SPD?

I am wondering if anyone else here is suffering from Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction?
After having been in pain for just over 3 weeks, I was diagnosed by the physiotherapist earlier this week.

Now, I've been given information on avoiding lots of things, but not so much on what I can actually still do. E.g., is it good or bad to sit on a Swiss ball?
I do know that most things that are usually advised to relieve backpain are not a good idea, as they will aggrevate the pubic pain. But if anyone knows of any safe things/exercises ....?

I've also been given a support belt to wear when standing or walking, which does seem to help a bit. There's only 1 thing I worry about. Last week when I saw my mw, baby was about to engage. Just a bit worried that the belt (which I have to wear under my bump) will push the baby back up. Is that possible?
(I definately DON'T want to delay the baby coming out, or cause it to turn around because she doesn't like the pressure on her head)

(edited for spelling)

Edited by Ella

Hi there, I have had SPD for about as long. I find it particularly flares up when I have been walking/standing for a while. I doubt the belt will encourage the baby to move up, especially since you don't wear it all day. It really just runs with the bones you already have in your pelvis.

I am surprised the physio didn't give you some exercises to do. One of the things I have to do is stand up, put my hands gently under the bump, and basically suck in my tummy until I feel it first come in then come slightly up. It's very hard to explain.

The swiss ball is fine and I have an exercise to do on that as well: sit on it in the usual way then roll forward to the edge, then roll back. Watch yourself in the mirror to check you are not moving your shoulders/back around.

whitewave wrote: Mine seems to be worse when walking for too long, or sitting for too long on an office chair.

Exactly the same here!!

AngeB, have you tried sleeping with a pillow between your legs, when you're on your side? It's not a cure-all, but it can help a lot.

Ange are you doing any exercises? Or have a follow-up apmt with your physio? I think you should have both! I do, and your SPD is much worse than mine.

Aww that's sucky. What about the exercises I said above? The one other exercise I was given is for the back muscles but is really difficult to explain. I'll give it a go. Walk on the spot without lifting your feet off the floor and place your thumbs on your back on each side of your spine, moving your thumbs into different places until you can feel the muscles working. Okay. Keep your thumbs there and this time move the muscles one at a time without actually moving your body. Think of doing a quick pee (so my physio said) or moving your hips one at a time, without quite doing the action.

Sadly none of the exercises will have as much effect now as when we weren't/won't be pregnant - because of all the elastin hormone. But hopefully something helps you because that sounds really awful!

PS - Try swimming not in laps but just really gently, against a flutter board or some back-floating. When I last was at the pool I went up to an edge and kicked my feet gently while lying on my back, and had my hand against the edge of the pool (almost on top of my head). That was really nice.

Ella, turning in bed is the same as you!! It does feel like they "lock up"

DH has to help me move side to side each night as I can't do it without crying. And when we do move i feel like my lungs are getting crushed and I cant breath when we move.

**TMI** Went to the bathroom last night and couldnt get off the toilet had to scream for DH to come get me off...

I def feel the same way and hope this baby comes early. I hate saying that but going to bed is a mission and makes me not want to go to bed.

I don't know if you guys are (still) working, but the physio told me it will probably become a little more bearable after I finish up, as then I will be able to listen more to my body and give it a break whenever it needs one. Now I do seem to end up paying for it in the evening and at night.
So I'm hoping she's right, cause I'e only got 1 more week to go at work.

Whitewave, I've got the sore hips too if I lie too long on one side. If it wasn't for that, I'd probably wouldn't bother turning over at all.
Glad to hear your belt helped. I also think it makes a difference when standing or walking.

Hey Girls

How is everyones SPD? Some of you have probably given birth now, did it have any effect on the birth? I am 27wks and already suffering from this.

Ditto here too, haven't popped yet.


I talked to the physio and they told me to "avoid" an epidural just in case it makes it worse. They did give me a new belt though