Symphysiolysis Dysfunction in Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Know - From Diagnosis to Perfect Sleep
Suffering from pain in your pelvis, groin, or lower back during pregnancy? You are not alone. If you've heard the term "Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction" (SPD) from a friend or in the doctor's office, this guide will help you make sense of the confusion and reveal how you can get back to sleeping like you used to.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction is a phenomenon that troubles many pregnant women and manifests in varying degrees of pain that differ from woman to woman. While the pain can be intense and limiting, the good news is that there are definitely things you can do to relieve it.
What is Symphysiolysis / Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction and What Causes It?
This flexibility isn't accidental - it stems from a surge in hormones (including Progesterone and Relaxin) designed to prepare your body for childbirth.
The phenomenon typically begins around week 12 of pregnancy and manifests primarily as pain in the pelvis, hips, and groin, and sometimes in the back as well.
How Do You Know If You Have SPD? (Self & Medical Diagnosis)
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Self-Check: Place a finger on the pubic bone area. If you experience intense pain upon touch, this may indicate SPD.
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Medical Diagnosis: If you have any concerns, it is recommended to consult a doctor who can accurately diagnose the condition via ultrasound.
8 Tips for Natural Treatment and Pain Relief
If you are indeed suffering from this condition, we have gathered ways for you to treat, relieve, and even prevent the pain:
- Proper Sitting: It is recommended to sit in an upright position with your feet flat on the floor at a 90-degree angle.
- Posture Awareness: Pay attention to correct posture during daily activities and engage the right muscles naturally when the body is relaxed. To "re-teach" the body, you can utilize the "Alexander Technique."
- Avoid Load: Avoid lifting heavy weights.
- Suitable Footwear: It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and avoid prolonged walking in heels or shoes that do not provide sufficient support for the back and pelvic area.
- Pelvic Floor Strengthening: Simple physical exercises to strengthen the area will help reduce pain intensity.
- Alternative Medicine: Chinese medicine also offers solutions based on the connection between body and mind.
- Rest: In cases of acute pain or limited movement, you may obtain orthopedic authorization for absence from work and receive a pregnancy bed rest benefit.
- Supportive Sleep Position: During sleep, it is recommended to lie on your side and use a pillow placed between your thighs.
How to Position the Pillow to Relieve Lower Back and Pelvic Pain?
One of the most effective ways for immediate relief is the correct use of a dedicated pregnancy pillow.
The key to relief lies in neutralizing the mechanical load on the pelvis. When you lie on your side without support, the upper thigh "falls" downward, creating tension on the pelvic joints.
Here is how it works:
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Closing the gap between the thighs and ankles using a pillow will reduce the load placed on the pelvic joint.
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The pillow helps because the edge placed between the thighs closes the gap created by the widening of the pelvis, reducing the weight burden of the upper thigh on the lower thigh and pelvis.
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This action also prevents the "radiation" of pain to adjacent organs: the groin and lower back.
What Should You Check When Choosing a Pregnancy Pillow for SPD?
Not every pillow will do the job. There are three critical parameters:
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Full Body Support: Especially in the pelvic area, hips, and down to the ankles.
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Height/Thickness Adjustment: The pillow's thickness needs to be adapted to the gap between your thighs so that the upper thigh is balanced at the height of the pelvis.
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Filling Firmness: The filling needs to be firm enough so the thigh doesn't sink during the night, maintaining proper support.
The Solution by KOALITA: MoonLove Pregnancy & Nursing Pillow
The KOALITA brand has been operating in Israel since 2018, specializing in advanced sleep solutions for pregnant women.
The brand's flagship product, the MoonLove pillow, is a unique development (registered design at the Patent Authority) designed specifically to treat these issues.
Why is MoonLove So Effective for SPD Pain?
- Professional Development: Developed with the assistance of leading physiotherapists to provide a precise solution for back, lower back, pelvic, and groin pain.
- Supportive Design: Features an ergonomic half-moon shape that provides support for the entire body, from head to ankle.
- Full Customization (Exclusive Benefit): The only pillow with an option for optimal filling adjustment - the pillow comes with extra filling on the side that you can add or remove to perfect your personal posture and comfort.
With the right pregnancy pillow, you can go back to sleeping just like you did before pregnancy and enjoy support that will continue with you into the nursing stage.
Don't let the pain manage your pregnancy. It's time to give your body the perfect support!
Click here to purchase the MoonLove pillow with fast home delivery
Questions & Answers (FAQ)
When do Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) pains start, and how is it diagnosed?
The condition typically begins around week 12 of pregnancy, presenting as severe pain in the pelvis, groin, or lower back. SPD can be suspected if there is localized tenderness when touching the pubic bone area. However, a precise and definitive medical diagnosis is made by an OB-GYN using an ultrasound.
What is the recommended sleeping position to relieve pelvic pain and SPD?
The safest and most recommended sleeping position during pregnancy is side-lying. However, it is crucial to prevent the upper thigh from "dropping" to avoid creating tension on the pelvic joints. It is highly recommended to place a supportive pregnancy pillow between your thighs and ankles, keeping the thigh aligned with the pelvis and significantly reducing mechanical stress and radiating pain.
Is any pregnancy pillow or regular pillow suitable for SPD relief?
No. An effective pillow must provide continuous support from the pelvis down to the ankles and feature a firm filling that won't sink during the night. Koalita's MoonLove pillow was designed in collaboration with physiotherapists specifically for this purpose. It allows you to customize the filling to your body structure, ensuring optimal anatomical alignment throughout the night.
What are other natural ways to reduce SPD pain?
Beyond supported sleep at night, maintaining proper sitting posture with your legs at a 90-degree angle, avoiding heavy lifting, and wearing comfortable, supportive shoes will help immensely. Additionally, specific pelvic floor strengthening exercises and staying mindful of your posture can dramatically reduce the intensity of daily pain.
*This article was not written by a professional. Whenever the need arises - it is always advisable to consult a qualified professional.
