Helping Hands: The Health Benefits Of Massage

If you're suffering from Pelvic Girdle Pain (you're not alone. PGP, sometimes known as SPD or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) refers to pain women get in their pelvic region during pregnancy, and it affects around 20% of pregnant women. Thankfully, PGP is not a sentence you have to bear for your entire pregnancy. There are many ways to reduce or eliminate pelvic pain during pregnancy. Here are a few you can try:

Keep Your Body Centred

Often, pelvic pain is brought about or worsened when you settle into a position that's off balance. That's why keeping your body symmetrical when standing or sitting can help alleviate your discomfort. When you're doing housework, for example, try to avoid putting dishes away with one hand or only holding the vacuum in one arm, as these movements can put too much stress on one side of the pelvis. If you already have a baby or toddler, the same goes for holding them. Instead of sitting them on one hip, try using a carrier to keep their weight in the centre of your body. Another way to keep your body centred is to sit down when you're getting dressed. Putting bottoms on while standing up forces you to stand on one leg, which puts a lot of tension on that side of your body. You should also take stairs slowly to avoid the same issue, standing on each step with both feet rather than making big strides.

Rest More Often

Physical activity can worsen pelvic pain, so it's a good idea to rest more often if you think your PGP is being brought on by movement. If you feel comfortable doing so, ask your partner, friends and family if they would be willing to help you with some tasks, like bringing meals over so you don't have to cook as often. You can also try sitting down while doing housework. Many activities can be done while seated, for example, peeling vegetables or folding clothes. You should also pay close attention to your body to see which types of activities cause you more pain. Some tasks may be easier than others, so consider re-delegating the family chores. When you do rest, sit with your body centred, or lie down on your side with a pillow between your legs.

See a Physiotherapist

If you're struggling to reduce the pain on your own, consider seeing a physiotherapist for professional help. Physiotherapists can offer you treatment that's safe for you and your baby, including therapeutic massage or an exercise plan. They can also offer you more advice on how to manage pain or how to plan your delivery to ensure the birth is comfortable. If your PGP continues after giving birth, physio can continue to help until your condition heals.