SPD In Pregnancy: What It Is And How To Find Relief
Key Takeaways:
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD): SPD affects the pelvic joints during pregnancy, causing pain and instability often intensified by movement or weight-bearing activities.
Risk Factors And Pelvic Floor Therapy: Risk factors for SPD include a history of pelvic pain, multiple pregnancies, and naturally hypermobile joints, with pelvic floor therapy serving as a valuable method for managing pain and improving mobility.
Supportive Strategies For Relief: Implementing supportive sleep positions, engaging in gentle movement routines, and exploring therapeutic interventions can provide relief.
For many expecting mothers, the excitement of new life is accompanied by physical discomforts that can feel both mysterious and relentless. One such condition, symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), can be particularly overwhelming, especially when it makes even simple daily activities painful. If you’re experiencing deep, sometimes sharp pain in your pelvic region that makes it hard to walk, climb stairs, or move comfortably, know that relief is possible. SPD in pregnancy is more common than many realize, and while it’s not often openly discussed, its impact on your everyday life can be significant.
At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, Blair understands how discouraging pelvic pain can feel, especially when it interferes with your ability to enjoy pregnancy or spend time with your growing family. As a licensed occupational therapist specializing in women’s health, Blair brings over 15 years of experience to her client-centered approach. Her mission is to help you feel seen, supported, and confident in your body’s remarkable capacity for healing and strength through her in-home pelvic floor therapy services.
In this article, we’ll break down what SPD in pregnancy truly is, why it happens, and how you can find effective strategies for relief. Whether you’re in your first trimester, nearing delivery, or navigating postpartum recovery, you deserve care that treats you as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms. Let’s move toward less pain and more empowered movement together.
What Is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction?
According to The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, symphysis pubis dysfunction is a fairly common condition that affects pregnant women, and its effects can be debilitating. At its core, SPD refers to pain, instability, or discomfort in the pelvic region—specifically at the point where the two pubic bones meet at the front of your pelvis, called the symphysis pubis joint.
Why Does It Happen?
During pregnancy, your body produces hormones like relaxin to help soften and loosen ligaments in preparation for birth. While this flexibility is crucial for labor and delivery, it can sometimes make pelvic joints overly mobile. When this happens, the joints may shift or become misaligned, creating inflammation and discomfort.
What Does It Feel Like?
SPD symptoms can range from a mild ache in your lower pelvis to sharp, stabbing pain that makes daily activities challenging. Many women with pelvic pain during pregnancy describe difficulty walking, climbing stairs, standing on one leg, or even turning over in bed. You may also feel pain radiating into your hips, lower back, thighs, or groin, often intensifying with movement or weight-bearing activities.
When Does It Occur?
Symptoms can start at any point in pregnancy but are most common during the second and third trimesters as your baby grows and your center of gravity shifts. While SPD is not harmful to your baby, it can significantly affect your day-to-day comfort and mobility.
Why Understanding Matters
Recognizing what’s happening in your body is the first step toward reclaiming a sense of control and comfort. With the right support and gentle strategies, relief is possible, even if your pain feels overwhelming right now.
Symptoms And Risk Factors For SPD During Pregnancy
SPD can feel like an unexpected hurdle during pregnancy, especially when you’re already balancing so many physical and emotional changes. Recognizing the symptoms and knowing the risk factors can empower you to seek support sooner and feel more in control of your experience.
Common Symptoms
SPD is most often felt as a “shooting” pain centered at the pubic bone, but it doesn’t stop there. Pain can radiate into the lower abdomen, back, groin, perineum, thighs, or even down the legs. Some people also describe clicking, snapping, or grinding sensations around the pubic area. Additional symptoms can include:
Pain That Improves With Rest: Discomfort may lessen when lying down or avoiding movement.
Tenderness Over The Pubic Symphysis Or Sacroiliac Joints: You might feel soreness or sensitivity when these areas are touched.
Swelling Or A Palpable Gap At The Front Of The Pelvis: Sometimes the pubic joint feels unstable or “separated.”
