SPD Management/Pregnancy Discomforts

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) is most commonly associated with pregnancy and childbirth. It is a condition that causes excessive movement of the pubic symphysis, either anterior or lateral, as well as associated pain, possibly because of a misalignment of the pelvis. SPD is a dysfunction that is associated with pelvic girdle pain and the names are often used interchangeably. It is thought to affect up to one in four pregnant women to varying degrees, with 7% of sufferers continuing to experience serious symptoms postpartum.^[1][2] Although the condition was recognized by Hippocrates, incidences of SPD appear to have increased in recent years; it is unclear whether this is because the average maternal age is increasing, or because the condition is being diagnosed more frequently.

Now that we have the technical definition down, here's the layman's explanation...

This sh*t HURTS!!!!!!! 

I have had SPD in all of my pregnancies, and, according to my research, it occurs usually in each subsequent pregnancy, with the duration beginning earlier each time, and with more ferocity.

For me, the pain is at it's worst late at night, or when i'm waking up in the morning, and getting out of bed.

Ways to keep it from hurting too much throughout the day include:

• Not sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time
• No strenuous exercise (a no-brainer during pregnancy anyway)
• Doctor approved pain meds
• Keeping your legs elevated when you sit
• Not lifting one leg higher than the other (not easy in my case with several baby gates to step over)
• And buying a pelvic girdle

With my pregnancy with Eragon, i noticed the pain start when i was around 30 weeks or so. With Zachary, it started at about 22. This time however, it started at 13. Ugh... This surprisingly common pregnancy condition is rather unheard of among OB's these days. Impossible? Not quite.
For some women, the pain is rather minor, while for others (such as myself) it can get quite severe.
No amount of pain meds help either.
Very few doctors are qualified to recognize this condition. In fact, most of the time it is diagnosed by a chiropractor.


At night, i have to sleep on my left side, or my stomach, with one of my legs raised up higher than the other just to avoid constant pain during the night. I still wake up stiff in the morning though. Admittedly, my pain isn't nearly as bad as other women's'. In fact, some women experience this pain for months, and even years after birth! For others, they don't get the pain at all until around menopause which is then exacerbated by the symptoms that go along.
Last night, i had some Horrible SPD pain, and had to sit for about 30 minutes. It's been made worse by the Braxton Hicks i've been getting as well. Oh little peanut, mommy goes through this pain because she loves you and your brothers so very much. <3

So, i guess that's all i have to post for now. Update later when i have time to post again. Peace :)