Going through the pain of being pregnant is driving me a little crazy. For some reason knowing the science helps me feel a little better.

For me, the biggest issue is pelvic girdle pain.

The cause of Pelvic Girdle Pain is the pregnancy hormone Relaxin. This hormone causes the ‘relaxation’ of pelvic joints and ligaments allowing the baby to pass from the womb into the world.

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction and Pelvic Girdle P are similar. So similar that the terms are often used interchangeably. The pubic symphysis is part of PGP. It just happens to be ‘localized’ to the pubic symphysis at the front of the pelvis.

Wikipedia describes it as:

It is a condition that causes excessive movement of the pubic symphysis, either anterior or lateral, as well as associated pain, possibly because of a misalignment of thepelvis. SPD is a dysfunction that is associated with pelvic girdle pain and the names are often used interchangeably.

from wikipedia

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction Relief Tips

• Number one, Relax! Rest as much as you can. Now’s the time to wallow in a stack of books or catch up on your daytime TV, guilt-free!
• Try to limit movements that place stress on the symphysis pubis.
• When you get out of bed (if you don’t do it already) roll out with both legs together.
• When you go upstairs, go up one step at a time, like you did when you were little.
• See your doctor get proper diagnose and treatment for Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction.
• Ask your doctor to prescribe you pregnancy safe painkillers
• You can wear a pelvic support garment (like a belt or girdle). You can also try crutches.
• Visiting an occupational therapist is helpful if you have trouble with daily tasks.
• Ask your doctor for exercises to help. These can benefit the muscles supporting the joints and help with posture while pregnant.
• You may consider alternative treatments. These include chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, etc.

In most cases, it takes about half a year to recover fully after birth. If the pain continues past six months, consult your doctor for further treatment.

This scares me a little, but here is to hoping for a quick relief.