Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)
What is the common condition that makes standing on one leg or climbing stairs unbearable for some pregnant women? Christine Hill examines spd.
Related: 10 tips for coping with spd
What is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction?
The symphysis pubis is the name given to where two bones meet at the front of the pelvis. The pelvic bone is roughly in the shape of a heart, and is actually formed by three bones, which are held together by very strong ligaments.
The bones meet to form three 'fixed' joints - at the front (the symphysis pubis) and at each side of the bottom of the spine (the sacro-iliac joints).
Normally, these joints are not designed to allow movement. However, when a woman becomes pregnant, a hormone called relaxin is produced which loosens all the pelvic ligaments in order to allow the pelvis slight movement at the time of birth.
For some reason, the ligaments occasionally loosen too much and too early before birth. This means they can't keep the pelvic joints stable so the pelvis moves, especially on weight bearing. All this is made worse by the increased weight of the growing baby and sometimes the symphysis pubis joint actually separates slightly. The result is mild to severe pain, usually in the pubic area, and is called SPD.
What are the symptoms?
The most common is pain and difficulty when walking. Some women describe the feeling of their pelvis coming apart. The pain is made worse when turning in bed or doing something that involves standing on one leg, such as climbing up stairs, getting dressed and getting in and out of a car.
The pain is generally felt in the pubis and/or the sacro-iliac joints, but can also be experienced in the groin, the inner side of the thighs, the hips and in one or both buttocks.
When is it most likely to start?
At any time from the first trimester onwards. Some women can be fine during their pregnancy, but get the condition a few days after their baby has been born.SPD sometimes occurs following a period of immobility, an unusually busy overactive period or a particular activity such as swimming breaststroke or lifting something incorrectly.
Is there any treatment?
Unfortunately there is no way of tightening the ligaments again during pregnancy, so no treatment will be able to cure SPD. This includes any sort of osteopathy, reflexology or acupuncture. However, after the birth the body stops producing the hormone, so the ligaments tighten up and (for the majority of women) the symptoms gradually disappear.
So what can be done?
The most important thing is to avoid doing anything that aggravates the condition, such as standing on one leg. Sit on a chair to get dressed. Be very careful to get into a car by putting your bottom on the seat first, and then lifting your legs into the car. When you get out, lift your legs onto the pavement and then lift your bottom off the seat.If you go swimming, don't swim breaststroke.
Always turn over in bed with your knees firmly together.Make sure you get a rest (in bed) every day. If you already have a child, you will need help, as you will find it difficult to lift him or her. If the pain is severe, ask your GP for a referral to a physiotherapist, ideally one who has specialist training in obstetrics and is called a Physiotherapist in Woman?s Health. She or he will be able to assess you and may fit you with a pelvic support belt, which helps to stabilise the pelvis. Your GP will also be able to prescribe painkillers that are safe to take in pregnancy.
During labour and delivery
It's not really possible to decide in advance what position you will deliver in, because it all depends on how your labour goes and what you find comfortable at the time, but it is useful to have a few ideas. The most important thing is that the doctor or midwife who is delivering you knows you have SPD.
You will need to keep separation of your legs to a minimum - which is the tricky bit during delivery. If everything goes smoothly and you don't need an epidural, you might find it comfortable to deliver on all fours, kneel up against the back of the bed or lie on your side with your upper leg supported.
If you push in a sitting position during the second stage, do NOT let your feet be placed on your attendants' hips.
If you need an epidural, remember it will mask the warning pain of SPD as well as the contractions and the above is even more important.
If by any chance you need an assisted delivery, which requires you to have your legs in stirrups (lithotomy position), it is vital that your partner reminds your midwives that you have SPD. They will be very careful to lift your legs up together symmetrically. The same applies if you need stitches after your baby has been born.
Most women recover spontaneously soon after birth, but you will need to rest (as much as possible) and avoid doing anything that provokes the pain.
See also:
, why it happens and what can be done to treat i: iVillage){kind=link}
Comments
Here you can find the latest products in different kinds of christian louboutin uk making best materials.They are leisure practical products in the new generations.We are proud to celebrate our sixth 'Best of Award of Excellence' from Wine Spectator for christian louboutin. Our Sommelier team works diligently to ensure you have some of the best wine values available.many of christian louboutin sale are great for different occasions. There are many options for you of the different styles and colors.christian louboutin sale uk is dedicated to providing the best and the newest designer products at a fraction of the cost. Order your designer handbags and wallet from us and you will be convinced!
