About 32% of pregnant women suffer with a specific pelvic pain called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD). Are you one of them? Doesn’t everything ache and hurt ‘down there’ already?
Here’s how to tell and what you can do about it for better symphysis pubis dysfunction relief.
What Causes Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction
On the front of your pelvis is your pubic bone. It’s where the two halves come together and there’s normally a tiny gap between them.
But during pregnancy that gap naturally increases just a smidgen, creating more room for your baby to grow and ultimately pass through when born.
However, some women’s pubic bones separate too far or unevenly, causing the pain and inability to function easily doing certain activities.
Too high of levels of relaxin, or too much made too soon during pregnancy (before 14 weeks), results in such dysfunction.
This is usually caused from another one of your great hormones: relaxin. Often too high of levels of relaxin or too much made too soon during pregnancy (before 14 weeks), results in such dysfunction. Unfortunately, there’s not much that can be done about this.
I really like this image because it shows you the pelvic floor muscles at the same time. Image courtesy of proprofs.com
What Increases Your Risk
You’re probably wondering, “Why the heck do I have it in the first place? Why me?!”
Here are a few reasons why. You don’t have to have any of these apply to you in order for you to still develop SPD either, bummer. But it will make you feel better if you can point at a reason that’s out of your control. 🙂
- excessive body weight during pregnancy
- starting your period before age 11
- having a large baby or twins
- poor posture
- strenuous activities
- history of trauma to the pelvis
Hopefully something here will have applied to you the you can have a little sanity relief knowing the cause. But if not … sorry. Now let’s move forward in helping you figure out how to relieve this pain.
Related: Causes Of Child Obesity Include Too Much Pregnancy Weight Gain
Your Essentials For SPD Relief
- Get a comfortable Leachco Maternity Pillow immediately for better sleep at night. I recommend the Back ‘N Belly or Snoogle pillows.
- Sit at your desk better with Balance Ball Chairs you can adjust more easily.
- Sit and Sigh pillows for sitting, in the bath tub, or on the go.
- Use a foam roller to get the extra kinks out of your spine and hips.
- Wearing pregnancy support belts to lift the pressure off your pubic bone.
Your Symptoms Of SPD
Clearly there’s the pubic pain and anything in the abdomen around your pelvis that hurts. That’s easy. But there are other more distinguishable pains and difficulties that are clear signs of SPD, or that you may not have considered.
1. Increased Pain When Lifting Your Legs
Say you’re trying to get in your car, or are just walking up the stairs, and your public bone feels like someone is trying to drive a wedge through it as you lift a leg.
What’s happening is that your pelvis and other leg are taking all of the weight and shifting your balance to the side. Well, when one side of your pubic bone is pulled one direction and the other side isn’t, it’s going to scream at you.
2. Hard Time Moving Your Lower Body To Get Out Of Bed
Same reason as before: you’re not in a position where you can easily balance your weight evenly on your legs or butt, resulting in the completely desire to just lay there to avoid the pain.
Related: Ten Secrets Of How To Sleep Better During Pregnancy
3. Worsening Pain When Rolling Over
Again, same reason. BUT, even if you DON’T have SPD, rolling over can always be difficult during pregnancy. Moving that mountain of a belly takes a ton of effort even without the discomfort.
Related: Proper Pregnancy Rollover - Definitely Not As Cute As The Baby’s
4. Sciatica
This is a fancy word for nerve pain that starts at your pelvis and runs on the inside and down the back of your upper legs. There’s a HUGE bundle of nerves that run through there from the spine. And when it’s squished from something being off, it gives you even more bothersome pain to deal with.
5. Clicking Sound Near Your Pelvis
Like your knuckles, or any joint for that matter, gas and fluids can build up causing clicking sounds when the pressure is released from certain movements. It’s like when people crack their knuckles all the time.
My knees do it every time I go down the stairs or when I squat. There’s usually no pain associated with this symptom. But I guess if you’re ‘cracking’ loud enough in public, it can be embarrassing.
