Pregnancy can be a beautiful time as you get ready to bring a new life into the world. However, many pregnancies also bring discomfort, pain, and other unwanted symptoms.
One example of an uncomfortable symptom during pregnancy is pain in the groin and inner thigh, particularly during the later months of pregnancy. This pelvic pain during pregnancy may be symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), which causes stiffness in the pelvic joints or uneven movements, such as when you walk.
What Causes SPD?
Symphysis pubis dysfunction happens when the ligaments responsible for keeping the pelvis aligned loosen up too much. When a ligament loosens beyond its normal range, the pelvic joint becomes unstable and can cause pain in the groin and inner thigh.
This loosening of ligaments is caused by a hormone called relaxin. Relaxin is an important hormone that is released from the placenta during pregnancy. It relaxes the wall of the uterus and prepares the uterus’ lining for pregnancy, and it also causes the cervix to dilate. Relaxin also prevents premature childbirth and regulates the mother’s and child’s health in a variety of ways.
However, during pregnancy, too much relaxin can be released into the system. When this happens, the excess of relaxin causes the ligaments responsible for stabilizing the pelvis to loosen up too much. This can cause pain in the inner thigh and groin area.
SPD Symptoms During Pregnancy
SPD can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Pain or difficulty walking
- Pain in the pubic or pelvic area
- Radiating pain that travels to the upper thighs
While some women experience SPD only when moving around too much, some feel it when doing normal daily activities. SPD pain is often felt when you perform any activity that requires weight-bearing or putting weight on one leg at a time. Examples include climbing stairs or even getting in and out of bed.
How to Deal with Pelvic Pain While Pregnant
If you experience SPD, there are a few things you can do to make your pregnancy more comfortable:
Pelvic Support Belt
Pelvic support belts help stabilize the pelvis better during pregnancy. If you experience SPD, a pelvic support belt may be able to reduce or eliminate significant SPD pain by supporting the pelvis. Talk to your OB/GYN about which pelvic support belt is right for your body.
Kegels and Pelvic Tilts
Kegels and pelvic tilts will help strengthen the pelvis’ muscles. These exercises can help stabilize the pelvis better and reduce the pain you’re feeling during your pregnancy. Talk to your OB/GYN about which types of strengthening exercises are best for you.
Rest
Sometimes, there is no better way of dealing with SPD than simply taking it easy. If you are experiencing a lot of pelvic pain, it’s time to relax.
Don’t take part in activities that will cause you pain, and make small changes to your routine to reduce the SPD pain. For example, change your clothes while sitting down instead of standing up, don’t lift heavy objects, and take the elevator or escalator instead of the stairs when possible.
Pain Relief Medicine
Your OB/GYN may recommend pain relievers if your pain in the inner thigh and groin is severe. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and whether pain relievers are a safe option for you and your baby.
OB/GYN Clinic in Syracuse
A supportive and knowledgeable obstetrician can help make your pregnancy a memorable, pleasant, and safe journey. If you are searching for an excellent OB/GYN center, University OB/GYN Associates is the place for you.
Our physicians have a wealth of experience dealing with a wide range of common and uncommon obstetric and gynecological issues, so you will be in safe hands. To schedule an appointment, call us at (315) 464-5162 or request an appointment online. We look forward to taking care of you.
