SPD During Pregnancy

It is also known by the name called pelvic girdle pain. Symphysis pubic is the joint where two pubic bones meet at the front of the pelvis. Pregnancy can cause the joints to swell and turns them less stable, which causes SPD. This condition is not harmful to your child but can be for you, if not taken care of.

How Common Is SPD In Pregnancy?

SPD is diagnosed 1 in every 300 pregnancies. That counts SPD with all its signs and symptoms. On the other hand, some experts believe that around 25 percent of all pregnant women will experience SPD to some extent.

 Symptoms Of SPD During Pregnancy

The symptoms of SPD during pregnancy are listed as under:

• Pain in front parts of the pubic bone
• Excruciating pain while walking
• Pain in the lower back, both or one side
• The ache in the perineum (the area between anus and vagina)
• Pain which makes it difficult to sleep at night
• Back pain, hip pain, pelvic pain, etc.
• Pain in the pubic area radiating to the upper thighs and perineum.

What Causes SPD During Pregnancy?

There are a few causes of SPD during pregnancy:

1. The most common cause is pregnancy affecting almost every 1 in 5 women
2. Relaxin is the hormone secreted during pregnancy, especially in your hip, stomach, pelvic floor, pelvis to loosen muscles and ligaments. This often leads to imbalance causing pain or discomfort.
3. The weight and positioning of the baby are also responsible for pain in the pelvic area. Having a big baby increases the chances of contracting SPD during pregnancy.
4. Though very rare, other causes can be injuries in the pelvic, osteoarthritis, and sometimes no cause can be diagnosed.

What Can You Do For SPD During Pregnancy?

There are several remedies to treat the SPD during pregnancy or to reduce the pain. A few of them are as follows –

Physiotherapy

It is the first and foremost solution to ease the pain. Physiotherapy not only minimizes pain. It also helps improve the functioning of muscles and pelvic joint position and stability.

Hydrotherapy

It lets you exercise in water to allow free movement by releasing the stress on the joints.

Medications Or TENS Therapy

Additional support equipment like belts to give relief from pain, crutches, and applying cold or heat to the swollen areas may also be recommended for the treatment.

Exercise

Be active and exercise regularly only to the extent which your body and the doctor allowed. Doing Kegel and pelvic tilts regularly will help to strengthen the pelvic muscles.

Sleep

Try sleeping on your side with the support of the pillow to relax the pelvic joints and muscles.

Avoid Triggers

Be extra careful while doing activities that involve lifting one leg. For example, climbing in and out of the car, climbing the stair, etc. Avoid lifting or pushing heavy objects. Always sit down while putting on pants.

Wear Pelvic Support Belt

Pelvic support belts provide firmness to the hips and help to stabilize them. The belt provides extra comfort and support to the ligaments that are loose as a result of pelvic expansion and relaxation. Wearing a pelvic support belt is a great remedy for SPD.

Does SPD Make Labor More Painful?

When in labor, it is suggested to choose your comfortable position for a natural and less painful birth. Women with SPD can often stress about the pain during labor, but you must find the right position for you to prevent the worsening of SPD then.

You must avoid, however, lying on your back, squatting position, stirrups, taking any medications, etc. You can use a birth pool to take the weight off the joints and help in moving freely.

Can SPD In Pregnancy Lead To Pregnancy Complications?

SPD during pregnancy does not affect your child as much as it does the mother’s body. Many women have delivered normally while still having SPD. However, severe pain can lead to negative thoughts and depression, which is certainly very harmful to the child.

So, avoid:

1. Bending and twisting when lifting anything
2. Putting weight only on one leg
3. Carrying a child on hips
4. Sitting on floor
5. Legs crossing
6. The long duration of standing or sitting posture
7. Vacuuming
8. Carrying heavy objects or items with one hand etc.

FAQs

Can SPD Come On Suddenly?

SPD usually occur in the second trimester, but can also occur at any stage gradually or come in suddenly. It can begin during the time of labor and can even continue after giving birth.

Is SPD Same As PGP?

Pelvic girdle pain or PGP is caused by uneven movement and stiffness of pelvic joints. Initially, professionals called pelvic pain during pregnancy, as SPD, but now it is known as PGP as the pain is affected in all pelvis joints.

How Early Can SPD Start?

When you enter into the 12 – 14 weeks of pregnancy, you tend to release more relaxation. This leads to higher risks of SPD occurrence. Many women have reported that they suffer increased pain in later stages as the baby grows and pelvis stretches.

Some Final Words

Now that you have read about SPD, it is time to keep in mind all these preventive measures. Also, take good care of yourselves for a healthy and happy experience of pregnancy. Notice your symptoms and act accordingly without taking any kind of stress, as you would not want your child to suffer because of any unhealthy practices. Eat healthily and live healthily!