Still not sure if you have SPD? Your doctor or midwife can order an ultrasound where they can get images your pubic bone and measure the gap to see if your spacing is normal or not. But I think most women clearly know they have SPD by just going through their day and noting when the pain is worst.
Now For Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction Relief
Your doctor will say, “Get some rest.” Yah, like you didn’t know that would already help, just like EVERY other symptom you’re dealing with.
But the NICE thing is that you can do A LOT of things to help you feel better and even strengthen your pelvic area to reduce or possibly eliminate the symptoms.
| What? | Why? |
| lay on your side instead of your back | It puts the pressure onto your belly instead of your pelvis and back-and trust me, your belly can take much more than you think. Use a maternity pillow for better support. |
| hold your knees together when moving certain ways | So when you’re getting into the car, turn and sit down, then rotate both legs together into the car-instead of entering with one leg first. Keeping your legs closer together when muscles are working reduces the pressure and strain on the pubic bone.
This ONLY applies to when you’re moving.**I don’t recommend that you do this when you’re just sitting down. You should STILL sit tailor-style as often as possible when sitting because it also takes pressure off your painful areas. |
| use pillows to support your lower back when sitting | As I sit at my desk right now, on my Balance Ball Chair, I have a pillow behind me. After awhile, your lower back just needs a break when sitting, even when you’re sitting the right way.
Some fantastic support pillows designed for SPD are made by Sit and Sigh that you can get for added support and and comfortable relief while sitting: |
| forget heels | You need to hide these in your closet when you’re pregnant. Don’t even THINK about putting them on, even if they’re still comfortable for you.
Your body was NOT designed to walk in heels. So it doesn’t have the time or effort capable to deal with the added strain all the way up your body if you choose to wear them. |
| never cross one leg over the other when sitting | Back to my point about properly sitting…. |
| don’t ride a bike | What bones are taking the brunt when you ride a bike? Sure, let’s add to the pain level from not seeing that pothole in front our wheel. |
| avoid jumping or jarring activities | You don’t want to do these anyway during pregnancy. (There are other activities you shouldn’t participate in you should know about too.) |
| roll over the right way | Instead of using your back, abs and legs to try and roll over in your sleep, do it the way I describe in this pregnancy roll-over post. |
| ice pack it | This reduces the inflammation pain surrounding all those tissues and junctures. Don’t leave it on for more than 15 minutes or so at a time, but doing so multiple times a day can really help. |
| chiropractic care & acupuncture | Your chiropractor will ensure that every bone in your body is where is should be, to the best of his ability. When things get a little push into the right place, relief can happen instantly. |
| proper posture | Use a foam roller on your back to help loosen the strain on your spine. |
| pelvic support belts | These can provide instant relief and you can often wear them at night too. However, it’s not always a win-win with these. Some mothers report that these do not help. But it’s worth a shot for any relief. |
| strengthening the pelvic floor muscles | **This is the KEY to helping your SPD best. When your muscles are holding all your parts together correctly because they’re strong enough to do so (it’s what they’re made for, honestly), it can greatly reduce or eliminate your pain continually. |
How To Strengthen The Pelvic Floor
This is SO important for any pregnant mommy no matter what her situation. I FOCUS on my pelvic floor when I exercise because I know the value of it.
You need to do these things to keep your pelvic floor strong:
- Kegels
- Squats
- Pelvic Tilts/Hip Thrusters
All of these are explained in this post. Do these DAILY and your butt, back, belly and bones will thank you.
Related: 5 Easy Pregnancy Exercises Guaranteed To Make Your Delivery Faster
Will Your Pain and SPD Ever Go Away?
YES!! After your baby is born, your body stops producing such high levels of relaxin and your pubic bone (as well as everything else) can shrink back down to normal. You can do things to assist with that too, such as exercise.
I hope your SPD doesn’t escalate and doesn’t come back with your next pregnancy either. But an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Related: Post Delivery Exercise & Why You’ll Want To
Will you be able to have your natural baby birth with SPD?
YES!! Don’t let it deter you. It is not a factor of risk when it comes to have your baby naturally or not. It’s just really a huge inconvenience why you’re pregnant. Just note that while you’re in labor, you’ll likely be most comfortable laboring on your side or on all fours.
