Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) in Pregnancy - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

There are several painful aches and symptoms associated with SPD in pregnancy. Your symphysis pubis joint, which is situated in front of the pubic bone, is one of the most often experienced ailments.

During pregnancy, this region may hurt because of ligament relaxation, hormone changes, and alignment changes. Pelvic discomfort, commonly called pelvic girdle pain (PGP), can occasionally indicate a disorder called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).

In reality, up to 60% of pregnant women report having discomfort in their pubic symphysis dysfunction. SDP is unpleasant but not harmful to you or your unborn child. Thankfully, SPD discomfort goes away after birth.

Here is everything you need to know about SPD in pregnancy, including causes, signs, and possible treatments for SPD in pregnancy; continue reading to know more.

What is SPD (Symphysis pubis dysfunction)?

Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), also known as pubis symphysis dysfunction, is pelvic pain during pregnancy or pelvic pain during pregnancy. It is sometimes referred to as PG (pelvic girdle pain).

The pubic symphysitis is a joint located in the middle of the pubic bones that inflames, just above the vulva. The ligaments around this joint grow more elastic and supple when you are pregnant so that your baby may pass through during birth. However, if the ligaments loosen up too much before that, it may result in discomfort and instability.

Pubic symphysis diastasis is the excessive widening of the pubic symphysis after childbirth or postpartum that causes pubic symphysis pain. 

From mild pain to severe pain that limits mobility, SPD can vary. Both the front and the rear of the pelvis are susceptible.

How does SPD affect pregnancy?

Depending on the severity, up to one in five pregnant women are thought to experience SPD. Many pregnant women begin to experience pain in the middle of their pregnancy, although SPD can happen at any point during or after giving birth.

Pain in the frontal region of the pelvis, where the SP is situated, is one of the symptoms of SPD. Pain in the legs, hips, groin, and lower back are further symptoms of SPD. During physical exercise, especially a change in posture, a distinctive "clicking" sound is frequently noted in the hips or lower back (the sacroiliac).

The illness can vary greatly, with some cases being chronic and permanently disabled. Although the vast majority of instances will resolve on their own after your baby is born, treating issues as soon as possible is crucial to reduce SPD's severity and duration.

What are the causes of SPD in pregnancy?

Pregnancy is the most prevalent of SPD's various possible causes.

The center of gravity of the body shifts during pregnancy, which might have an impact on posture and cause pain. To loosen the ligaments and allow the pelvis to expand and facilitate birthing, the body also secretes the hormone relaxin. This effect can also cause SPD.

Doctors are unsure of why some pregnant women get SPD while others do not. However, some elements, such as the following, may raise the risk:

• Being obese or overweight before conception.
• Pelvic damage is present.
• A background of lower back discomfort.
• A prior pregnancy, she was having pelvic discomfort.

SPD has been experienced by 31.7% of pregnant women, according to a study published in The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association.

SPD can happen due to arthritis or pelvic traumas, but it is far more frequent during pregnancy and after childbirth.

What are the symptoms of SPD in pregnancy?

The intensity and appearance of SPD symptoms might vary from person to person. The following signs are most frequently felt:

• Discomfort at the front middle of your pubic bone.
• one or both sides of your lower back may be in discomfort.
• Discomfort in the perineum, which is located between the anus and vagina.

Sometimes, the discomfort spreads to the thighs, and your pelvis may also make a grinding or clicking noise that you might either hear or feel.

The discomfort is frequently more noticeable when you're:

• Walking.
• Ascending stairs.
• The act of standing on one leg.
• Swaying back and forth in bed.

Additionally, spreading your legs out could be difficult. This might complicate routine chores like getting out of bed, dressing, etc.

What are the complications of SPD in pregnancy?

Most women with SPD can still give birth vaginally, and the condition is not medically dangerous to your baby. However, it can lead to vagina bone pain during pregnancy, persistent discomfort can cause melancholy or even depression, sometimes considered harmful to the developing baby.

Although SPD symptoms typically don't go away completely until after giving birth, there are several things you may take to lessen your suffering. It's crucial to get assistance for this reason.

If you're dealing with SPD, the Pelvic, Obstetric, and Gynaecological Physiotherapy group from the U.K. advises that you try to stay clear of the following activities:

• Placing all of your weight on a single leg.
• Lifting while bending and twisting.
• Carrying your child.
• Bending your knees.
• Difficulty sitting on the floor.
• Twisting your body.
• Sitting or standing more.
• Lifting hefty objects like toddlers, shopping bags, or damp clothes.
• Vacuuming.
• Pushing heavy objects.

Treatment For SPD in Pregnancy

SPD in pregnancy pain relief ways are given below so that you can try and prevent yourself from complications.

• Heat or cold compression: At the pubic bone, use an ice pack. Use a heated pad instead. (Apply it for 10-15 minutes to the pubic region, not your abdomen.)

• Kegels and pelvic tilt exercises help to build up the local muscles.

• To identify an ideal sleeping position, use pregnancy pillows. The hips and lower back may be relaxed if you tuck a cushion between your knees.

1. Physiotherapy

Your pelvic floor, back, stomach, and hips can all benefit from strengthening exercises, which a physiotherapist might suggest. They can also recommend comfortable postures for performing routine tasks, having sex, and giving birth.

2. Acupuncture

According to some research, acupuncture may assist with pelvic girdle discomfort during pregnancy. Make sure the acupuncturist you choose has expertise in treating pregnant women.

3. Soft tissue therapy

Chiropractic treatment, which may include spinal manipulation and massages to enhance pelvic joint stability and alignment, is a common kind of soft tissue therapy.

4. Wearing a belt to support

A pregnancy belt provides support and aids in maintaining proper alignment of the pelvic bones. The belt could offer momentary pain alleviation.

A pregnancy support belt effectively decreased pain in a trial involving 46 pregnant women experiencing pelvic girdle discomfort, but only when they wore it often for brief periods.

5. Medication 

Many people are concerned about using painkillers while pregnant. However, certain medications, like paracetamol, are safe for you and your unborn child as long as you take the prescribed dosage.

6. Stretching

There are many exercises for SPD in pregnancy.  For instance, stretches useful for one person may not be for another, as SPD affects everyone differently.

It would help to speak with your physician about which stretches are safe when pregnant.

The other SPD exercises in pregnancy

• Pelvic Tilts
• Bridge Pose
• Clamshells
• Hip Abductions
• Pelvic Rotations

Onset of SPD in pregnancy

SPD, or symphysis pubis dysfunction, is a pregnancy discomfort that starts between 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. However, it can begin earlier or later:

• Early onset - Some women start experiencing SPD pain as early as the first trimester, around 10-14 weeks.
• The most common onset - SPD begins in the second trimester, typically around 18-20 weeks into the pregnancy.
• Late-onset - Some women don't feel SPD pain until later in the third trimester, after about 30 weeks.

Conclusion

Pain in the front or rear of the pelvic joints is a symptom of symphysis pubis dysfunction. Walking may become challenging, and you may experience severe discomfort.

Although SPD doesn't directly impact your unborn child, it can make pregnancy more challenging owing to decreased mobility. Additionally, some women could find it challenging to give birth vaginally.

Treatment aids in reducing discomfort and increasing mobility.

SPD in pregnancy symptoms often go away after giving delivery. If your symptoms are serious, consult your doctor.

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