fears what will happen to her during her second pregnancy.

The 25-year-old mother to two-year-old Myriam is expecting twins at Christmas.

But she knows that before this pregnancy is over, she will endure excruciating pain in her joints.

"I've been told the pain's going to be a lot worse than before," said Sarah, who lives in St John's. "I don't know how bad it's going to get but, when I had Myriam, I was on crutches.

"I'm only 17 weeks gone now, and it's already starting to hurt. I'm having twinges and aches after a bit of walking. It's going to be hard getting around."

Sarah first experienced SPD 19 weeks into her pregnancy with Myriam.

"I thought it was a trapped nerve, I'd never heard of it before.

"I had a stabbing pain on my pelvis and the simplest thing, like moving in my sleep, hurt.

"We went looking for literature but we couldn't find anything, just a photocopied leaflet. But the hospital was brilliant.

"I had physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, which helped ease the pain. But, once I'd given birth, it was instant relief. I was up and walking again soon afterwards.

"I'm already geared up for this time."

Because of SPD she has already been told she will be booked into Worcestershire Royal Hospital in the run-up to Christmas for the delivery of the twins.

She underwent a caesarean section with Myriam, 10 days after it was recommended.