thread: Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction - is that what I have?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Perth
    3,686

    Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction - is that what I have?

    Hi Girls

    I've done a bit of research on SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) and I think it may be the cause of the aches and pains I'm experiencing. I'm going to bring it up with my OB on Thursday but I just wanted your opinions on my symptoms.

    I've been getting the pain and pressure feelings on and off for quite a few weeks now but and it's increased in intensity as I get further along. It's an ache in my pubic area which feels like its at the front of my 'vajuts' but also inside at times. I feel an awful lot of pressure when I wee, as if my bladder is super full but it's not and there isn't really a feeling of less pressure when I'm finished. I don't have any stinging when I wee and as the pain/pressure feelings have been coming and going, I'm certain it's not UTI. I feel the pressure feeling when I wee but pain in the whole pubic area when I sit or am walking around. To sum it up, it almost feels like I have fart pains in my vajuts!!

    Does any of this sound familiar or do I sound like a nutter?!

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Sunny Qld
    14,682

    rofl @ your descriptions...

    Umm I'm not sure - mine is a bit different. I have severe sciatic pain (which is a symptom) and I couldn't stand on one leg without severe pain, so would have to sit down to put my undies on. It got really bad at the end of my last pregnancy, couldn't walk without hanging onto walls and stuff.

    Soooo not looking forward to that again!!

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Follow Pandora On Twitter

    Jan 2005
    cowtown
    8,276

    it could be lots of things, pelvic insatbility, SPD, there are lots of things that can cause pelvic pain.
    I have a brace to stop sciatic nerve pain, and pelvic pain, but dont have SPD.
    What does it feel like when you get up from sitting or lying down?
    My gf who had SPD said it felt like she was tearing apart..

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Feb 2006
    Newcastle, NSW
    4,219

    I had SPD with my last baby but haven't had it yet thankfully.
    When I had it, it definitely felt as though my pubic bones were tearing apart... it was a horrible, burning sensation. I also had pelvic instability which caused me sooooooooo much pain when sleeping.
    The SPD was definitely the worst thing about my last pregnancy. I couldn't walk far without feeling like my pubic bone was going to break; I couldn't put my underpants, pants or anything on that involved me stepping into them without sitting down.
    Let your OB or midwife know at your next appointment and see what they have to say. I hope it eases up for you soon.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Perth
    3,686

    RayRay - I feel a bit of pain when I stand up or get out of bed but it's more just a constant dull ache and pressure right at the front of my vajuts which is also agitated when I walk or go to the toilet. It hurts to press in that area too and directly below the bottom of my bump - along the pubic line.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Mar 2008
    Nth West Melbourne
    997

    I had SPD, and it felt like a constant "sharp ache" in between the front of my public bones. Walking or doing anything that involved separating my legs (getting out of the car, bed, putting on knickers) absolutely killed. A chiropractor helped me ENORMOUSLY.

    I didn't get the urinary symptoms. It could still be SPD- maybe the position you are sitting in when peeing is aggravating it.

    But also be aware that UTIs can feel a bit different when pregnant. I've had a million UTIs, and I got one during pregnant and it was totally different- none of the stinging pee, bladder pressure stuff like usual, but achyness in my whole pelvis/tummy. Its worth getting it checked out, just in case.

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Perth
    3,686

    But also be aware that UTIs can feel a bit different when pregnant. I've had a million UTIs, and I got one during pregnant and it was totally different- none of the stinging pee, bladder pressure stuff like usual, but achyness in my whole pelvis/tummy. Its worth getting it checked out, just in case.
    You could be right. I've just checked the UTI symptoms in pregnany and they sound quite familiar too. I've made an appointment with my GP tomorrow instead of waiting to see my OB on Thursday. If it settles overnight, would you think that it's unlikely to be a UTI or can the symptoms come and go?

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Mar 2008
    Nth West Melbourne
    997

    Hm, I'm trying to remember if my symptoms came and went and now I can't!!

    Good idea to see the GP- pretty simple test.

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Perth
    3,686

    Well it's not UTI! My gorgeous neighbour (who is also a close friend) is studying midwifery (is currently an ER nurse) so she checked me out last night and tested my wee and gave me the all clear. My symptoms have practically disappeared overnight so we have come to the conclusion that Tarko was sitting/laying/standing on my bladder yesterday!! I'll still chat to my OB about it but it makes sense, especially given the pressure has gone overnight.

    Well, the joys of pregnany just keep on rolling in! It does make me smile though. As much as it was annoying and quite painful, it's funny thinking of our little baby squashing my bladder! I'm sure the novelty will wear off as Tarko gets bigger though

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Perth
    3,686

    Quick update - saw my OB today and explained the symptoms (which disappeared after I relaxed and layed down on Monday night!) and straight away he said 'Sounds like braxton hicks to me'. Of course! I don't know why I hadn't thought of that given they're a bit random, come and go throughout the week, happen often while exercising and practically disappear when I lay down and relax! It makes perfect sense!