Maternal adaptations to pregnancy: Musculoskeletal changes and pain. Wu WH et al. European Spine Journal 13 7 : Yoo JJ et al. Incidence and risk factors of symptomatic peripartum diastasis of pubic symphysis. Journal of Korean Medical Science Join now to personalize. Symphysis pubis dysfunction SPD — also known as pubic symphysis dysfunction — is pelvic girdle pain that happens as the ligaments surrounding your pelvic joints become more flexible in preparation for delivery.
SPD can be uncomfortable or extremely painful, particularly when you're climbing stairs or getting out of a car. Pubic symphysis diastasis happens when the joint separates too far. To prevent or ease SPD pain, avoid activities like vacuuming and lifting, apply cold or heat, and wear a pelvic support belt.
Photo credit: Jonathan Dimes. What is symphysis pubis dysfunction? How common is SPD in pregnancy? What does SPD feel like? What causes pubic symphysis pain? Will pubic symphysis dysfunction affect my pregnancy or labor and delivery? What is diastasis symphysis pubis? Treatment for SPD in pregnancy. Activities that may make SPD worse include: Walking Climbing stairs Getting dressed Turning over in bed Getting in and out of a car Because they increase abdominal pressure, sometimes coughing or sneezing can make pelvic girdle pain worse, too.
Sit down to get dressed, for example. Twisting movements or movements that involve spreading your legs. Turn your whole body rather than reaching one leg when you get out of the car, for example. To get in, sit your bottom on the seat first, then move both legs forward at once. Lifting and pushing heavy items. When you do lift anything, don't twist.
Don't carry another child on your hip. Try not to push a heavy shopping cart. Sitting on the floor or in a twisted position with your legs crossed. Standing or sitting for long periods. Carrying something in one hand. To alleviate pain, try: Cold or heat. Apply an ice pack to the pubic bone. Or try a heating pad. Apply it to the pubic area, not your abdomen, for minutes at a time.
Kegels and pelvic tilt exercises to strengthen the muscles in the area. Pregnancy pillows to help you find a comfortable sleeping position. Tucking a pillow between your knees may avoid stress on your hips and lower back.
A pelvic support belt or girdle. These can help support the pelvic bones, reducing pain during movement. Safe pain relievers. Ask your caregiver which medications would be safest and in what doses. Physical therapy. Ask your caregiver for a referral. During pregnancy, not all treatment is appropriate. For instance, medication may not be advisable. Soft tissue therapy usually includes chiropractic care, which may involve spinal manipulation and massages to improve pelvic joint stability and positioning.
A pregnancy belt supports the pelvic bones and helps maintain correct alignment. The belt may provide short-term pain relief. A study involving 46 pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain found that the use of a pregnancy support belt reduced pain successfully, but only when the women used it regularly for short periods.
As SPD affects everyone differently, stretches that work for one person may not be effective for another person. One example of a stretch that may provide pain relief is the pelvic tilt.
People can perform this exercise by following these steps:. Learn how to perform Kegel exercises here. Over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers may also help alleviate the symptoms of SPD. However, not all pain relievers are safe to use during pregnancy. A healthcare professional can offer advice on suitable options.
There is no definitive way to prevent SPD, but women can reduce their risk of developing the condition during pregnancy by achieving and maintaining a moderate body mass index BMI. Symphysis pubis dysfunction involves pain at the back or front of the pelvic joints. It can lead to difficulty walking and significant discomfort. Treatment helps decrease pain and improve mobility. Possible treatment includes soft tissue manipulation and stretches. A wide range of infections and underlying conditions can cause pelvic pain, most of which are treatable.
Learn about the possible causes of pelvic…. A pelvic exam involves visually and physically checking the female reproductive system and sexual organs. These exams may be part of an annual checkup,. Hill explains that rapid or precipitous labor , multiple gestations, and forceps delivery also increases the risk of postpartum pelvic pain.
Your birthing position may be a factor as well. Shrikhande says to tell your doctor. She may refer you to a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor , since the key to recovery is strengthening the involved muscles. This common pelvic floor exercise might exaggerate the problem. With proper treatment, Dr. Hill says the pelvis should return to normal by 4 to 12 weeks postpartum. In rare cases, however, pelvic pain can last a year.
A severe pelvic diastasis separation of the pelvic muscles may require surgical intervention. By Nicole Harris February 11, Save Pin FB More. Pelvic Pain While Pregnant at Work. By Nicole Harris. Be the first to comment! No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment.
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