By: Lisa Thompson
Updated: Sep. 12, 2023
Originally Published: Sep. 30, 2017
I was several months into my third pregnancy when the discomfort began. I first noticed it after standing for too long or when getting in and out of bed. The sensation was akin to being struck hard in the pelvic area. Initially, I assumed I had bruised my pubic bone, but I couldn’t recall any incident that caused it.
Having been pregnant before, I was aware that various aches and pains can arise during this time. My previous pregnancy had involved severe round ligament pain that felt like a sharp stabbing in my side, but thankfully, that was temporary. This new pain, however, manifested as either a dull ache or a sharp stab, and it seemed relentless.
Every movement became painful. Standing for an extended period? Painful. Walking? Excruciating. Climbing into my car? A struggle. Even attempting to spread my legs beyond shoulder-width caused significant discomfort. Essentially, moving was a challenge.
I consulted with two different doctors about this troubling sensation, and their responses were strikingly similar: “It’s likely just the baby exerting pressure on your pelvis. Feeling pressure there is common.” I tried to convey that I understood pelvic pressure all too well, but this felt distinct. The pain was sharp, localized right at the top of my pubic bone. “Yes, various aches and pains can be a normal part of pregnancy,” they reiterated.
I knew that. Yet, I also sensed something was off.
Although I’m no medical professional, I often turn to the internet for answers. A quick search along the lines of “pregnant and feeling like I’ve been kicked in the groin” led me to a revelation: symphysis pubis dysfunction, or SPD for short. It sounds like an acronym for a disease, but in reality, it’s a condition where the relaxin hormones cause excessive loosening of the pelvic bones. The joint connecting the pubic bones can separate, leading to a range of pains in that area. It’s also referred to as pelvic girdle pain.
However, the term “pelvic girdle pain” sounds trivial, almost as if I had worn restrictive underwear for too long, and it hardly conveys the intensity of my experience. Walking around a grocery store became impossible; I had to rely on one of those mobility carts. I used to relish being active during my pregnancies, yet now, I found myself unable to walk for more than five minutes without suffering for the rest of the day.
Rolling over in bed was agonizing, and any activity that required spreading my legs, including intimacy, resulted in sharp pain (although some positions were manageable).
After reading about SPD, I went back to my doctor and shared my findings. “That could be a possibility,” he replied. (Why hadn’t that been mentioned before?) He recommended a support belt, which provided some relief, but the best results came through chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture. Unfortunately, these treatments didn’t completely resolve the issue. I discovered that, in rare cases, SPD can persist even after childbirth. What a nightmare!
Fortunately, mine subsided shortly after giving birth, which I was immensely grateful for. I wouldn’t wish that level of discomfort on anyone.
My experience with SPD is not uncommon. Statistics on its prevalence vary widely—some sources claim it affects 1 in 300 pregnant women, while others suggest it could be as high as 1 in 5. Two close friends of mine encountered it during their pregnancies, and I’ve come across numerous accounts online of women who faced similar challenges. A significant number of those women reported that their doctors initially dismissed their pain as just another normal pregnancy symptom.
There is nothing typical about feeling like a bowling ball has been dropped on your pubic bone. The intensity of the pain can range from moderate to severe, and it certainly isn’t the same as typical pregnancy discomfort. If you’ve experienced pain or a grinding sensation in your pubic area during pregnancy, you might have had undiagnosed SPD.
If you are currently pregnant and dealing with soreness in your pubic bone, it’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider. It’s surprising that such a prevalent pregnancy issue is not better known, likely because it’s not the type of discomfort one openly discusses. “Hi, sorry, but my pubic area hurts really bad.” And then having to explain that you have “symphysis pubis dysfunction”? Not exactly a fun conversation starter.
To anyone who has dealt with SPD or is facing it now, my heart goes out to you. It can be incredibly challenging, but remember you’re not alone.
For more insights into pregnancy challenges, you can visit this blog post or learn about the process of in vitro fertilisation, which can be an excellent resource for those exploring their options. If you’re interested in at-home solutions, check out Make A Mom for expert advice.
Summary:
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is a common yet often unrecognized pregnancy condition that can cause debilitating pain in the pelvic area due to hormone-induced loosening of the pelvic bones. Many women experience this discomfort but may not know its name. If you’re pregnant and facing this issue, it’s crucial to consult your doctor for proper guidance and support.