Q: My friend suffered from pain caused by "pubis symphasis"
during her past five pregnancies. She is currently eight
weeks into her sixth pregnancy, and she's already
experiencing pain. Are there any exercises that can help?
Any magic cures (homeopathic remedies, etc.)? She broke her
coccyx during her first labour 16 years ago, but went on to
have normal, uncomplicated births with her fourth &
fifth children. Her youngest child will be two when the new
baby arrives. Her birth was extremely fast (40 minutes). Is
homebirth an option?
-Chamutal
UK
====
A: With my three pregnancies I experienced pubic pain. My
independent midwife, who has a certificate of midwifery
homeopathy, administered bryonia 1M with immediate and
wonderful results--no more pain.
-Kirsten Millinson
====
A: Rest is very important, and as the pregnancy progresses
the need will likely increase. Nonessential weight-bearing
activities should be reduced (e.g. climbing stairs,
shopping, lifting, carrying, etc.). Elbow crutches may be
needed if weight bearing is painful. Straddle movements
(e.g. getting in/out of bath, bed, and car) should be
avoided due to the hip abduction involved. Avoid standing on
one leg, like when getting dressed.
Exercise should be approached with caution. Swimming is
acceptable, as long as the breaststroke is avoided--it
further stresses the symphysis pubis.
I had success with the homeopathic remedies arnica, bryonia
and symphtum. Chiropractic care can provide wonderful
results if the practitioner is very knowledgeable about the
symphysis pubis area and this condition.
Homebirth is definitely an option. Sometime before labor
begins the pain-free range of hip abduction should be
measured. During labor, the legs should not be separated
beyond that measurement. Prone kneeling or the left lateral
position is best for keeping hip abduction to a minimum.
Lithotomy position should definitely be avoided.
Immediately postpartum the woman should maintain bed rest
for a day or two if there is acute pain. Getting up and
around should be a gradual process.
I would like to invite anyone who has suffered from
symphysis pubis pain/dysfunction to take part in a survey I
have prepared. This will help the director of AAMI and
myself with the booklet we are writing about the condition.
Email me at sempek@ncfreedom.net to request a survey, or if
I can help you in any way.
-Dawn Sempek
====
I heard of one case in which the only thing that relieved
the pain postnatally was for the woman to walk backward
until the condition resolved.
-L.T.
====
I have a couple of questions: First, in regard to the broken
coccyx, how did pregnancies/births two and three go?
Basically, if the labor/birth is "normal" (by midwifery
standards, not OB standards), then this mom is a pretty good
client for a homebirth, especially with a forty minute
labor! As for dealing with the pain of the separated pubic
bone, the only thing I have heard that helps is to "bandage"
the lower abdominal area with an Ace bandage, sort of like a
supportive girdle for the pubic bone.
-Karla Morgan
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 2 Issue 27 July 5, 2000)
To subscribe to the E-News write: enews@midwiferytoday.com
For all other matters contact Midwifery Today:
PO Box 2672-940, Eugene OR 97402
541-344-7438, midwifery@aol.com, Midwifery Today
|
|