A Waddling Gait Or Difficulty Lifting One Leg At A Time: Walking may feel awkward or unstable.
Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Intimacy might feel uncomfortable or even sharp.
Occasional Difficulty Urinating Or Unexplained Fatigue: SPD can impact daily functions beyond movement alone.
Risk Factors
According to the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, SPD isn’t caused by one single factor. It’s theoretically influenced by anatomical, hormonal, and biomechanical changes that occur during pregnancy. Several factors can increase your risk:
History Of Pelvic Or Low Back Pain: Pre-existing pain can make the pelvis more susceptible to instability.
Multiple Pregnancies (Multiparity): Additional pregnancies can further strain pelvic joints.
Naturally Hypermobile Joints Or Genetic Predisposition: Extra flexibility may lead to more joint laxity.
Early Menarche Or Long-Term Oral Contraceptive Use: Hormonal history can influence ligament flexibility.
High Weight Or Significant Pregnancy-Related Weight Gain: Extra weight increases pelvic load.
High Levels Of Stress Or Low Job Satisfaction: Emotional and mental health may play a role in pain perception.
Lack Of Regular Exercise (Including Long-Distance Running): Inactivity or excessive high-impact exercise can both contribute.
Prior Pelvic Trauma Or Injuries: Previous injuries can create lasting vulnerabilities.
When It Happens
SPD can start at any time during pregnancy but is most commonly reported in the second and third trimesters. According to the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, around 74% of cases occur during a first pregnancy, with 12% starting in the first trimester, 34% in the second, and 52% in the third trimester.
While most cases improve after birth (usually within 1 to 6 months postpartum), a small percentage may continue to experience symptoms longer, particularly if pain started early or was more intense during pregnancy.
The Role Of Pelvic Floor Therapy In Managing SPD
SPD can make the simplest daily movements feel daunting—rolling out of bed, walking across the room, or even picking up your baby can suddenly become a significant challenge. While SPD can feel isolating, personalized care is available to help you move past it.
A Holistic Approach To Pelvic Support
Pelvic floor therapy offers a gentle, holistic approach to managing SPD. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, this type of care looks at the entire system—the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support your pelvic organs and stabilize your core. When these areas are out of balance, they can add stress to the pubic symphysis joint and worsen discomfort.
Through pelvic floor therapy, you’ll learn strategies to restore function and create more stability in your body. This might include guided movements, gentle breathing techniques, supportive stretches, and strengthening exercises designed to ease strain on your pelvis. You’ll also receive education on posture and body mechanics, learning practical strategies for daily activities like getting in and out of bed, standing up, or lifting a child without increasing pain.
Blair Mauri’s Personalized In-Home Care
Blair Mauri, MS, OTR/L, is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy for women in Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Dumbo, and Tribeca. She offers in-home services only so that you can receive expert care in the comfort and privacy of your own space.
Blair’s practice is rooted in compassion, patience, and active listening. She never rushes you; each session is designed to give you the time and space to explain your situation and connect with your body. Blair will always explain the “why” behind every recommendation and encourage you to ask questions, empowering you to feel like an active participant in your care plan. If you have any concerns, Blair is more than happy to hear you out and either get back to you with a well-researched answer or refer you to a skilled practitioner.
While pelvic floor therapy is not a guaranteed cure for SPD, it can be a powerful part of a holistic approach to managing pain. If you’re interested in exploring more about how Blair can support you through SPD or other pelvic health concerns, we invite you to check out her full range of services. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone; compassionate, expert support is right at your doorstep.
Tips For Sleeping Comfortably With SPD
Sleep doesn’t always come easy when you’re expecting, especially when Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) is part of the equation. Discomfort and pain can interrupt rest that’s already hard to come by. Here are some actionable tips to help you reclaim as much restful sleep as possible, even on tough nights:
Choose Supportive Sleep Positions: Side-sleeping with a pillow between your knees can help align your pelvis and reduce strain on your hips and pubic area. If standard pillows aren’t quite enough, consider a body pillow or a specially designed pregnancy pillow for extra stability and support.
