Dealing with Pelvic Girdle Pain 

If you are pregnant and have a pain in the front and centre of your pubic bone, you could be suffering from this.  It can be extremely uncomfortable and in some cases, completely debilitating up to and beyond delivery.

Here is a little information to help you understand a little bit more about it, what causes it and what you should do if you think you /know you have it.

Pelvic Girdle Pain Causes & Symptoms

The Symphysis Pubis is the fibrocartilaginous tissue reinforced by several ligaments that forms the joint of the pelvic girdle at the pubis (front of the pelvic girdle).  During the pregnancy period you produce increased amounts of two hormones, Relaxin and Progesterone, that aid ligamental laxity which eventually aids the delivery of the baby, allowing the pelvis to open sufficiently to allow the passage of the newborn.

Diastasis Symphysis Pubis or Pelvic Girdle Pain as it is commonly called, is the name for the problem in its most severe form – where the Symphysis actually separates severely or tears.

In some women, either because of excessive levels of ‘relaxing’ hormones, extra sensitivity to hormones, or a pelvis that is out of alignment, this area is extra lax or there is extra pressure on the joint.

When this increase becomes excessive there may be accompanying swelling and severe pain over the joint – especially when walking, getting in and out of bed, and climbing stairs. Pain may also be felt in and down the thighs and the back as the whole pelvis is put under strain. Some women may also because totally incapacitated by the pain and end up using wheelchairs or crutches during the later stages of their pregnancy.

What you should do if you think you have it

The first thing you should do is speak to your midwife/doctor and tell them exactly where you feel the discomfort.  They should refer you straight to a woman’s health physio who will be able to give you tailored exercises and advice.

Secondly, you should aim to cut down on movements that take your legs apart whether that be opening your knees or excessively lifting one leg at a time. The more stability you can keep at the front of your pelvis, the better. 

If you feel able, it is important to continue to exercise and strengthen your glutes but you should avoid movements such as breaststroke legs when swimming, lunging or standing on one leg.

Basically, anything that causes you pain in the area you feel it should be minimised.  There is no ‘working through the pain’.  This will NOT help!!  

If you’re in need of more practical tips on how to manage your pelvic girdle pain, please get in touch!