SYMPHYSIS PUBIS DISORDER

 

 

What is symphisis pubis?

 

It is a name given to where two bones meet at the front of the pelvis. The pelvic bone is roughly in a heart shape, and is actually formed by three bones which are held together by very strong ligaments. The bones meet to form three fixed joints-at the front(symphysis pubis), and at each side of the bottom of the spine (sacro-iliac joints). Normally these joints are not designed  to allow movement. However when a women becomes pregnant a hormone called relaxin  is produced which loosens all the pelvic ligaments. In order to allow the pelvis slight movement at the time of birth. But for some reason the ligaments occasionally loosens to much and to early before birth. This means they can't keep the pelvic joints stable so the pelvis moves very painful. All this is made worse due to the growing baby and the weight. Sometimes the symphysis pubis joint actually separates slightly. This result is mild to severe pain.
Usually in the pubic area and is called spd.

 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?   

 

The most common symptom is finding walking painful. Some women find it hard to turn over in bed or get out of a car. Some women describe the feeling of their pelvis coming apart. Getting dressed and having a bath can also be painful to. I had this when I was pregnant with my first baby and never knew what it was till I was pregnant with my second child. I had it worse even still with my third baby I couldn't turn over in bed without serious pain and cracking of the bone. I found it very hard to get out of the bath as well as a car, walking and getting up out of my chair was unbearable. I must admit I thought my pelvis was about to give way as it cracked and clicked a lot. If this is you talk to your consultant about physiotherapy and they will arrange this for you.