Related: 6 Positions For Labor You’re Not Thinking About
Let me know how you’re feeling and what works for you in order to keep functioning. What have you done to help your pubis be happy? Please let us know because you’re not the only one going through this alone. And your tips just may help another mother. 🙂
MORE RESOURCES:
- Natural Pregnancy Essentials
- Pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction management and postpartum rehabilitation: two case reports, The Journal Of Canadian Chiropractic Association
- 25 Pain Relief Tips For SPD, PGP, Pelvic & Sciatic Nerve Pain in Pregnancy, Trimester Talk
- Pelvic Pain In Pregnancy (SPD), Baby Centre
- How To Relax During Childbirth: 3 Simple Ways To Ease Tension & Enhance Joy
Hello,
A month or so before giving birth my pelvic area was painful whenever we hit a bump. May 2018 I gave birth to a 4.3 kg baby boy. It had been hours, I was fully dilated but baby was too far…I got a drip from the Dr, not sure what it had, 45 minutes later I delivered him naturally. Ann hour before scheduled C. Two days later I could not walk at all my left leg wouldn’t go up. My whole wasite was painful. Had to get a morphine shot. Dr said I had spontaneous symphysiotomy. In 3 weeks I could limp around, which was quite depressing, especially cause people thought I was overreacting. In 2 months I was much better. Problem is 6 months after the whole thing my pains are back a bit, my tailbone is painful, when I turn my pelvic area pains. I thought I was getting better but it seems I’m moving backwards.
I am a 25 year old mother of 2 boys, first born was 4 kg 3 years ago.
I am not sure if i need to see a specialist because I’ve tried squats, bum lifts and i also jog from time to time when the pain is not too much to handle, jogging seems to make everything worse. I also do planks.
Sorry you’re having such a hard time! The best solution is working a physical therapist that fully understands your struggle with SPD. Ask your doctor or even local chiropractors what physical therapy resources they can point you toward. Let us know how you’re doing. 🙂
I developed SPD during my first pregnancy and didn’t find out for a year what my pain was called. It did not get better postpartum. I was able to find a physical therapist who specializes in women’s pelvic health. She actually had to pop my pubic bones back into alignment. Now I am 33 weeks pregnant with my second, and my pain has returned. I go to physical therapy to try to strengthen my core muscles and I think it’s the only reason I am still walking. I still have a ton of pain, unfortunately, but it would be far worse without the therapy. I also use the Neotech Care maternity belt all day.
I wish there was a magic cure for this issue, but all you can do is try to manage it during pregnancy and hope for successful rehabilitation after the baby is born. It’s very important to find specially trained physical therapists for this.
I’m so glad you found a physical therapist to work with! They’re a life saver. Hope your pregnancy is doing well, Kristen.
I had wondered what happened to you. I dont see anymore videos on your youTube channel. I love your website, its awesome. I had my babies by C-section. I really have not experienced any type of pain out of the ordinary yet. I just love all the work you’ve done.
Thanks Lawanda. No, I’m not doing the youtube videos anymore because I have other projects I’m working on. But thank you for saying so! I appreciate your kind words. 🙂
I am 50 and my last of 6 children was delivered by c section at 28/40. I have suffered excruciating tail bone, back, and pubis area pain for many years. I also have chronic osteoarthritis from my neck to the tip of my toes. I recently saw a rheumatologist who recommended a X-ray of my lower back. The results came back with chronic symphysis pubis Syndrome. I went to my go who said that there was nothing could be done. Live with it as I do my other chronic o/s conditions. Surely there is another way to help me with this everyday pain? My hips click, at times a click occurs seeming to be from my back. My Kees hurt. Muscles down my legs hurt and to top it off getting out of bed is painful. My feet hurt everywhere. S just like walking on rough pebbles/stones. Any advice would be appreciated
Gna
Sorry to hear that! Those mothers who have had much better success with recovering from SPD have always worked with a physical therapist that specializes in SPD or pelvic area injuries. Another key thing that you absolutely need to be doing is strengthening all of the muscles aren’t your core, hips and pelvis. Your PT can help you with that. Especially years later after having children, if you’re still dealing with pain, then your muscles and ligaments and other connections are terribly weak and need to be strengthened. Ask your gyno or chiropractor for a referral. I hope that helps! Let’s get you feeling better!
