Basically SPD is of itself not a reason to fear a longer or a more difficult labour in fact some midwives feel that the SPD indicates a flexible pelvis which assists the labour to be shorter and easier. The main difficulty with SPD in labour is that it can be quite painful to open your legs wide.
These home remedies may also reduce SPD-related discomfort:
- placing a pillow between the legs when sleeping.
- avoiding sitting for too long.
- applying an ice pack to the pelvic area.
- staying active but avoiding any activities that cause pain.
- incorporating rest breaks every day.
- wearing supportive shoes.
Post-childbirth care: Bed rest may be necessary until the pain subsides. Women with SPD might require more support and could need to stay longer in the hospital.
It is recommended that women with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction give birth in an upright position with knees slightly apart. Another option is the all-fours position, keeping the knees close together. A waterbirth may be preferable as water allows buoyancy that can support the joints.
There are some measures that you can take to ease the pain of SPD and PRGP yourself. Even just small things such as keeping your knees together when you get up and sit down or sleeping with a pillow between your knees may help as they keep the pelvic in a neutral position, placing less pressure on the joints.
What does pubic symphysis pain feel like? Sometimes pubic symphysis pain can feel like a slight pinch or ache. Other times it hurts so much someone will not want to walk. In certain cases, the pain will not be over the pubic symphysis, but in the creases of the groins or along the inner thighs.
When the ligaments become too relaxed before then, though, it can cause instability and pain. SPD can range from discomfort to severe pain that hampers your mobility. It can happen in the front and the back of the pelvis. SPD may be worse at night or after you've been very active.
The known risk factors for pelvic fractures during delivery include a narrow pelvis, a high birthweight newborn, increased lumbar lordosis, rapid vaginal delivery and osteoporosis or osteopenia of the child-bearing woman (1). In this case, no risk factors were identified.
If your pelvic joints are moving unevenly, it can make your pelvis less stable. As a result, moving, walking, and sitting can all be very painful. However, there are several exercises you can complete that may relieve pain and help your pelvic joints move more evenly.
The uterus returns to the pelvis around six weeks after birth, and it goes back to its original size (similar to a closed fist). This means your postpartum belly will look flatter and smaller.
Recommended Exercises for SPD:
- Supine Squeeze: Lie on your back with your knees up and feet on the floor.
- Pelvic tilts in a wall sit: Sit in a shallow wall sit on a wall with your feet hip width distance apart.
- Inner thigh press: Sit in a chair, feet flat on the floor.
During childbirth, pressure from the baby's head can fracture the coccyx, or tailbone. A fractured coccyx can be quite painful and symptoms can take months to subside.
Anti-inflammatory medication is not recommended during pregnancy, but applying ice to the pubic symphysis regularly may help with pain and inflammation, and heating surrounding musculature may decrease muscle spasm and tightness to decrease pain.
Can it lead to pregnancy complications? SPD isn't medically harmful to your baby, and most women with the condition are still able to deliver vaginally. However, chronic pain can lead to sadness or even depression, which is sometimes thought to negatively affect your baby.
Background. Pregnancy is not usually associated with disability or difficulty with activities of daily living, however when a woman develops symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), she may become disabled.
Some women with mild PGP can continue working during their pregnancy until a week or so before their estimated due date. They may be tired and find it difficult to stand or walk for long periods during their job but generally, they are fine and continue with the day-to-day tasks involved in their role.
How can I reduce PGP?
- Sit on a firm chair with a rolled towel or cushion to support the lower back.
- Do not cross your legs when sitting.
- Directly face your computer screen (avoid sitting in a twisted posture)
- Place a pillow between your knees and ankles when lying on your side at night.
GP is also known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunstion (SPD); a condition which affects the pelvic joints, making them stiff so that they stop working normally. It can occur at any stage of pregnancy, or during childbirth, and may come on suddenly, or start gradually.
If you've experienced pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, pelvic pain (SPD), pre-eclampsia, or even little niggles like a leaky bladder, haemorrhoids or varicose veins, it's likely that you'll experience them again this time.
