Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionSymptomsCausesComplicationsTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Symptoms
Causes
Complications
Treatment
Coping
This article covers what SPD is, the symptoms, causes, treatment, and long-term outlook.
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Symphysis pubis dysfunction describes a group of symptoms causing pain and discomfort in the pelvic region, the lower part of the torso between the abdomen and legs, duringpregnancy. The pain is caused when ligaments in the pelvis start to soften and relax to prepare your body forlabor.
Having relaxed pelvic ligaments is helpful during vaginal deliveries, but it can also lead toinstabilityin your joints.
Signs and Symptoms of SPD
The first sign of SPD typically is a pain in and around the pelvis, especially when walking or climbing stairs. The number and severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.
Symptoms of SPD may include:
Pain is most common in your pelvis and around your pubic bone, the most forward-facing bone of the pelvis. For some people, the pain travels to their legs and back as well. You may also hear a grinding or clicking sound in your pelvis when moving.
With SPD, pain may increase while:
Sometimes your body may begin to produce this hormone too early and leave your hips feeling imbalanced and overly mobile.
Who Is at Risk for SPD?There is little known about why some women experience SPD and others do not. However, a history of pelvic injury or trauma may increase the risk.
Who Is at Risk for SPD?
There is little known about why some women experience SPD and others do not. However, a history of pelvic injury or trauma may increase the risk.
If you have SPD, you may need to avoid or limit:
If your healthcare provider diagnoses you with SPD, you may be referred to a physical therapist to help strengthen and stretch your pelvic floor, back, and leg muscles. The goal of physical therapy for SPD is to:
Research shows performing exercises that target the pelvic floor muscles, like Kegel exercises, helps to reduce pain.
You may benefit from hydrotherapy (exercising while in water) as well. Being in the water helps to support your body and relieves pressure on your joints to allow for ease of movement.
Typically, physical therapy is the first step for managing SPD.
Medications for SPDFor severe pain, medications may be recommended to help relieve pain. If you’re experiencing significant pain, ask your healthcare provider which pain relievers are best during pregnancy.
Medications for SPD
For severe pain, medications may be recommended to help relieve pain. If you’re experiencing significant pain, ask your healthcare provider which pain relievers are best during pregnancy.
Dealing with chronic pain can feel exhausting. There are some things you can do to help ease your discomfort if you are experiencing SPD, including:
SPD and PostpartumOften SPD resolves after childbirth, so the pain will likely improve postpartum. However, continuing to exercise your pelvic floor as your body recovers from delivery may help improve your pelvis’s mobility and stability.
SPD and Postpartum
Often SPD resolves after childbirth, so the pain will likely improve postpartum. However, continuing to exercise your pelvic floor as your body recovers from delivery may help improve your pelvis’s mobility and stability.
Summary
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is a group of symptoms that causes pain and discomfort in the pelvic region during pregnancy. SPD typically resolves postpartum, but if your pain level is extreme during pregnancy, speak with your healthcare provider about lifestyle changes and treatment options.
A Word From Verywell
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain during pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider for treatment options.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Howell ER.Pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction management and postpartum rehabilitation: two case reports. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2012;56(2):102-111.Howell ER.Pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction management and postpartum rehabilitation: two case reports.J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2012;56(2):102-111.Depledge J, McNair PJ, Keal-Smith C, Williams M.Management of symphysis pubis dysfunction during pregnancy using exercise and pelvic support belts. Physical Therapy. 2005;85(12):1290-1300. doi: 10.1093/ptj/85.12.1290
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Howell ER.Pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction management and postpartum rehabilitation: two case reports. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2012;56(2):102-111.Howell ER.Pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction management and postpartum rehabilitation: two case reports.J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2012;56(2):102-111.Depledge J, McNair PJ, Keal-Smith C, Williams M.Management of symphysis pubis dysfunction during pregnancy using exercise and pelvic support belts. Physical Therapy. 2005;85(12):1290-1300. doi: 10.1093/ptj/85.12.1290
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Howell ER.Pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction management and postpartum rehabilitation: two case reports. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2012;56(2):102-111.Howell ER.Pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction management and postpartum rehabilitation: two case reports.J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2012;56(2):102-111.Depledge J, McNair PJ, Keal-Smith C, Williams M.Management of symphysis pubis dysfunction during pregnancy using exercise and pelvic support belts. Physical Therapy. 2005;85(12):1290-1300. doi: 10.1093/ptj/85.12.1290
Howell ER.Pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction management and postpartum rehabilitation: two case reports. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2012;56(2):102-111.
Howell ER.Pregnancy-related symphysis pubis dysfunction management and postpartum rehabilitation: two case reports.J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2012;56(2):102-111.
Depledge J, McNair PJ, Keal-Smith C, Williams M.Management of symphysis pubis dysfunction during pregnancy using exercise and pelvic support belts. Physical Therapy. 2005;85(12):1290-1300. doi: 10.1093/ptj/85.12.1290
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