Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction During Pregnancy

What symphysis pubic dysfunction is:

Symphysis pubic dysfunction, or SPD, is one of those weird pregnancy conditions that sounds bizarre and well, kind of is. It means the ligaments that normally keep your pelvic bone aligned during pregnancy become too relaxed and stretchy. This, in turn, can make the pelvic joint in other words the symphysis pubis is unstable, causing some pretty strange sensations and in most cases causes pain.

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction During Pregnancy

The two halves of your pelvis are connected at the front by a stiff joint called the symphysis pubis. This joint is strengthened by a dense network of tough, flexible tissues, called ligaments. To help your baby pass through your pelvis as easily as possible, your body produces a hormone called relaxing, which softens the ligaments.

As a result, these joints move more during and just after pregnancy, causing inflammation and pain, known as symphysis pubis dysfunction or SPD.

What are the Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction symptoms?

Pain in the pubic area and groin are the most common symptoms. But you may also have the following signs:
- Back pain, pelvic girdle pain or hip pain.
- A grinding or clicking sensation in your pubic area.
- Pain down the inside of your thighs or between your legs. It can be made worse by parting your legs, walking, going up or down stairs or moving around in bed.
- Worse pain at night. It can stop you sleeping well and getting up to go to the toilet in the middle of the night can be especially painful.