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Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction

One of the most common conditions associated with pregnancy and child birth is SPD or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction. This particular condition will cause pain in the pelvic area as well as the symphysis pubis to move excessively. The excess movements can either be lateral or anterior. Most women have this associated with pelvic girdle pain.

Below is a breakdown of the most common symptoms associated with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction.

• Pain in the pubic area or tenderness in the pubic area

• Pain in the lower back area such as the sacro-iliac area

• Having a hard time turning over while lying down

• Pain with certain movements such as getting in and out of vehicles, climbing stairs, dressing, sitting or standing, bending, stretching, lifting and pulling

• Some people claim to feel a clicking noise in their pelvic area when they walk

• Pain down the leg and in the buttocks also known as sciatica pain

• Hard time when first getting up (walking or standing)

• Hip irritation, feeling like it needs to move into place before walking.

• Temporary incontinence or other bladder problems

• Sharp pulling and tearing pain has been associated with SPD as claimed by chiropractors.

As with most illnesses, the symptoms can vary with each person so what one may experience, another may not. The most common complaint is pain in the pelvic area. Most women also complain of tenderness and expectant moms find their regular exams by the OBGYN very painful when the doctor presses down on their pelvic area.

It can be difficult when a woman suffers with this condition when pregnant as the pelvic pain during pregnancy can be very difficult to handle. It can be very difficult when pregnant with this condition as many women can experience a freezing feeling where their hips are concerned. What this means is that when they first get up to move, their hip or hips may feel like they are stuck. Any type of hip pain is usually very painful and this can be very difficult for a woman with child.

Shooting pain down one leg or the other is commonly known as sciatica pain. This can actually make a person fall to their knee in excruciating pain so this can be very harmful for a pregnant woman. If you feel you are suffering with SPD, then you need to seek the advice of a medical professional. Together you and your doctor can come up with the best treatment plan. You do not want to try to suffer with this alone. Talk with your doctor so you can get things moving as quickly as possible.

Self Help Tips

Don't:

Don't move your legs apart - for example when getting in and out of a car (keep your knees together and sit down first, then swing your legs in together. When you get out of the car do the opposite. If this still proves difficult you could buy a swivel cushion or try to sit on a plastic bag which will help you to slide easier
Swimm doing breaststroke
Carry heavy weights - if you can't avoid carrying (like the baby carrier) cradle it in both arms and keep it close to your body.
Twist your body

Use a Knee Pillow between knees when lying
Try a comfy coccyx cushion
Write a birth plan
See an occupational therapist who can provide equipment and advice to make your life easier.

Useful contacts:

www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk

Tel: 01235 820 921
The Pelvic Partnership, 26 Manor Green, Harwell, Oxon, OX11 0DQ

Mad Mums Buddy Scheme
This site provides 'one to one' advice by 'buddies'. Buddies have all been carefully selected and each one has experience in the area that they are assigned to, and are happy to give friendly advice based on their own experience as Mums.
http://www.madmums.com/forum/buddy_scheme.htm

PINS
Pelvic Instability Network Scotland
Charity supporting people with pelvic girdle pain

PINS provides support and information to people affected by Pelvic Girdle Pain / Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) and the related condition Diastasis Symphysis Pubis (DSP)