Beyond the Bump: Managing Pubic Joint Discomfort Throughout Your Pregnancy Journey

Pubic joint pain in pregnancy

What is the pelvic girdle

The pelvis, a remarkable and intricate bony structure, plays a crucial role in housing and safeguarding the reproductive organs, nerves, blood supply, and lower gastrointestinal and urinary systems. Comprising the left and right innominate bones fused with the sacrum and coccyx, it forms the foundation of our lower body. Within this framework lie the left and right sacroiliac joints, the symphysis pubis joint, and the sacrococcygeal joint, connecting the various elements of the pelvic girdle. As an expectant mother embarks on the incredible journey of pregnancy, the pelvis undergoes gradual widening, a natural process facilitated by the Relaxin hormone. This expansion allows ample space for the growing baby while presenting a unique set of challenges due to the loosening of pelvic ligaments. Join us as we delve deeper into the marvels of the pelvic girdle, exploring its role during pregnancy, why it naturally widens, and how to navigate potential discomforts with grace and care. Let's ensure your pregnancy experience is one of comfort and joy!

What does SPD mean?

SPD refers to Symphysis Pubis dysfunction, so the pubic joint at the front of your pelvis causing pain and/or not functioning properly.

Pubic joint/SPD in pregnancy

The pubic joint is located at the front of the pelvis. It is where the left and right pubic bones join via ligaments, a synovial disc and joint. Naturally in pregnancy this joint widen 3-7mm to allow for the growing baby. In some women this widening of the joint (and other factors) can make the joint painful.

Tips- 

  • Stretch your inner thighs (adductors)

  • Keep your knee’s max hip width apart

  • Sleep with a pillow between your knee’s

  • Get in the car bottom first then feet together

  • Ask your osteo or physio about a pregnancy belt and get dressed sitting down and step into pants.

General tips to avoid pelvic girdle pain

  • Keep active

  • Avoid/modify activities that cause pain

  • Know your limits and rest when needed

  • Sit down to get dressed

  • Keep your knee’s max hip width apart

  • Sleep with a pillow between your knee’s, ankles and a pillow wedged behind your lower back

  • Wear proper, supportive shoes

  • See a pelvic physio early in pregnancy for appropriate pelvic floor exercises

  • Don’t suffer in pain and see a pregnancy Osteopath

  • Avoid sitting or standing for extended periods

  • Hourly ‘movement breaks’ at work to keep everything mobile

How Osteopathic treatment can help Pubic joint pain/SPD (Symphysis Pubis dysfunction)

Osteopathic treatment is a safe, effective form of hands-on, physical therapy that can help pregnant women suffering with pelvic girdle pain at any stage of pregnancy. Most women experience pelvic girdle pain in the third trimester but unfortunately (especially if this is not a first pregnancy) this pain can start much earlier. Osteopathic treatment checks the alignment of the pelvis, increases the mobility of the pubic and sacroiliac joints and their function with the lumbar spine and hips. Treatment also addresses any tight muscles and ligaments placing strain on those joints. Sarah specialises in pelvic pain in pregnancy and also addresses the entire body,  helping the body adapt to pregnancy and making women as comfortable as possible in pregnancy. 

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Pregnancy and the Pelvis: Strategies for Sacroiliac Joint Pain Relief

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Pregnancy, bump & baby - The burning question