Maternity Clinic: SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) and Pain at the Front of the Pelvis
The process of delivery can make the symphysis pubis joint less stable, causing pelvic girdle pain or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).
The pelvis comprises two large bones called ilia and a smaller triangular shaped bone called the sacrum. The two ilia form the pelvic bowl and join together at the front of the pelvis to form a joint called the symphysis pubis. As with the sacroiliac joint, this joint is held together by strong ligaments and these ligaments become progressively lax in the later stages of pregnancy.
The process of delivery can make the symphysis pubis joint less stable, causing pelvic girdle pain or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). At its worst the delivery process can cause a small gap to occur in the pubic symphysis (known as diastasis symphysis pubis). SPD, however, can occur at any time during pregnancy or after giving birth.
The most obvious symptoms of SPD are pain at the front of the pelvis and groin although there are other symptoms that include lower back pain, pain into your thighs. These symptoms often become worse when walking, going upstairs and can often be more prevalent at night thus disturbing your sleep.
Osteopathy can help examine the relationship between your muscles and bones in order to help resolve pelvic issues.