Or you should also checkout Mutu system. They have proven physical strengthening programs to reverse problems like this for mothers.
So very grateful for this post! I’m 35 yrs old, pregnant with my second child, but my first was 15 years ago so my body and experience have been quite different this time around. I have been suffering from many of these symptoms since 16 weeks, I’m 21 weeks now and no one has offered me any insight other than, “you’re older now”, or ” you’re just stretching”… it’s been very frustrating. I’m excited to try any/all of these tips to get some type of relief. Thank you so very much for posting!!!
You’re welcome Patti! Let me know if you’re feeling better.
I had a lovely and comfortable first pregnancy; however, the exhausting task of pushing out my son (15-inch head, acynclitic presentation, half-size fontanelle) sprained my pubic ligament badly. It hurt like heck every time I had to push, I couldn’t walk or stand without help for weeks, and it took about 3 months to stop hurting completely. I’ve met a few moms who say they went through this and it didn’t happen again…so I blissfully headed into pregnancy #2. I’m now nearly 13 weeks and a couple of times have felt just a *twinge* of that familiar ache and I’m scared! Is this something that is likely to actually be worse this time around? I’m especially scared of a tear during natural birth this time that will result in permanent pain.
Hi Mandy! It’s hard to know if you’ll repeat the same symptoms or not. Best to work with a physical therapist and chiropractor to minimize your pain with proper exercises. You can prevent tearing by doing a number of things. Check out this post on perineal massage to start. You’re gonna be great!
What questions should I ask my OB and discuss with him/her before delivery if I have PSD? I have this and am worried about delivering without an epidural. Thank you.
Hi Leah! Great question. The good news is that you are still able to have a natural birth just fine, even with SPD. The trouble is getting comfortable during labor. Ask your doctor about what positions and natural pain relief options they recommend for your case. I recommend simple hot/cold packs on your pubic bone, physical therapy during your pregnancy to strengthen your pelvic connections, and birthing on your side or all fours to reduce any strain. I hope that helps!
Hi Sarah ,
Currently suffering from DSP ! All started in 12th week with my pregnancy with bb no 2.
Now my little one is 11 months old n still have a gap of 2.2cms !!
Don’t know what to do!
Doing pt from last 9 months n that has helped me with pain management n brought down the gap from 3.2cms to 2.2cms …. out of wheelchair, can walk normally, doing all household chores!
But the gap is still there!
Is this unique to me?
Ash
I have had this with my last 3 pregnancies and after my first pregnancy I had separation and couldn’t walk for weeks. How do you know the size of your gap? My doctors are doing nothing for me, this is my third pregnancy with it and I’m afraid.Even after I coudn’t walk my doctors did nothing. Orthopedic specialists said they could do nothing. I’m frustrated.
I’m in the same boat Shana - my 3rd pregnancy and 3rd time going though this. It’s started MUCH sooner as i’m 26 weeks and can barely walk. My Dr’s have referred me to PT who did nothing for me. then chiro could didn’t want to adjust me because my pain is so bad. We need a support group! I’m SO frustrated and so tired of the pain! 🙁 How are you doing now?
Thank you for your post.
You’re welcome!
I’m so glad to see some tips on SPD relief here! I’m on pregnancy number 7, and I have SPD issues every time—starting with number two and getting progressively worse each time. I’m 32 weeks and I can’t lift one leg at all without excruciating pain, I’m having trouble getting in and out of the car, up and down from a chair, and performing basic tasks such as housework and cooking because any movement of my hips is agonizing. It was recommended that I try a maternity support belt after my last prenatal visit, which does help quite a bit, but is only comfortable to wear when I stand (it feels too tight when I’m sitting or lying). It has helped tremendously for the pubic bone pain that always appears after shopping trips or multiple errands, as well as when standing for a long period of time to cook. I’m just counting down these last 8 weeks until I can hopefully get some relief. I’d love to be able to roll over in bed without things popping in and out of place (especially since laying on my side requires me to roll over every 30 minutes or so because my bottom leg falls asleep. Unfortunately, the only comfortable sleep position is on my back, and that’s a no-no. Thanks for the great article!
