What is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction?

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If you have been following my blog over the last month or so, you would have noticed that I’ve been suffering from Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction. At times the condition has left me immobilised and at other times it’s just frustrated me.

The first time I got attacked by this condition was when I was out shopping and in a matter of ten minutes I went from being in a market stall to an ambulance then to the A&E. Since then it has been added to my list of daily inconveniences. Like walking with crutches due to the Joint Hypermobilty Syndrome wasn’t bad enough, now I can’t walk at all outside without bending down and eventually sitting on the floor after every 10 steps!

Today, I’ve been really feeling the pain in my pelvis and I got so annoyed by the pain that out of anger I screamed out “what the hell is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction???” So, I decided to find out and as usual I want to share my findings with you as I have noticed it’s very common amongst pregnant women.

Thus, here are my findings:

What is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction?

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction also referred to as SPD is a condition where inflammation and pain is present in the pelvis region particularly in the pelvic joints. This especially occurs in pregnant women.

What causes Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction?

A stiff joint connects the two halves of your pelvis and this stiff joint is called the Symphysis Pubis. To help the baby move through the pelvis as smoothly and easily as possible, a woman’s body produces a hormone called Relaxin during pregnancy and this hormone relaxes the ligaments in the pelvis. Thus, there is more movement of the pelvic joints during pregnancy and just after, which causes inflammation and pain in the connective tissues, ligaments and joints.

What are the symptoms of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction?

Pain, tenderness and inflammation in the groin and pubis area are the most common symptoms but other symptoms are:

• Back Pain, Hip Pain and Pelvic Griddle Pain
• A grinding or clicking sensation in your pelvic
• Pain in pelvic area and upper legs while walking

What treatments are available for Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction?

There are a number of different of specialist treatments and self-help treatments available to help manage with the pain:

• Physiotherapy that especially focuses on the tummy and pelvic floor muscles. Strengthening the muscles will help stabilising the pelvis and back. 
• Acupuncture is also a treatment that may be used as it is safe during pregnancy. The practitioner should be trained and experienced in treating pregnant women.
• A pelvic support belt may help while walking, support the back and provide quick pain relief.
• Moving a little and often. Moving a lot may cause spontaneous inflammation and excruciating pain. So moving often but little can prevent this.
• Resting regularly. Especially by sitting on a gym/birthing ball which eases the baby’s weight of the pelvis.
• Limit heavy lifting or pushing.
• While climbing stairs take one step at a time.
• When sleeping use pillows to support your back and a body can especially help.

How Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction is diagnosed?

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction is widely recognised by General Practitioners, Midwives & Physiotherapists. So, if you suffer from any of the symptoms or have reason to be concerned then contact your GP or Midwife as soon as possible.

You should be referred t physiotherapist who will then test the stability, movement and pain of your pelvis to determine if you are suffering from Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction.

Well that's my findings, if you would like to do some research yourself then here are a few places to get you started:

• iVillage
• Wikipedia

I hope this information is helpful. If you do or have suffered with Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction please share how it affected your pregnancy using the comment box below. I’d love to know any tips and tricks that helped you cope with it.

Anyway my lovelies that all from me for now, until next time,

:-•:*"*:•.-:¦:-•* Ta-ra *•-:¦:-•:*'''*:•-: