What Helps With SPD Pain During Pregnancy?

SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) pain during pregnancy can be challenging to deal with due to the discomfort it brings. It is caused by the excessive movement of the pubic symphysis, a joint located at the front of the pelvis. This condition can lead to pain in the groin, lower abdomen, hips, and lower back, making daily activities and movements difficult for pregnant individuals.

Home Care Advice for SPD Pain Relief

When dealing with SPD pain during pregnancy, various home care strategies can help alleviate discomfort. These include applying ice to the pubic symphysis and lower back as needed, moving as a unit by keeping legs together to minimize strain on the pelvis, and performing pelvic floor exercises such as Kegels to strengthen the muscles supporting the pelvis.

Importance of Gluteus Maximus Activation

Activating the gluteus maximus, the largest muscle in the buttocks, can play a crucial role in supporting the pelvis and reducing SPD pain. By strengthening and engaging this muscle, pregnant individuals can improve their overall pelvic stability and alleviate some of the discomfort associated with SPD.

Utilizing Pregnancy-Specific Pelvic Belts

Using a structured and supportive pregnancy-specific pelvic belt, such as Trainer’s Choice, can provide additional support to the pelvis and help distribute weight more evenly. This can reduce the strain on the pubic symphysis and alleviate some of the pain experienced during daily activities.

Staying Active and Engaging in Stretching

Staying as active as possible during pregnancy, within the limits of comfort, can help maintain muscle strength and flexibility, which can contribute to reducing SPD pain. Additionally, incorporating gentle stretching exercises can help improve mobility and reduce muscle tension in the pelvic region.

What Helps With SPD Pain During Pregnancy?

Consulting a Healthcare Provider

It is important for pregnant individuals experiencing severe SPD pain to consult with their healthcare provider. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice, recommend appropriate exercises, and offer additional treatment options to manage and alleviate SPD pain effectively.

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Nancy Sherman

Nancy Sherman has more than a decade of experience in education and is passionate about helping schools, teachers, and students succeed. She began her career as a Teaching Fellow in NY where she worked with educators to develop their instructional practice. Since then she held diverse roles in the field including Educational Researcher, Academic Director for a non-profit foundation, Curriculum Expert and Coach, while also serving on boards of directors for multiple organizations. She is trained in Project-Based Learning, Capstone Design (PBL), Competency-Based Evaluation (CBE) and Social Emotional Learning Development (SELD).