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Tips for coping with SPD during pregnancy

Tips for coping with SPD during pregnancySPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) is a very common condition that women experience during pregnancy. Also referred to as PGP (Pelvic Girdle Pain), it is a medical condition that causes women to experience pain mostly in their hips, back and pubic bone during pregnancy. This is actually a condition that is caused by Relaxin, a hormone that is released in order to loosen your pelvic ligaments to make room for your baby and help the baby move through the pelvis during birth. This loosening of the ligaments can cause extreme pain in your pubic area, hips, back, thighs, or even buttocks (the sacroiliac joints). Certain physical activities can actually make the pain worse, so SPD can be debilitating and in the worst cases it can make women almost completely immobile. Unfortunately, there are few medical treatments available for this condition. Usually physiotherapy and rest is recommended. However, there are also things you can do for yourself, to cope better with SPD and get some relief.

Accept Help

If you are suffering from SPD in pregnancy, one of the best things you can do for relief is let other people help you. When you feel like you need to sit down and rest, just do it. Someone else can help with the household chores. Sometimes all you really need is to relax.

The Snoozle maternity slide sheet

Whether you are sleeping, napping, or just trying to lie down in a comfortable position, you are going to want to get your hands on the Snoozle maternity slide sheet. The Snoozle is designed to make it easy for pregnant women to cope with SPD in pregnancy. Turning in bed while pregnant and suffering from SPD can be extremely hard and painful, but when you lie on top of the Snoozle it helps you turn smoothly with less discomfort.

Pillows

Placing a pillow between your legs when you go to sleep for the night is a great way to relieve some of the pain and pressure you are going to feel while you are asleep. Pillows, in combination with the Snoozle slide sheet, will make you more comfortable, while also making it easy for you to move around in bed. It’s a great combination to help you get these precious extra minutes of rest at night.

Keep Your Legs Together

While you are pregnant, you are going to want to avoid physical activity that makes you have to spread your legs apart or put too much pressure on them. When you stand, you need to try to even the balance between your two legs and keep your knees together as much as you can, especially when you’re getting out of bed or your car, standing up etc. The less pressure you put on your pelvic area, the less pain you are going to be in as a result of SPD. Furthermore, when you are doing simple things such as getting dressed or putting your shoes on, you should do these tasks while sitting down. If your baby bump is in the way when it comes to your shoes, do not be afraid to ask for help or use a device designed to help. 

 

If you think you suffer from SPD, please ask your doctor or midwife about it. They should be able to provide you with good information, refer you to a physiotherapist and answer all your questions.

 

 

Author: Lilja Þorsteinsdóttir