SPD in pregnant women is a well-known acronym that stands for Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction. It is a disorder that develops around the pelvic joints in pregnancy. This condition is more common than you imagine. The impacts usually range from mild discomfort to excruciating pains that are capable of disrupting your everyday life.
In this article, we will do a complete breakdown on the causes of SPD in pregnant women, and the exact measures to curb it.
What Is SPD in Pregnant Women?
SPD is simply a situation where the ligaments that connect the two parts of the pelvis become too loose during pregnancy. When this happens, the pelvic joint becomes too weak to hold a baby
The symphysis pubis is a small anterior part of the pelvis at the point where the two halves of the pelvis meet. In the normal state, this joint is held together by strong ligaments. Pregnant women release a hormone known as relaxin. The ligaments relax in order to help the pelvis to extend to have a baby.
There are cases when the ligaments are excessively loosened in some women, and the joint is not very solid. This causes pain, discomfort and occasionally difficulty walking/ standing.
What Causes SPD in Pregnant Women?
A number of reasons cause SPD among pregnant women, and a lot of them are uncontrollable. Here’s what we know:
1. Hormonal Changes
The hormone relaxin relaxes your joints in preparation for labor. It eases them out of shape sometimes.
2. Pelvic Misalignment
Having a slightly misaligned pelvis prior to pregnancy may cause an increase in the severity of the problem through additional relaxation brought about by relaxin.
3. Previous Injuries
Pelvic stability during pregnancy may be impacted by a history of pelvic injury, car accidents or falling.
4. Multiple Pregnancies
Those women who have more than one pregnancy are more likely to develop SPD, particularly when they had it at the time of the earlier pregnancy.
5. Large Babies or Twins
Your pelvis is put under even greater strain by carrying a heavier baby or more than one baby and this increases the chances of developing SPD.
Common Symptoms of SPD in Pregnant Women
Symptoms vary widely. There are those who experience mild discomfort; some have difficulty with the severe pain which affects their quality of life. Here’s what to look for:
- Pain in your pubic (mid-pelvic) area (On the right in the middle of your pelvis)
- Back pain, hip pain or thigh pain
- Radiating pain in the lower back, hips, or inner thigh.
- A clicking/grinding feeling of the pelvis when moving.
- Discomfort during walking, upstairs, or on one leg (such as when getting dressed)
- Increasing night pain, especially when you’re turning in bed.
- Problems with some movements, including getting out of a car or sitting down.
Get in touch with your healthcare provider in case you have any of these symptoms. The problem of SPD among pregnant women is a reality that needs to be addressed.
How Is SPD in Pregnant Women Diagnosed?
In the majority of cases, the diagnosis of SPD is reached based on the physical examination and questioning you about the symptoms you have. Your doctor or midwife may:
- Inquire when and where you experience pain.
- Observe how you walk or move.
- Press lightly on your pelvis in various regions.
In other situations, imaging tests [such as an MRI] might be performed to eliminate any other problem, but this is infrequently performed unless the diagnosis is questionable.
Real Solutions for SPD in Pregnant Women
The positive aspect lies in the fact that SPD can be cured. Although it might not be completely resolved until birth, pain can be managed, and mobility can be improved in a number of ways.
1. Physical Therapy
A prenatal-trained physical therapist can be an eye-opener. They will have exercises to make your pelvic floor, core, and hip muscles stronger, which assists in stabilizing the pelvis as well as alleviating pain.
2. Pelvic Support Belts
A pelvic support belt is a belt that goes around the hips, and this is what is used to offer additional support. It makes movement in the pelvic joints less, therefore making it easier to walk and perform other movements.
3. Modify How You Move
Some minor modifications like the ones below could bring a significant difference:
4. Get in and out of your bed with your legs together.
5. Avoid pushing heavy objects.
6. Get dressed by sitting down rather than standing on one leg.
7. Walk more slowly.
8. Heat treatment and warm baths
Warm water will ease the pain by relaxing the muscles that surround your pelvis. To relieve lower back or pelvic pain, apply heat but not too much heat.
9. Sleep Positions Matter
Lie and sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees. This maintains the position of the pelvis and decreases straining.
10. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is effective for some women. Ensure that you visit a qualified professional who has dealt with pregnant women.
11. Chiropractic Care
Prenatal care by chiropractors would assist in repositioning the pelvis and reducing pain. Find a physician that has experience in the treatment of SPD during pregnancy.
12. Rest, but Don’t Stop Moving
No doubt rest is very important but you still have to perform some minor workouts to strengthen your pelvis. You can engage in swimming, or little walks that are not too physically demanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is SPD capable of influencing the position of the baby one before birth?
Yes. A bad and loose position of the pelvis will also affect the posture of the baby. When this happens, it makes it difficult to push during delivery.
2. Can postpartum depression also lead to SPD!
Yes it can. When you experience pain for very long, you tend to develop some depressive conditions. That is why it is important you start seeking for help the moment you start experiencing any pain.
4. Can women with SPD still give birth naturally?
Yes they can. However, for this to happen, you must undergo a series of treatments to have a safe delivery.
Some of these positions guard the pelvis, and they assist in averting additional damage during labor.
5. Is SPD in early pregnancy possible?
Yes. Though SPD is predominant between the second and third trimesters, it may manifest itself as early as the first trimester, in particular in women with a history of injuries or having received the diagnosis of SPD.
Conclusion
SPD may present a challenge to pregnant women, and you need not go through it alone. By means of the appropriate knowledge and help, you are able to control your symptoms and safeguard your blessing. Each woman will have a different experience with SPD, and something that works with one individual may not work with another person.
That is why it is very important that you always observe your body.
Ask your doctor for help if you’re in pain. Whether you are in the first or second trimester is irrelevant. It is your responsibility to adhere to the above-mentioned guidelines in order to have a safe delivery free from SPD complications. SPD in pregnant women is real. If you take the solutions seriously, your pregnancy experience won’t feel as burdensome.
You deserve a pregnancy experience that will bring out your strength and make you feel more comfortable.
Keep going. You’re doing great.
