SPD In Pregnancy
SPD In Pregnancy
SPD - or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (also known as PGP or Pelvic Girdle Pain) is actually a very common pregnancy ailment. It can often be misdagnosed as 'stretching ligament pains' so if the pain doesn't go away, or gets worse - keep mentioning it to your midwife, or ask directly to be referred!
What is it?
In pregnancy, the hormone relaxin softens ligaments and allows them to stretch more than normal. If you have SPD it basically means that these ligaments have stretched TOO much, and aren't supporting your pelvic area as much as they should causing pain and discomfort. This can show itself as anything from a small niggling pain in the groin, to severe pain needing painkillers or even crutches! Pain tends to be made worse by walking up or down steps, rolling over in bed, or anything which causes you to open your legs wide. Often things which don't seem painful at the time can cause you more pain later - for example walking or swimming.
Giving birth may be a problem if you are experiencing severe SPD - but not always, generally only if you are in pain when opening your legs. If you experience this and your pain is severe, it is sometimes possible to be induced early ask to be referred to a consultant to discuss it if you feel you may need to.
What can I do to help?
First, ensure your midwife diagnoses this! If you have pain that isn't going away after a few weeks, and is getting gradually worse KEEP talking to the midwife about it if you get fobbed off! Once your midwife recognises the symptoms you will be referred for specialist physiotherapy. They will advise you on ways you can ease the pain, may prescribe a tubigrip type support (which may help - but not always) and may even prescribe crutches if required. Whilst you are waiting for your referral, there are a few things you can do to minimise your pain levels:
- If you need to walk places, do it slowly and using small steps - therefore putting less strain on the groin and pelvic region.
- When getting dressed and undressed, sit down to do things like socks rather than balancing on one leg.
- If you find rolling over in bed at night painful - try taking paracetamol before bed - it may help to ease the pain and has been proven safe in pergnancy.
- Swim - but DON'T use breaststroke! If you don't feel confident to use front crawl, simply cross your legs whilst using breast stroke with your arms - or hold a float with your hands and kick your legs straight.
If you find that despite making any changes recommended, your pain is getting worse go back to your doctor / midwife / physio - they may be able to prescribe stronger pain killers which are safe for pregnancy - but be aware that you may need to accept that you need to stop work sooner.
Symptoms generally disappear soon after birth - but if they don't make sure you tell your Midwife or Doctor.
Is it likely to affect any future pregnancies?
Unfortunately there is no definitive answer on if you will be affected in future pregnancies, but if you are it does seem to get a little more severe each time.
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