Keep Your Hips Together When Moving: Pain often intensifies when your legs separate during movements. Try to keep your knees and ankles together when rolling over or getting out of bed. Using your hands to guide your legs and moving as one slow, controlled unit can help minimize discomfort.
Add Cushioning: Place a soft but supportive pillow or foam pad beneath your pelvis. Even small adjustments in padding can ease pressure points and help relieve soreness in your pubic area and hips.
Practice Nighttime Pelvic Support: While not for everyone, some people find that wearing a pelvic support belt overnight provides gentle compression. This can potentially help you maintain stability after a long day. Always consult your provider to ensure you choose a belt that’s right for you.
Establish A Wind-Down Routine: SPD pain can feel more intense when your nervous system is tense or stressed. A calming bedtime ritual—such as deep breathing, gentle stretching, guided meditation, or a warm (not hot) bath—can help signal to your body that it’s time to rest.
Remember: Your comfort matters. These tips are about tuning in to what your body is asking for and giving yourself permission to make adjustments as often as you need to. Listen to your signals, be gentle with yourself, and let every small comfort add up to a better night’s rest.
Final Thoughts
SPD in pregnancy is one of the less-talked-about physical challenges for expecting mothers. If you’re struggling with discomfort, pain, or frustration from SPD, remember that you don’t have to simply “deal with it.” At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, you’ll be met with understanding and clinical expertise. Blair offers individualized, in-home care throughout Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Cobble Hill, Tribeca, and Dumbo. Every session will focus on restoring your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and Blair is here to always explain the “why” behind each recommendation.
You deserve care that sees you as a whole person. SPD might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to define your pregnancy experience. Relief is possible, and Blair can provide the guidance you need to help you stay engaged in all the moments that matter most to you.
Read more:
Frequently Asked Questions About SPD Pregnancy
How does SPD differ from normal pregnancy pain?
While general aches and discomfort are a normal part of pregnancy, SPD is more specific and often more intense. SPD usually involves sharp or stabbing pain centered around the pubic bone or between your legs. Unlike typical pregnancy stretching or mild soreness, SPD pain tends to worsen with movement, such as walking, climbing stairs, or rolling in bed. If you notice sharp, localized pain that disrupts daily activities, it may be SPD rather than general pregnancy discomfort.
Is SPD common in all pregnancies?
SPD can happen to anyone during pregnancy, but it doesn’t occur in every pregnancy. Research suggests that about 1 in 5 pregnant people experience SPD symptoms to some degree. It’s often more common in second or subsequent pregnancies, but it can still occur during a first pregnancy.
Will SPD go away after childbirth?
For most people, SPD symptoms improve or resolve within a few weeks to a few months after delivery as hormone levels stabilize and pelvic joints regain stability. However, in some cases, pain can persist if there is ongoing pelvic instability or delayed healing. Gentle movement, personalized pelvic floor therapy, and individualized support can aid recovery. If discomfort lingers, working with a specialist like Blair Mauri can provide guidance and empower your healing journey.
Can SPD in pregnancy be prevented?
There’s no guaranteed way to 100% prevent SPD since it’s often linked to natural changes in hormones and joint mobility during pregnancy. However, keeping up with safe, supportive movement routines, strengthening your core and pelvic floor muscles, and learning proper body mechanics can help reduce the risk or lessen symptom severity. Early guidance from an experienced occupational therapist like Blair can also make a big difference.
Can wearing a support belt help with SPD?
Yes, many people find that a pelvic support belt or maternity belt offers relief. These belts help stabilize the pelvis and lower back, making movement more comfortable. It’s important to choose a belt that fits well and supports your specific needs. If you need assistance, Blair can help you narrow down your options and ensure you’re using this tool safely and effectively.
How can my partner help with my SPD discomfort?
Your partner can be an essential part of your support system. They can help with tasks that involve bending, lifting, or twisting, assist you with getting in and out of bed, and remind you to use techniques learned in therapy. While physical help is always welcome, don’t forget that emotional support is just as important! Sometimes, a listening ear or a comforting presence is all it takes to feel cared for and less alone.
