SPD During And After Pregnancy (Causes, Symptoms, Remedies)

It is a common belief among young mothers that as soon as the baby comes out of their belly, everything about their health will come to normal. However, it is possible that you might feel unhealthy during and even after pregnancy. Some disorders may be medically benign and some may risk mother’s and baby’s life.

Our Hipregnancy team aims to introduce you to a benign condition known as SPD (short for “symphysis pubis dysfunction”). We investigate two subjects in this article: SPD during and after pregnancy.

What is SPD in medicine?

Suppose you are senscing an unpleasant feeling of pain in the pelvic region (the region between upper body and legs).

In that case, it is possible that you are suffering from symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).

Based on several reports on this disorder, SPD usually occurs during pregnancy and the chances of SPD after pregnancy are low, but it is never impossible.

The SPD during pregnancy is generally called pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain or PGP.

SPD symptoms and Pain Localization

Comprehensive research by the Hipregnancy team has shown that symphysis pubis dysfunction, although it is harmless both for the baby and mother, can affect mothers in some cases, resulting in depression and anxiety if it stays untreated.

Also, the SPD symptoms is not similar for each person and they can vary based on their age, severity, and presentation.

In general, the patients will experience pain in the following areas:

• The front center of your pubic bone
• Lower back (both sides or one side)
• The area between the anus and genital

The above areas are among the most observed ones. However, there is a chance that you may feel pain in your thighs. The sound of grinding in your pelvis may also indicate SPD. If you are having pain or hearing the sound of grinding in the following situations, calling your physician will be required:

• Walking around in your house, street, etc.
• Going downstairs or upstairs
• Standing on one leg
• Moving on your bed
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Also, it is possible that doing sports and routine housework will be challenging for you.

Effects of SPD During pregnancy

As mentioned above, SPD is most common during pregnancy. The following situations are among those that can actually cause SPD emerge among pregnant women:

• Being overweight can cause SPD
• You are having twins, triplets, etc.
• You are giving birth to a large baby
• Experience of SPD in previous pregnancies
• Damage to your pelvic region or back

It would be best if you did not overestimate the pain caused by SPD during pregnancy. If you are sensing pain or the sense of stabbing in your lower back while you are widening your legs and even upper thigs, you better have a visit to your physician.

SPD During Pregnancy Treatment

The Hipregnancy team has excellent news for young mothers; you can actually treat the SPD during pregnancy or at least manage the pain in order to get through the pregnancy. Hearing of such news can actually relieve many women.

You should try the following strategies for your own and unborn child’s sake (who is actually relying on your health).

• Walking is good for your health if you take short steps.
• Change your habit of how you sit in the car, first your upper body and then your legs. Do not spread or widen your legs if you do not want to increase your pain.
• Put a pillow between your legs.
• Do you have stairs? Take one step at a time and do not rush it.
• Just rest if you have anything in your schedule.

In addition, pregnancy is about keeping a baby and lots of fluids inside your tummy. In other words, you will exercise to strengthen your muscles. Start with lower back/hip exercises and if required, consult your healthcare provider to introduce you to a physical therapist.

If you are close to giving birth to your kid, the Hipregnancy team recommends going under spinal anesthesia (if allowed by your physician). Next, spread your legs and push while holding both legs behind your knees. This will help give birth better.

What causes SPD after pregnancy?

As mentioned earlier, this is a disorder that occurs during pregnancy. However, in some cases, SPD symptoms may emerge after pregnancy. The Hipregnancy team believes that the following conditions can increase the chance of SPD after pregnancy:

• You did experience SPD during pregnancy but ignored it (which we hope you did not).
• Pelvic organ prolapse, stretched tissue in the pelvis, or abdominal separation.
• Birthing position

You should remember that SPD is not something you can just easily ignore since it can give rise to problematic labor and delivery. If you are still having problems during childbirth, try different birthing positions. This way, you will help to ease the pain on your pelvis.

How can I manage SPD after pregnancy?

Based on the findings of the Hipregnancy team, there are several options to manage or treat your SPD symptoms after pregnancy:

• If SPD is happening right after your birth, you better first consult your doctor to refer you to a specialized therapist. Note that SPD is a result of weakened joints and muscles. Therefore, therapy for strengthening the involved muscles is required.
• Doing Kegels in addition to the therapy can also be helpful. If you do not know about this exercise, search this term on the internet to know which position to exercise. Remember, it will help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles (where SPD pain occurs mostly).

With the help of specialists, it is possible to reduce or at least get rid of symphysis pubis dysfunction between 4 and 12 weeks. Based on our research, six months can be enough time for full recovery.

• There is nothing better than a bit of rest to ease your pain during the days.
• The physicians also recommend a pelvic support belt.
• Some women may resent medication, but pain relief medications are found to be helpful.
• If you are suffering from acute SPD, you may need to use a wheelchair or walker (as recommended by your physician). Also, you may need to go under surgical operation in rare and acute cases.

Simple Remedies for SPD After Pregnancy

Even if you are seeing your physician, you will not need to miss the following simple home remedies to ease the pain:

• Use a pillow between the legs
• Walking is required. Sitting too much can be harmful.
• Apply heat and cold bags for pain relief
• Wear comfortable medical shoes
• Doing Kegels

With proper treatment options and home remedies, the Hipregnancy team believes that you can get back to your old life in no time.

Conclusion

If you are feeling a sudden pain in your pelvis joints, there is a possibility that your body is developing a disorder called “symphysis pubis dysfunction” (SPD). In most cases, pregnant women will have trouble doing their regular daily routines and walking due to their joint pains.

In this article, Hipregnancy introduced some of the known that women can use to manage SPD during and after SPD, including simple exercise (Kegels), home remedies (pillow, resting, medical shoes), medication (pain relief medications), and other physician-prescribed options.

Fortunately, most pregnant women will be relieved of SPD after pregnancy. However, if you did not, you better take these bits of advice seriously to prevent the option of surgical operation.

If you have any questions regarding SPD, you can always rely on our Hipregnancy team and their expertise.