I’m sorry to hear about the discomfort Jenna! I hope that some of these tips will help provide some relief. The best I hear from suffering moms is doing physical therapy exercises and working with a chiropractor as often as possible. Let me know how things go for you! 🙂
What type of belt did u use??
HI,
It’s always comforting to read about other people who have suffered from a condition that you have or are experiencing!
I was affected by SPD in both pregnancies, the 2nd definitely much worse as I left the hospital with a zimmer frame. My 2nd child is now 17mths & I am happy to say I have been fine for 6 mths now, although it has definitely put me off having any more babies as I don’t think my poor pelvis could take it!
Luckily I am a yoga teacher therefore I knew that exercises such as strengthening my pelvic floor, core work and sacral stabilisation exercises were essential in preventing my condition from worsening and also aiding my post natal recovery. I also found a support belt crucial to my day to day living. I’ve never heard of Body Stress Release and I’m about to do some research on it.
Thanks for your article.
Mairi
I’m so glad that you were able to keep things under control the second time around so it wasn’t worse! Knowing those crucial exercises seems to make a big difference for all the moms I chat with about this. Thanks for commenting, Mairi!
Great advice! I’ll remember for baby number 2. My pelvic area would crack every morning i’d roll out of bed. I hated that feeling! The doctor told me if it got too bad i’d have to be on crutches. Thank goodness it didn’t escalate into anything worse.
Ah, can you imagine maneuvering around with crutches while pregnant?! Glad it didn’t get that bad for you Shell. 🙂
Great tips. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Anna!
I am 12 days postpartum. My pelvic pain did not begin until after delivery. I am seeing the chiropractor, and did throughout my entire pregnancy, made such a difference for this, my 3rd pregnancy. The chiropractor also suggested 3000mg VitaminC plus a collagen supplement. Wondering if you have any other thoughts, and also wondering how long recovery may take? They took pelvic xray to measure the pelvic space. I believe i understood the normal cartilage dimension is 3mm wide, mine measured 1cm (10mm).
Hi Sonja. Every mom that I’ve talked with about their SPD seems to have a different experience and different results. I always opt for chiropractic care and any sort of pelvic and core strengthening to hold everything together. Are you doing any sort of exercises?
Currently no. Unless getting in/out of the car counts 🙂
I am unable to lift any more than 10lbs. As i feel all the weight in my pelvis. Putting on my pants, stairs, and the car are the most painful for maneuvering. I was only planning to take 6weeks maternity leave, but im nervous that this ill not resolve during that time.
Thanks.
So I’m 30 weeks pregnant and haven’t officially been diagnosed yet. I had no idea what this pain was but ironically stumbled upon a blog post about it. So far, your advice has been the most practical I’ve gotten! It seems like even the people that I know that have had this haven’t had much good advice because I don’t think doctors know much about it so it isn’t diagnosed much. Anyway, I’m hoping desperately that the pain won’t get worse as my baby grows. That’s my worst fear in all of it. I can bear it as it is now but much worse and I’m not sure what I would do!
Hi Addie! Let’s make sure you’re not suffering any more than is possible. The most help that I’ve been told by suffering moms came from chiropractic or physical therapy care. I would highly recommend checking into services in your are and what your insurance will cover under your maternity care. Let me know if that helps!
I am currently 20 weeks pregnant and started seeing a chiropractor about 5 weeks ago because of bad sciatic pain. Yesterday I started experiencing pain in the front of my pelvis/pubic area, and while doing some reading found your article today. At the end of your article you recommend doing squats as a way to strengthen the pelvic floor. I thought I read somewhere that you shouldn’t do squats with SPD? Also, do you think swimming is ok? I was planning on staring again next week as a way to work out (I used to swim a lot agile ago).
