Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction, or SPD During pregnancy-Extreme Pelvic Pain

Updated on January 26, 2011
A.G. asks from Boca Raton, FL
7 answers

Through research of my own I concluded I had SPD during my first pregnancy. My doctor chalked it up to regular pregnancy aches and pains and told me to take Tylenol. I am not much of a complainer and probably should have complained more because by the end of my pregnancy I was in excruciating pain. I could not roll over in bed, dress myself, lift my legs, or anything having to do with movement of the lower body. It felt as if my pelvis was cracking in two and my thigh bones were popping out of their sockets. I pushed through it but really thought I was going to end up in a wheel chair or something. After the delivery it subsided somewhat but the weakness never really went away and my hips often pop out of their sockets. I am now almost 4 months pregnant and I feel it coming back already but now I have a 3 year to take care of as well. Anyone have to deal with this? Was there anything that made it better or bearable. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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C.K.

answers from Chicago on

I had SPD after delivering my baby. I had the pain during pregnancy, but they said it's common. Sure enough my pubic bone separated and twisted after the delivery. Cannot walk for few days !
Then I went to physical therapy, specialized for woman. The therapist told me that I should do it during my pregnancy. She treated some of the pregnant women as well for the same symptoms. I wish I knew that earlier and spare me the pain. PT helped tremendously.
I also went to the chiropractor during my pregnancy. He helped me aligned my bones and spine and help me endure my expecting months.
Treat it as soon as possible with chiropractic alignment and/or physical therapy. It will helps a lot and let you enjoy your pregnancy.

1 mom found this helpful
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G.R.

answers from San Diego on

I had the same thing. I went to a chiropractor who specialized in pregnant women. Ahhhhh what a difference. The adjustments weren't painful At all. I am sorry ue doc was such a jack a_ _ about it. That is very painful. Good luck.

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K.M.

answers from Tampa on

The way to handle this was developed by Dr. Larry Webster- brilliant man- find a Webster trained chiropractor-
contact me if you cannot find one.
best, k

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M.R.

answers from Kansas City on

Ask your doctor for a referral to a Physical Therapist who specializes in Woman's health who could help you with some strengthening exercises. Do it yesterday! Don't wait until you are in pain. I had horrible sciatic pain the last three weeks of my pregnancy and could barely walk. Wasn't able to continue working. It improved some after my pregnancy but is still a nuisance. Also, maybe a pregnancy belt to help support you? Good luck!

H.V.

answers from Cleveland on

Oh that pain is horrid! I had that with my 2nd pregnancy. Then I was "smart"
and hurt myself more..I pushed a door open with my foot and almost fell over in pain.
I actually didn't know what to do for it either. It's been about 4 1/2 months since i had my DD and I can still tell that my hips, pelvis are not back to normal.

It still hurts when i do certain exercises .

G.T.

answers from Modesto on

man, how awful!
Didnt happen to me but I had a friend that became extremely sore like that as well..... her doc didnt give her much advice either except to exercise and strengthen the muscles so the joints dont have as much pressure on them.
It makes pregnancy soooo long when you have to be in pain the entire time. How do mom's have more than one child when the first pregnancy was so painful? It's amazing what we do isnt it?
I would soak in warm epsome salt bathes every day if you can. The magnesium in the salts really alleviates soreness. Also the more you move the better off you are even tho it hurts. Not moving stiffens you up and makes you weaker and makes the problem worse.
hang in there!!

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J.Y.

answers from San Francisco on

Oh, you poor thing! I had this with my first pregnancy so bad that I did use a wheelchair whenever I could. I remember that pain and it's unbearable. It also seems somewhat rare so others don't seem to understand and possibly think you are being a big sissy! My second pregnancy was with twins and I was absolutely dreading those last months and, although I started to feel it coming on, as you are now, it never got nearly as bad as with my first, even though the second pregnancy was with so much more weight with the twins. I am hoping you will find that it doesn't get as bad as the first too since the muscles have already been stretched once before. I can't really think of anything that helped, sorry. I took lots of baths, which may have helped a bit, but really it was just endure, endure, endure (which I remember seemed like an impossible ask). I'm so sorry but in the end of it all, congratulations and I wish you a safe delivery. Perhaps you should go to physiotherapy afterwards, (or even now?) to strengthen you back up. Good luck getting through it. Accept help if you can get any. I wish I was closer, I'd help you! Hugs...

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