Oti Mabuse, who is expecting her first child, has revealed a ‘difficult’ health problem she is dealing with.
The former Strictly Come Dancing pro, 33, and her partner Marius Lepure, 37, revealed in August that they were expecting a child together.
Oti has kept her fans updated with belly photos ever since, but she has now revealed one of the disadvantages of her pregnancy.
The fitness enthusiast revealed her struggle with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) in a video of her training.
SPD, according to the NHS, is a combination of unpleasant symptoms caused by stiffness of the pelvic joints or unequal movement of the joints at the rear or front of the pelvis.
While this is not hazardous to an unborn child, it can be unpleasant and have an influence on movement.
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Oti took to Instagram to express how her ailments have made it difficult for her to exercise.
‘I completely fell off the bandwagon with my fitness and I immediately could feel it when I went back,’ she wrote.
‘My core strength was not what it was, my balance was off and my ability to hold certain positions was gone.
‘The pain started really slow but at night while sleeping would intensify (I’m not wearing a belt yet but as weeks go on I definitely will).’
Oti continued: ‘Aside from physiotherapy exercises, I still try to continue to stay active in any way that is not painful.
‘My level of activity depends on how severe my SPD is that day. It can be very frustrating if you used to exercise regularly and have to stop. Walking, sitting, driving all become a bit painful.’
Determined to remain optimistic, the South African dancer said: ‘But we push on and grand ourselves some GRACE!
‘Taking it slow and breathing through everything – change is good, it might be difficult but it’s all for a good reason.’
She then asked her followers how they had dealt with similar pregnancy problems.
‘Aawwhhh – bless you. Just take it step by step, keeping both yourself and baby safe along this beautiful journey of life 🙏🏾🙏🏾🫶🏿’, one fan commented.
‘Oh I remember how painful SPD was so I really feel for you ❤️’, another wrote.
According to the NHS, physiotherapy can assist to minimise long-term suffering while also offering advise on how to cope with the mental burden of living with chronic pain.
Oti – who stepped away from Strictly in 2022 after seven years and two wins under her belt – and Marius revealed their upcoming visit on ITV’s Oti Mabuse’s Breakfast Show this summer.
Oti finished the event by hinting that she had been ‘holding in some happy news’ by pulling her spouse in for a hug.
She said: ‘Speaking of things that you didn’t know at home, we have a little something for all of you, we’ve been holding some good news.
‘We’re having a baby!’