Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction or Pelvic Girdle Pain happens when the ligaments that keep your pelvic bone aligned during pregnancy become too relaxed and stretchy early in pregnancy. As a birthing person gets closer to delivery, things are supposed to start loosing up, but sometimes this happens a little early. Diagnosed SPD occurs in about 1 in 300 pregnancies, although some thing that up to 25% of women will experience SPD. I think that the higher number is more accurate. I hear about this pain a lot from my clients, and often they have experienced it for some time and think it is just a normal symptom that accompanies pregnancy. Just your friendly reminder to mention things that seem out of the ordinary, or anything that causes pain. Pregnancy is a condition that means that you need to suffer. There are things that you can do to help this.
The most common symptom is pain while walking. It’s a wrenching pain. I’ve had people describe it as if they feel like their pelvis is being pulled apart. Usually the pain is the pubic area in in some, it radiates to the upper thighs. It almost feels like your thighs are exhausted. I can remember in my pregnancy with my second child, I was walking pushing a stroller to the park that was one block away, and reaching the park and having to sit down. It was as if the pain and exhaustion in my legs could not go one more step. I HAD to rest. This is not to say that this will be the case with everyone who has this pain, however that it is how it felt for me.
So, what gives? Who is the culprit for this pregnancy related pain? Relaxin. Now, we love Relaxin! It’s the hormone that loosens things up, specifically loosens the the ligaments around your pelvic bone so that your baby can make their way out to meet the world. Sometimes it get’s started a little early and causes movement a little early. The good news? Typically this resolves itself after your baby is born. What can you do to feel more comfortable? Here a couple suggestions.
Talk to your provider to find out if what you are feeling is indeed SPD pain.
Sit down when getting dressed, avoid standing on one leg. When getting out of the car, swing both legs out of the door and stand that way. Don’t set one leg out of the door and stand. BOTH legs out, then stand.
Heating pads or ice pack, alternate. Heating pads should be used for short amounts of time.
Pelvic Support Belts can provide additional support. I recommend this one.
Make a chiropractic appointment.
See a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist.
When getting up in the morning, roll to your side, use your arms to push yourself up, and swing both legs onto the floor.
I just want to remind people that just because something may seem common, that does not mean normal. Know that this to will pass, and paying attention to how you move your body will help with managing the comfort. The great news is that as stated above, it usually stops once baby is born! As always, I’m rooting for you and here to support you any way I can.
XOXO