Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction (SPD) During Pregnancy

Have you been experiencing abnormal pelvic pain during pregnancy? Or are your pelvic muscles feeling extremely stiff and uncomfortable? Well, chances are you have a condition called symphysis pubic dysfunction (SFD). 

Here’s everything you need to know about this uncomfortable pregnancy symptom including potential causes, risks, and treatment methods.

What Is Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction?

Symphysis pubic dysfunction (SPD) or pelvic girdle pain (PGP), usually occurs during pregnancy, when the ligaments that normally keep your pelvic bone aligned become too relaxed and stretched out. This symptom mainly occurs as your body prepares for delivery, causing your pelvic joint, aka the symphysis pubic to become unstable, leading to pelvic pain and discomfort. 

While this condition isn’t harmful to your baby, it can be extremely painful for you. In some cases, this symptom can affect your mobility during pregnancy.

What Causes Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction?

During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin that makes the ligament in your joints between the left and right pelvic bones more relaxed. The loosening of the joints occurs so that your pelvic bones can stretch wide for a successful vaginal delivery. However, as your muscles relax, you experience stiffness and discomfort in the pelvic region, and may also have difficulty moving.

Besides this, your baby’s weight and position can also affect your pelvis pain. In this case, your symptoms may worsen as your pregnancy progresses. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of SPD?

The symptoms of SPD vary for different women, both in terms of severity and appearance. The most commonly experienced symptoms of this condition include

• Pain in the front centre of your pubic bone
• Pain in your lower back, on one or both sides
• Pain in the perineum, the area between your anus and vagina

SPD pain can sometimes travel up to your thighs, and you may even hear a clicking or grinding sound in your pelvis. The pain is more obvious when you are

• Climbing up or down the stairs
• Walking
• Putting your body weight on one leg
• Turning over in your bed

You may also find it challenging to widen your legs. This may hinder your daily tasks, such as getting out of bed, getting ready, or getting in or out of your car.

Diagnosis of SPD

Early diagnosis of SPD can be really helpful in managing your symptoms. If you are pregnant and experiencing abnormal pelvic pain, talk to your healthcare provider immediately. They will assess your condition and may recommend you get an ultrasound and an X-ray to confirm your diagnosis and provide treatment and guidance. 

Can SPD Lead to Pregnancy Complications?

This condition is not harmful to your baby, and most women are still able to deliver vaginally. However, experiencing chronic pain can leave you distressed, and that in some cases can negatively affect your baby’s health. 

But don’t worry, there are many helpful ways to minimise the pain. You can try to avoid the following activities if you are experiencing SPD during pregnancy.

• Putting your entire body weight only on one leg
• Twisting and bending while lifting
• Sitting on the floor
• Crossing your legs
• Sitting in a twisted position
• Standing for a long period of time
• Lifting heavy loads, such as laundry, shopping bags
• Pushing heavy objects

Treatment of SPD

Your doctor will recommend physiotherapy as the first course of treatment for SPD. Physiotherapy will help

• Minimise your pain
• Improve your muscle function
• Stimulate your pelvic joint stability and position

Your physiotherapist will provide manual therapy to ensure that the joints in your spine, pelvis, and hips move normally. They will also recommend exercises that strengthen the muscles in your pelvic floor, stomach, back, and hips. 

In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend hydrotherapy, where you perform exercises in the water. Exercising in water can reduce the stress on your joints and improve your agility and muscle function. 

If you have a severe case of SPD, then your doctor will prescribe pain therapy medications, and also offer supportive equipments, such as pelvic support belts. You may also be advised to apply heat or cold compression to reduce swelling and pain. 

Prevention of SPD

There’s very little that you can do to prevent this condition during pregnancy. However, remember, that it’s more common to experience SPD if you’ve previously experienced a pelvic bone injury. So make sure to inform your doctor about your condition beforehand, and take the preventive measures that they recommend to protect this vital area in your body. 

Conclusion

While symphysis pubic dysfunction does not affect your baby, it may lead to a more difficult pregnancy, as it affects your movement and agility. Hence, if you experience abnormal pain in your pelvic region, make sure to make an appointment with your doctor and get your condition diagnosed as soon as possible. The sooner you start treatment for this condition, the better it is. Also, besides following the recommended treatment, make sure to avoid strenuous activities like lifting or pushing heavy loads, and standing for long periods of time. 

Cover Image Credit: Freepik.com