Anyone ever suffered from Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction (or SPD) during pregnancy?

Laura - posted on 10/02/2011

Hi Jessica, I am having those pains now too myself, mainly when i wake up in the morning or sit too long, i have started to get it under control by using a pillow in between my legs/ under my butt depending on if i'm on my side or back, seems to be working, it also just goes away for me when i stand up for a few minutes, i tink we'll have towait it out til december to get rid of it for good though, good luck though

Liz - posted on 09/23/2011

Epsom salts are perfectly fine during pregnancy. Some doctors will send you to physiotherapy if you ask about it. It is usually covered by your insurance. They mostly work on stretches. That might be an option if it gets too bad. I also forgot to mention that I ended up sleeping in a recliner so my pelvis was straight and it helped some. I was able to sleep like that. I still needed a ton of pillows but then when I needed to use the restroom in the night, I was able to stand straight up and not have to roll over and put weight on one leg or the other. My chiropractor actually has a RMT on staff and if he "prescribed" it, it was covered by my insurance. Many chiropractors will not adjust you if you have SPD. Mine did some pressure point therapy for my sciatic nerve pain. It helped some. Taking fish oil (or omega 3 pills) help to reduce inflammation in the body. It can give some relief after a few weeks of taking it. As for the belt, mine was hard to get adjusted right. I put it on while laying on the bed, like putting on a tight pair of blue jeans :) If i did it that way, I feel like I was able to lift my belly and really get it around the part of my tummy that needed the most support. It shouldn't be so tight that it is uncomfortable so it may be the wrong size. Hope you find something that helps!

Jessica - posted on 09/23/2011

Thanks Liz,

I do use pillows at bedtime, I cant sleep any other way, even when I'm not pregnant. I did buy a support belt, but I'm not sure if I bought it a size too small or if its supposed to be that way, but its hard to get on and i dont find it alleviates much. I don't believe in chiropractors, playing with bones and adjustments to them is a little too uch for me, I would rather go see an RMT(registered massage therapist) but they are costly, and funds are low these days. I didn't know fish oils helped, would that be the same as taking Omega caplets, or ingesting omega-enriched eggs? I don't find its as bad this time around, but thats probably due to the baby being way lighter this time. Any idea if epsom salts are ok during pregnancy? I like my baths with aromatherapy salts, i find it makes it more soothing...

Liz - posted on 09/14/2011

I had one of the worst cases my OB had ever seen with my last pregnancy. Unfortunately, delivery was the only thing that really helped. Some things that made it a bit more "bearable" were...
Use Lots of pillows to support your legs and lower back when you sleep.
Warm (not hot) baths or showers. They help loosen the muscles that pull on your pelvis. I did use a heat pack right on my pubic bone for a while.
Fish oil (look for kinds with no mercury)
Use a support belt when you are on your feet for any length of time.
Stretching (gentle)
Chiropractor adjustments to lower back and hips (if they will do it)
Massage on hips
Sorry you are going through this. It can be really hard. I have not had any symptoms so far but I am preparing for the worst.