Hi Marta, great questions! Squats absolutely strengthen your pelvic floor and all the surrounding connections best. But if you have not been physically active at all before and through your pregnancy, starting with squats while dealing with SPD may not be the best. If your muscular connections and core muscles aren’t strong to begin with, the tension and strain of new squats may cause more SPD pain.
However, if you have been exercising and active up until now, they can further reinforce your connections around your pelvis and help decrease your SPD pain. Does that make sense? So depending on your activity level, you’ll have to gauge what you can do.
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for pregnancy mamas. But be careful about strong leg separation while swimming; it may cause you more SPD pain as well. Do what you can, strengthening as much as you can as you go, and I know it will definitely help. 🙂
I’m 27 weeks pregnant and THANK GOODNESS I’ve finally pinpointed the name of this excruciating pain I’ve experienced for about a month now. Researching it through the web and stumbled across this article. Thank you for this! I love that you link everything you use to it’s page on amazon or to an article with a step-by-step.. Feeling a lot better knowing that I’m not alone in this. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Rocio! I hope that you’re able to find some relief. Let me know if anything is or isn’t working for you. 🙂
I’ve suffered with this dreaded condition since I was 16 weeks pregnant. I was told it was “normal”. I knew this wasn’t normal, but what could I do? ?? So now my daughter is 3 years old and it’s getting worse ! I’ve done physical therapy which did help, but now the pain is worse than ever. My doctors don’t even believe or know anything about SPD ! Can someone please help me with the name of the doctor that begins with a “psy”? I have a high tokens for pain, but this is becoming unbearable !
Tolerance not tokens lol
Hi Danielle. Sorry that you’re having such a rough time! Do you mean psychiatrist or psychologist? Or do you mean a doctor who’s actual name starts with psy?
If physical therapy did help, I think that’s a great place to keep going. What do you think has caused the pain to get worse? Let me know how I can help. 🙂
Physiatrist?
Physiotherapist. I’ve gotten great results seeing a chiropractor though!
Hi Danielle,
I’m a little late to the party here, but I had a pubic symphysis separation of over 5cm after my unmedicated birth. I was in extreme pain and couldn’t walk or lift anything, including my sweet daughter. I ended up finding Dr. David Helfet, an orthopedic trauma surgeon in NYC, who specializes in pubic symphysis separation. I was really skeptical about such an intense surgery (two plates across my pubic symphysis gap and two screws in my SI joints), but I am now over 4 months past my surgery and it was the BEST decision. I am able to sit in any position on any surface, to lift my 20 lb daughter, and to walk several miles a day without any assistance and minimal pain. I know that surgery can be a controversial option, but for many women, this injury doesn’t heal by itself and surgery will help get your life back.
I’m so glad you shared this, Kate! There are options out there, even if we don’t think they may be the best, they are often the biggest blessings too. 🙂
I know this is an old post, but I just stumbled across it while trying to learn more about my diagnosis. I had this pain with my first pregnancy but was told it was round ligament pain. It didn’t go completely away for months after, but I was able to return to my normal life eventually through perseverance and patience. I’m in my third tri of my second pregnancy and finally a physical therapist diagnosed me with this. It may not get rid of my pain now, but at least I have exercises and know I’m not alone. I’ve never met anyone that has been through this pain and nobody seems to ubderstand. Thank you for posting this article!
You’re quite welcome, Ashley! It IS something that needs to be understood more. I hope that you’re not suffering terribly this time. But perhaps time will tell. Do you have any questions about how to best take care of your SPD? Have a great weekend! 🙂
You are absolutely not alone! I was recently diagnosed with this as well. It all begin in my third trimester just a few weeks ago. I am struggling with it a lot. The only thing that seems to give me any relief is a heating pad and an epsom salt bath! I haven’t tried any of these exercises yet but I do plan on doing so. Let me know if you’ve found anything else that works for you! Also does physical therapy help your SPD? My OB suggested it… just wondering what your intake on it was?
