Pelvic pain during pregnancy is common as your baby grows and moves, and your body prepares for childbirth.
This article covers what SPD is, the symptoms, causes, treatment, and long-term outlook.
The pain is caused when ligaments in the pelvis start to soften and relax to prepare your body forlabor.
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Having relaxed pelvic ligaments is helpful during vaginal deliveries, but it can also lead toinstabilityin your joints.
The number and severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.
For some people, the pain travels to their legs and back as well.
You may also hear a grinding or clicking sound in your pelvis when moving.
Relaxin softens the ligaments in the pelvis.
The babys position and weight play a role in SPD symptoms as well.
As you near delivery and the baby moves lower toward the birth canal, symptoms tend to worsen.
Who Is at Risk for SPD?
There is little known about why some women experience SPD and others do not.
However, a history of pelvic injury or trauma may increase the risk.
The main problem with SPD is chronic pain.
You may benefit from hydrotherapy (exercising while in water) as well.
Typically, physical therapy is the first step for managing SPD.
Medications for SPD
For severe pain, medications may be recommended to help relieve pain.
If youre experiencing significant pain, ask your healthcare provider which pain relievers are best during pregnancy.
Coping
Dealing with chronic pain can feel exhausting.
At-home treatments, physical therapy, and being conscious of how you move can help to reduce pain.
SPD often goes away after giving birth.
If youre experiencing pelvic pain during pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider for treatment options.
Howell ER.Pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction management and postpartum rehabilitation: two case reports.
J Can Chiropr Assoc.
2012;56(2):102-111.
Howell ER.Pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction management and postpartum rehabilitation: two case reports.J Can Chiropr Assoc.
2012;56(2):102-111.
2005;85(12):1290-1300. doi: 10.1093/ptj/85.12.1290
