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Pelvic Pain

Are you suffering from pelvic pain during pregnancy? 

Symptoms of Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)

  • Does it feel like a stabbing pain in the front center of your pubic bone? 
  • Extreme lower back pain? 
  • Do you have pain in the area between your anus and your vagina (your perineum)? 
  • Sometimes even your thighs hurt
  • You feel a clicking or grinding in your pelvis? 

Specifically when you’re: 

  • walking
  • going up or down stairs
  • putting your weight on one leg 
  • turning over in bed
  • Getting in and out of a car

If you’re nodding your head, then it could be you are suffering from Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) which occurs during pregnancy. Sometimes it’s called pelvic girdle pain. 

While SPD isn’t harmful to your baby it can be extremely painful for you and it may affect how active and mobile you can be during your pregnancy.

What causes Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)?

Your pelvis is made up of three bones attached to one another by strong ligaments and joints to allow movement. The three bones are the sacrum at your lower back and the two hip bones which are connected by the sacro-iliac joints. At the front of your pelvis, these bones are connected by a ligament called the symphysis pubis.

Normally the ligaments of the pelvic girdle are not very flexible but the increase in the hormone relaxin during pregnancy loosens the ligaments and muscles in order to widen your hips and allow for the baby to pass through easily during labour and birth. However, it also means that your hips and pelvis feel more mobile and unbalanced during the pregnancy which can cause pain. 

The baby’s weight and the way it’s lying and the position of your uterus in your pelvis can all contribute to pelvic pain during pregnancy. If the uterus is leaning to one side, it can stretch and strain the muscles in your pelvis. 

 

 

If you’ve previously experienced pelvic pain and other signs of pelvic imbalance and/or difficult births you may be at greater risk of developing Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) during pregnancy. 

Unfortunately, without treatment, the symptoms of SPD tend to worsen as the pregnancy progresses and the baby’s weight increases. 

In addition to pain, you may also find you’re:

  • Having trouble peeing or pooping 
  • Feeling fatigue even though you are sleeping okay
  • Hearing a clicking or grinding sound from your pelvis 

Today, we understand more about more about the impact of pain on mental health and even postpartum depression. Finding relief from the pain is as important for your mental and emotional health has it is for your physical body.

Holistic treatment for Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)

Sobada Massage therapy and reflexology can be extremely helpful in relieving pelvic pain during pregnancy including Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). The treatment, which includes massage over your belly, hips and back helps relax the muscle strain and tightness in the pelvis, lower back and upper thighs and lengthen the other muscles around the pelvis to help your body adapt to the increasing weight of your baby.

Womb massage in particular during pregnancy focusses on supporting the ligaments holding your uterus and encouraging your uterus into the best possible position. This allows you to enjoy your pregnancy pain free, encourages good blood flow to the uterus and growing baby who is receiving all it’s nutrients via the your blood. 

Poor blood circulation around your pelvis can mean your baby isn’t receiving all the nutrients it needs and/or being able to freely eliminate waste products. 

In addition, if your uterus is better aligned it can reduce the length of your labour and prepare for a smooth birth. 

“I have had SPD in all 4 pregnancies. Third I couldn’t move without wanting to cry from 14 weeks on. But during the fourth I went straight to Annette when the SPD just started and I could go running till the Dr said I needed to stop. Could keep up with my 3 very active kids and had all in a great pregnancy with the rare few hours of SPD pain. Annette worked wonders for me. Wish I had met her before the previous pregnancies.” Elisheva Obrasky

Supportive treatment for Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD)

In addition to Sobada massage that can be very helpful in relieving pelvic pain during pregnancy, there are some other things you can do to help yourself:

  • When getting out of the car, rotate your whole body and legs out, place both feet on the ground and then stand up. 
  • Support your belly with a belt or long scarf called a faja while standing
  • Rest as much as possible
  • Keep your legs together when turning from side to side while lying down
  • Avoid lifting heavy things
  • Get dressed while sitting in a chair or on the edge of your bed in order to avoid having to stand on one leg at a time

Is it really Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) or is it round ligament pain? 