Hi there. i am 26 weeks and have severe pain in my hips. Can not walk without help. I’m assuming is spd cause i have all the symptoms except the pelvic pain. Is it possible that is something else? Also it has gotte quite worse as weeks go by. Is it possible that it wont go away after i have my baby? Thank you
Hi Doris! Let’s see if we can figure this out a bit. When you say ‘hips’, where exactly is your pain? Our hips cover a large area. SPD is focused on the pubic bone, right above your clitoris and urethra. So if your pubic bone isn’t hurting, then I don’t think it would SPD.
Most likely it’s your SI joints (where you spine and hips connect) or your socket joints (where your femur and hip bones connect). And if your pain is from movement, then there’s likely a ton of inflammation in those areas. First off, try a few things:
- ice the painful areas in a regular basis
- increase anti-inflammatory foods like dark leafy greens
- strengthen your core and pelvic floor muscles doing these easy pregnancy exercise
Hopefully that will provide you some relief. But I would really urge you to visit a chiropractor. They can tell you exactly where your body is strained and how to properly correct that. Make sure they are able to do the Webster technique as well, which helps align your connections around your uterus.
Let me know how that helps. Feel better! 🙂
Hi Sarah,
I wish I had read this article sooner I’m in the last week of my pregnancy and have suffered SPD since 14 weeks. I was told there was nothing that I could do. I continued to seek out answers and not until my third trimester did I find some options. I’ve tried everything from Osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, and dry needling. All have provided small amounts of relief for a day or two but not consistent. Your article was very informative and accurate. This is my first baby and will be my last because of my age but also the complications and pain.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for writing! I’ve never had SPD and I truly admire women who have fought their way through it. So I’m glad to have been helpful. Have you seen a chiropractor? I find that they are an excellent help with many different things, especially when I’m pregnant.
Let me know how your birth goes. I know you’ll find pure joy once your baby is here! Good luck with everything. 🙂
My child was born 10 years ago and my SPD never went away. I always have pain in all areas on my pubic bone from the front of it to the back. Lightly pushing on it anywhere causes sharp pain. Its difficult to sit on hard chairs and to lift my legs toward each other and the bones on both sides click. No way could I ride a bike. Ten years and still the pretty much the same, what can I do?
First thing, I would visit with a chiropractor and provide them with your symptoms and history. You may want a second opinion from your regular maternal care provider, but they’ll likely just refer you out to someone else anyway.
Work with a chiropractor that also incorporates physical therapy into their natural healing practice. It’s more than just adjusting the bones and connections back into place. You’re still having pain because of your injury from 10 years ago that never healed. The proper provider will be able to teach you how to strengthen everything around your pelvis so that you no longer have any strain.
Hope that helps! Let me know how things feel. 🙂
Hiya great post but it’s worth noting that it doesn’t necessarily vanish when you’ve had your baby. My boy is now 5 months old and I’m still barely able to walk with the pain. It’s been made worse as I’m hypermobile to start with so everything is ‘extra stretchy’. Physio is working on me and I’m still doing exercises everyday but it’s horrible. Will try some of your tricks now as I’d do anything to get even 2 minutes peace…
Thanks for letting us know, Kate. Is this your first baby? Things are still shifting and going back down for months after birth too, as you unfortunately get to experience.
With your physical therapy, are you also working with a chiropractor? Let us know how you’re doing. I hope things get better for you.
Wow, I’m so glad I didn’t have to deal with this! Also, as I was reading this, I couldn’t help but think what a great website this is for anybody who is pregnant, not just those looking to have a natural birth (which I had every time by the way and was SO glad I did because it was just a much better experience I feel than a hospital would have been). If you want, email me and I’ll connect you with the midwives that helped me with my births as well as a place that I deliver parenting magazines to every month - they give a free monthly goody bags out to all their patients so maybe you can mail them some flyers to spread the word on your blog. Keep up the awesome work!
I’m glad that I’ve never ad SPD either…
How many kids do you have, Donna? I would love to hear some of your birthing stories. In fact, you can share them over on the Stories Page so new mommas can find the inspiration. Thanks for stopping by!
