What you need to know about SPD in Pregnancy

If you are having pain in the front of your pelvis, along your pubic bone, you might be experiencing symphysis pubic dysfunction. Your two pubic bones are joined together in the front of your pelvis. During pregnancy, hormonal changes, and shifting and increased pressure down can cause a separation between these two bones that doesn’t typically exist otherwise. Muscle imbalances causing pelvic mis-alignment can compound the stress through this joint causing increased pain. 

Earlier in pregnancy, symphysis pubis dysfunction is common a result of hormonal changes increasing laxity in your joints as your body prepares for labor & delivery. Relaxin – the hormone responsible for much of this laxity is highest around week 14 of pregnancy and again at the end of pregnancy. While relaxin is high in the late first trimester/early second trimester, many women are most bothered by symphysis pubis dysfunction later in pregnancy as baby grows and puts more pressure down on the pelvis. Later in pregnancy, anatomical changes are also more likely to occur that contribute to increased incidence of pain. An anterior pelvic tilt, increased lumber curve, and diastasis recti (which are all common adaptations as pregnancy progresses) are all factors that can contribute to more pain and pressure.

Because of the instability of the pubic symphysis being the source of the pain, it is important to evenly load both legs to avoid excess shifting and shearing in the joint. Some of my favorite tips for moms dealing with SPD include:

• Use a backpack/carry items close to your body to avoid uneven loading of the pubic bones
• Sit evenly on your sits bones – avoid sitting cross legged
• Keep your knees together when getting in and out of the bed and the car
• Avoid twisting and single leg activities – dress sitting down
• Take small steps if you have to be on your feet
• See a Pelvic Floor PT to work on posture and balancing musculature 

While these lifestyle changes can help minimize symptoms short term, physical therapy can provide a solution for long term relief and get you back to doing the activities you love. If you’d like to learn more about how physical therapy can help with symphysis pubis dysfunction, SCHEDULE a complementary phone consultation today.