Symphysis Pubis Separation and Pelvic Girdle Pain

Hi Mamas,

What is Symphysis Pubis Separation (also known as Pelvic Girdle pain)? And how can pregnancy massage help? Read on!

As you go through your pregnancy journey, there are a lot of changes to your body as you grow your baby. One very common thing to experience is Pelvic Girdle pain, which is a separation or dysfunction of the Symphysis Pubis.

The pelvic bones are generally well supported and kept stable with the supporting ligaments surrounding them. However, during pregnancy, hormones are released and with the uptake of relaxin, there are changes to your ligaments. The increased laxity of the joint is designed to relax the pelvic bones and help facilitate an easier birth. but, with the laxity of the pelvic joint, this can also cause it to be unstable, with pain and discomfort on movement.

The specific area affected in SPD is the narrowest point of the bones in the pelvic girdle which lies directly in front of the bladder. The symphysis pubis is the region at the front of your pelvis which is normally covered by pubic hair.

Another contributing factor is the changes in weight distribution which create stress on the pelvis, the spine and all the structures which support them.

Symptoms of Symphysis Pubis Separation:

Groin pain, sometimes a sharp and overwhelming pain in the region at the front of the pubic area.
Shooting or stabbing pain in your back and even sciatic pain.
Knee pain which may extend down to the ankles and the feet. This is generally a result of alignment problems further up in the pelvis.
The pain is worse at night when lying on the back. Turning over in bed and lifting the legs to get out of bed can exacerbate the pain.
A grating, clicking or grinding noise may be heard or even felt in the region of the pubic bone.
Abdominal pain may also be present, as the muscles try to stabilise the joint, however the abdominal muscles are already under considerable load with the growing uterus.

Recommendations to help relieve the pain of Symphysis Pubis Separation:

Pregnancy massage! I provide a very gentle yet effective treatment that focuses a lot on this area to help relieve the pain. Book in here.
Take smaller steps when walking.
Do not push through pain.
Roll under rather than over when rolling in bed.
Sleep on your side.
Pillows!!!! Have a pillow in between your legs when sleeping on your side (this will help stabilise the pelvic joint)
Do not cross your legs when sitting.
Sit tall with back support (have a pillow to help support your lower back ~ even keep one in the car)
Place an ice pack on the painful area for 5-10 minutes every few hours.
Wear a compression garment, support belt or a faja (image above)
Pelvic Floor exercises that help to strengthen the area (see the video below)