Hello,
Great post. SPD sounds very uncomfortable and painful. It must be frustrating for some women who don’t understand why it’s happening to them.
This post did a great job of informing people what some of the causes could be. I would imagine that even a doctor couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason but on your post you list a few possibilities which is nice.
I know a lot of people will find this helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Robert
I think in the past that many women haven’t understood and that it’s a reason many people have stopped having children, because of the pain that it causes. Hopefully we can help them find relief with information and resources as you stated. Thanks for your comment, Robert.
I’m loving your posts. So relevant to what I went through! In my 1st pregnancy I started with pelvic pain at 4 months. It was terrible and nothing helped. I was told all the tricks and how to stand, walk etc. What not to do and what to do. I also lost all bladder control. By the end of my pregnancy I was regularly peeing in my pants and the pelvic pain got so bad I could barely walk.
In my 2nd pregnancy I thankfully had it a lot easier. The pelvic pain started around 7 months and someone recommend Body Stress Release. I really didn’t think it would work but because of my horrible experience with 1st pregnancy I gave it a go. The next day all pelvic pain was gone and never returned for the res tof my pregnancy. Maybe add that to your list of remedies. It was incredible.
Thank you so much for sharing, Lynne. Is Body Stress Release a program that is particularly for pregnant mothers? Or is it just tailored for anyone to find tension in their bodies? There are so many ways that our stress affects our health and I’m not surprised that this was helpful for you. Another reason why I recommend the Birth Relaxation Kit because it can focus on helping us relieve our stress through meditation during our pregnancies.
Well I’m glad that you were able to find relief from your SPD. Many mothers don’t have more children because of what they went through the first time. Where you say that your pain started much later with your second pregnancy, I think that our bodies just become smarter with each successive pregnancy. With my third one I’m in right now, for example, symptoms just seem to be easier overall. It’s a nice relief.
Send me a link to the Body Stress Release info you mentioned and I’d love to look at it. We just may be able to help many more mothers with this. Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
Great post, very informative. Good to know that at least there is something you can do to relieve the pain and avoid in the future for the SPD to return on your next pregnancy! Learn something new everyday!
Glad I was able to help Sonia. Feel free to visit and comment anytime. Best!
Hi Sarah,
Thank you so much for this post! I’m not pregnant and don’t plan on being anytime soon but it’s something that is DEFINITELY in my life long plan.
I know my mum suffered from SPD a lot when she was pregnant with both myself and my brother (we’re also 5 foot tall so I’d be curious if that has anything to do with it)
and I’ve always been worried about dealing with it too when I eventually get pregnant.
It’s good to know that there are so many ways to compensate for it! I know my mum wasn’t even aware it was a thing, but she clearly describes all the symptoms of it. I’m glad I’ll be in a better position than her to deal with it if it arises.
Thank you so much for sharing this information! I’m sure it’ll be helpful for many women. I really enjoy reading your posts, but damn, does it make me clucky! haha
All the best
Katia 🙂
Hi Katia,
You know, I was always worried that I would have pregnancies like my mother too. She was sick EVERY SINGLE DAY through all of her pregnancies and really had a hard time. So I was expecting the inevitable.
But I got pregnant and found out that I don’t get morning sickness, like about 20% of women don’t, actually. So I’ve ended up quite the opposite. So there’s still a look on the bright side too. You may be completely different than your mother, but also maybe exactly the same. But that’s shouldn’t deter you from your goals.
Yes, you’re right too. We seem to be SO much more informed now-a-days with so many other things, like cord clamping, proven research about the better benefits of natural birth, obesity, smoking, you name it. And sure, every mother tends to get ‘clucky’ about a few things, as you well put it.
I’m glad that having children is still in your plans. When that day arises, feel free to contact me and I’ll be there with you every step of the way. Thanks so much for sharing! Best to you and yours.
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your informative article about SPD. Although I don’t have any experience in pregnancy, I’ve gained some knowledge in this topic.
Saber
Glad that I was able to help Saber. Feel free to share and comment any time. Have a nice day!