After treating many pregnancy women over the years I’m not 100% convinced that what is often diagnosed as Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is correct. I think in some cases, the culprit is actually round ligament pain. 

You have two round ligaments, each one is attached at the top out edges of your uterus and the other end connects to the labia majora, the larger set of skin folds at the entrance to your vagina. During pregnancy, the round ligament needs to stretch from approximately 10cm up to 30cm depending on the size of your baby. 

If the round ligaments are having trouble stetching and supporting your growing belly, it can lead to pelvic pain in your hips, the side of your belly and under your belly near the entrance to your vagina. It can easily be confused with Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). 

The good news is that round ligament pain responds very well to womb massage, Sobada and many women experience significant relief after the first session. 

I’m a holistic therapist and I am here to help you!

 

I love helping women to overcome their fertility challenges and other issues related to your cycles, pregnancy, periods and/or anxiety. 

I treat women with abdominal and womb massage techniques known as Sobada (formally the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage) and reflexology.

I’m also an Advanced EFT Tapping practitioner and I work with women in particular issues around anxiety, depression, stress levels. 

I teach Fertility Awareness to help women better know their bodies and improve their chances of conceiving or prevent pregnancy naturally.     

I live in Modi’in, Israel and that’s where I spend my days helping women during their fertile years, pregnancy, menopause and other hormonal conditions. Bodywork sessions (massage and reflexology take place in my clinic in Modi’in but EFT Tapping sessions and Fertility Awareness education can take place online or in person).

Learn more about working with me here.

Send me a WhatsApp message

Testimonials

I did a series of treatments with Annette during pregnancy and close to my due date. Annette is amazing! This treatment is not like any treatment or touch I have ever experienced. It’s an energetic treatment, Annette’s touch contains her heart and soul and it’s felt strongly. 

The treatment is full of sensitivity, in choosing the oils that are suitable for me and especially for me and especially for my needs, everything is carefully and emotionally. Annette listened to my personal story, gives tips, contributes from her extensive knowledge and gives an amazing feeling and encourages a deep connection of the body and soul. I strongly recommend treatments at Annette's to every woman. It's an amazing energetic experience!

Update: I gave birth on Sunday afternoon. We’re home now and everything is great thank you. It was a very good birth, long - 12 hours, but the labour kept going the whole time and I was patient that my amazing body was capable and that the contractions would continue gradually and the birth was amazing. 

Einat Kasif, Modi’in

I was having a difficult pregnancy with my twins and I came to Annette for reflexology. She helped me cope with all the changes in my body. I looked forward to her treatments every week. I wouldn’t have survived my twin pregnancy without Annette’s healing hands. Naomi, Modi’in

I thoroughly enjoyed my prenatal massage with Annette. Not only did it provide me with a much needed opportunity for relaxation, but it helped improve my sore and aching body as well. She was gentle and very aware of how to approach a prenatal body, and I felt quite comfortable in her care. Annette’s treatment definitely enhanced both my physical and mental well-being! K.K., Modi’in

Coming for a treatment ( Sobada, abdominal massage and reflexology for pregnancy) with Annette was the perfect thing to do before I gave birth. To stop and listen to my body and give it exactly what it needs so it will have the strength to do what it knows to do best. I highly recommend Annette at all stages of pregnancy and in particular the last month. I can’t wait to come back after the birth. 

 

Zohar

I would highly recommend Annette for reflexology treatments. I have been to many different people and find hers superior by far. The first time I went was for pleasure and to release some stress from everyday life. I continued to go through my last pregnancy. It helped relieve a lot of the pressure on my feet and keep me relaxed. The treatment room is clean and comfortable. I look forward to each session and am never disappointed.

Mindy

I came to Annette’s clinic to help get my body and mind ready for my son’s upcoming birth. In her treatment room, I found such caring and competent hands, a relaxing and serene environment and pure healthy pampering. I felt so ready for the birth of my son and had more confidence and less anxiety that everything would go smoothly. Thank you so much, Annette! 

 

Shira S

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