Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction (SPD)

There is an actual name for my pregnancy pain issues! Here's some information that I found online... (ignore the underlined words)

The pelvis is made up of 3 bones. The theory is while it is normal for your body to produce Relaxin and Progesterone ( both hormones) while pregnant to loosen those ligaments sometimes the body produces too much, causing the bones to rub together when moving. Woman who exhibit symptoms of SPD often have excessive levels of hormones, are more sensitive to hormones, or their pelvis is out of alignment. It has been estimated that 1 in 35 woman have problems with SPD while pregnant.

The pain that is associated with SPD effects the groin and pubic area of pregnant woman. Activities such as walking, rolling over in bed, sitting up and getting in and out of vehicles is particularly painful. Any activity that involves lifting one leg at a time, or parting the legs causes pain. Often times shooting down from the pelvis, down the legs, or in the sciatica area. Another common pain is severe round ligament pain, while round ligament pain is normal with pregnancy, it can be worse or more aggravating when the woman also has SPD.

Basic coping measures for the pain include sitting with the legs together, getting in and out of vehicles bottom first ( IE sitting down, then putting your feet in) and using pillows as support. Warm baths and ice packs may also offer some comfort measures. However SPD rights itself after the birth and within a year's time. More extensive measures can be taken, such as seeing a chiropractor for alignment or an osteopathic when the pain is bad, but it will not cure the pain. Wearing a pregnancy belt is often helpful, but again, it will not cure the pain. Having SPD while pregnant is definitely painful and uncomfortable. It makes getting things accomplished around the house difficult. It means walking is slow going.

This is EXACTLY what I've been experiencing. I've mentioned it to my doctor, and his response is always, "It'll be all better in September." I'm not sure if he realizes that this is not at all helpful. I think he thinks I'm just whining. I'm not even going to do the physical therapy this time (even though I did it for Baylor's and Nadia's pregnancies) because it honestly only offers relief that actual day. I do have a pregnancy brace, and it is helpful if I'm going to be standing, but it hurts to wear it when I'm sitting...like driving in a car or being at home.

One thing I experience is an inability to put my pants/underwear on one leg at a time. Getting in and out of the bathtub is also particularly painful-apparently because these activities involve putting all my weight on one leg. Coughing and sneezing also cause similar problems.