Pelvic pain in pregnancy: a new approach.
Is pain in pregnancy a ‘necessary evil’ or can technology help?
The accepted wisdom seems to be that pain in pregnancy is normal. But we don’t accept that and neither should you.
Advances in treatment and support options for women who are experiencing pain in the pelvis, lower back, and pubic areas are now playing an active role among pregnant mothers and their therapists
There are many terms describing pelvic pain in pregnancy.These include peripartum pelvic pain, Pregnancy-related Pelvic Pain (PRPP), Pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP), anterior or posterior pelvic pain, and symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)*.
This can often be confused with diastasis pubis, pelvic rupture and even osteitis pubis. The disability related to symphysis pubis pain (SPD) in pregnancy can vary from mild to severe, but is significant and any therapy that can help to reduce the discomfort is a welcome possibility.
Some common treatments.
Pelvic pain occurs in pregnant women at a rate of between 48 –71%* and treatments include soft tissue therapy, pregnancy support belts,side-lying mobilisation and home care advice such as using a pillow between the knees, using ice as well as regular breaks from sitting or standing for long periods.
Caring partners, comfort food, essential oils and pets may also play an important but non-therapeutic role.
How technology is making a difference.
In a study conducted by Depledge et al (2005)**, the use of pelvic support belts decreased the worst pain experienced by all pregnant women experiencing pubic symphysis dysfunction and it markedly decreased mid level pain when used in conjunction with activity.
Using technology-based products that incorporate compression around the lower back and pelvis such as Supacore CORETECH® Maternity help to create the same support as a pelvic support belt, while being significantly more comfortable!
Our Women's Cor support shorts are the only seamlessly knitted "over the belly" support shorts with built-in pelvic support available in the world. They even come with a risk-free returns policy. This is the answer to decreasing your pubic symphysis dysfunction pain.
In some ways, you could think about pregnancy as a nine-month athletic challenge where you are carrying around an ever-growing weight. So a high-tech garment that helped support the lower back, hips and groin with added stability would be both smart and useful.
In some ways, you could think about pregnancy as a nine-month athletic challenge where you are carrying around an ever-growing weight. So a high-tech garment that helped support the lower back, hips and groin with added stability would be both smart and useful.
References:
Depledge, J, McNair, P, Keal-Smith, C & Williams, M 2005, "Management of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction During Pregnancy Using Exercise and Pelvic Support Belts", Physical Therapy, vol. 85, no. 12, pp. 290-300.
Howell, E. R., 2012. Pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction management and postpartum rehabilitation: two case reports. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 56(2), p. 102+.