This summer,?christian louboutin uk combined with Chinese style, the international trend of the subversive elements in bold, the idea of ?weaving in elements in the interpretation of low-carbon fashion casual.Look at this golden christianbag in the? christian louboutin.Those new bags with classic and fashionable design are more and more popular now!Among those goods, I like the christian louboutin sale most; they are cheap and have a superior quality. I feel fashionable when I take one with me.christian louboutin sale uk has a very trendy design that most ladies want nowadays. Choose your right one from their website quickly.
During the traditional and popular perfect balance.our christian outlet online offer your high quality christian louboutin uk and christian sunglasses. Orders Over $100 Free Shipping.christian brand is one of the most successful leather brands. It is also the longest by American market. Recent years, Cheap christian louboutin uk sale become more and more popular. It is form USA traditional inspiration and is the integration of modern American style purses.christian louboutin is a fashion brand to ensure its quality. With designer christianshoulder bags, you will always attract people's attention. The bags will emphasize your personal style and taste.Maybe you haven't seen such a great handbag sold at such a cheap price. Various Coach Handbags are provided in the coach factory with other wonderful colors and styles for your demand.Coach handbags on top of that to research, all those of us that do not would rather go out and store possess the luxury of buying by utilizing coach factory store.
Maybe you haven't seen such a great handbag sold at such a cheap price. Various Coach Handbags are provided in the coach factory with other wonderful colors and styles for your demand.Coach handbags on top of that to research, all those of us that do not would rather go out and store possess the luxury of buying by utilizing coach factory store.
furla handbags interpretation. Recommended online every day the best looking, best value clothes, shoes, bags, accessories,
cosmetics, buy furla online ; to provide the most reliable reviews and price comparisons. More than just about fashion.
Participate in the fashion industry furla sale topics and trends. To maintain distance, and fashion trends for the fashion
industry really care about the topic, including celebrities furla bags dynamic, lifestyle, fashion. To catch the candy of this
summer's hot color trend. furla outlet
Welcome to HandbagsWorlds, where you can indulge yourself in the latest Handbags, trendy purses and more! Our quality handbags are hand selected to offer high quality without the high price tag, so getting the hottest looks has never been easier. Whether you are looking for the perfect shoulder bag or a slim and sexy clutch, we have exactly the Cheap Handbags you are looking for at affordable prices.Cheap Louis Vuitton,Cheap Louis Vuitton Bags,Cheap Chanel Bags, Cheap Gucci Bags,Discount Louis Vuitton Handbags,Cheap Chanel,Cheap Gucci,Discount Louis Vuitton,Discount Chanel Handbags,Discount Gucci Handbags.
77% off Cheap Chanel Bags Online, Chanel Handbags,Chanel Bags,Chanel handbags Online, Cheap Chanel Bags, Cheap Chanel Handbags, Discount Chanel handbags , Discount Chanel bags .Fast Delivery, Free Shipping and Discount Price. Chanel New Arrivals, Chanel Handbags 2010 Collection ,Chanel Coco Bags, Chanel Coco, Chanel Coco Handbags, Chanel Flap Bags, Chanel Flap Handbags, Chanel Cambon bags, Chanel Diaper Bags, Chanel Evening Bags, Chanel Messenger Bags, Chanel Shoulder Bags, ,Cheap Chanel Tote handbags, Chanel Tote Bags, Wholesale Chanel Purses, Chanel Bow Sunglasses, Cheap Chanel Sunglasses, Chanel black Sunglasses, Chanel pearl Sunglasses, Chanel J12 Watches, cheap chanel watches, Cheap Chanel Shoes, Chanel Sandals, Chanel Belts
Timberland is one of the most attractive brands in the world.?Timberland Boots is not only a sign of taste and fashion, it is also a symbol of social status and recognition. TimberlandBootsCheap.Com is the best online store which provide top quality Timberland Boots, Cheap Timberland?Boots, Timberland Men Boots,Timberland Women Boots,Timberland Kids Boots,Timberland Chukka Boots, Timberland Roll Top Boots, Timberland 6 Inch Boots. Welcome to select Timberland Boots?Cheap from different modes, colors and materials from our company.Top Quality, PayPal Accept, Save up to 50%-70% OFF, 5-7days delivery!!!
Cheap Nike Shoes, Cheap Jordan Shoes,Cheap Nike Dunks, Cheap Air Max Shoes, Cheap Nike Basketball Shoes,Cheap Air Jordan,Cheap Air Max,Cheap Jordan Shoes,Cheap Nike Air Yeezy ,Cheap Air Yeezy Shoes, Cheap Nike Shoes.