Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction in Pregnant Women

Almost two years ago I was pregnant with my first child. The entire experience of pregnancy was new to me, so when I began having excruciating pain in my groin, I thought nothing of it except for natural cause and effect. The pain made it extremely difficult to sleep because I was unable to swing my right leg at all. I could not get into a car normally because I could barely stand to swing my leg in. Simply walking hurt, and I was only six months pregnant. I decided to try and do some research on the Internet. There was nothing at the time. It turns out that the pain I was experiencing actually does have a name. It is called Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction (SPD).

The symphysis pubis is where bones meet at the front of the pelvis. Ligaments hold these bones together. These joints are not meant to allow for movement, but when a woman becomes pregnant, they will move to allow for the baby to move through. A hormone called relaxin is released naturally to loosen the ligaments to allow for movement during birth. Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction occurs when these ligaments are loosened too much and too early. The extra weight on the pelvis makes the pelvis move and can cause mild to severe pain.

The pain caused by Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction can be felt in the groin, hips, thighs, and butt. Most women feel pain while walking, trying to turn in bed, and doing things that require putting pressure on one leg such as getting into or out of a car. It may also feel as if the pelvis is separating. There is little that can be done to ease this discomfort.

It is suggested that women suffering from Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction be very careful when moving their bodies. When getting into a car, sit first and then swing your legs in. When rolling over in bed, keep your knees firmly together. Get dressed while sitting in a chair. Your doctor can prescribe safe pain medication as well. Personally, using a pregnancy pillow lessened my pain. The pillow I bought curved under my head, around my back, and settled between my knees. While this can be accomplished using multiple standard pillows, the effect can be quite different. The special pregnancy pillow helps to keep the back aligned. Sleeping with a pillow between the knees can help with hip pain. The sever pain I had experienced was reduced to a mild discomfort after several days of sleeping with the pregnancy pillow.

Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction is not something that every pregnant woman experiences. Luckily, it is a rare occurrence. If for some reason, you find yourself with this overwhelming pain, then consult your doctor. My personal advice is to take it easy and invest in a good pregnancy pillow. The good news is that within a day or two of giving birth, there will be no more pain from the Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction.