thread: Probably a stupid question

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Feb 2007
    Gold Coast
    143

    Probably a stupid question

    Okay I read in another post about suffering from SPD, and I was just wondering, probably rather stupidly, what is it?
    TIA

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Mar 2008
    Nth West Melbourne
    997

    SPD is a condition in pregnancy where the ligament in your pubic bone becomes a bit stressed and quite painful. It stands for something like symphysis pubis displacement or something similar!

    I had it when I was preggers and it caused me considerable pain. Serious trouble walking and moving! But a chiropractor helped me enormously.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jul 2006
    Cloud nine :D
    6,309

    Jess is right...

    What is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)?


    The two halves of your pelvis are connected at the front by a stiff joint called the symphysis pubis. This joint is strengthened by a dense network of ligaments which means that under normal conditions, very little movement occurs. In order to make your baby's passage through your pelvis as easy as possible, your body produces a hormone called relaxin, which softens the ligaments in your pelvis. As a result, these joints move more during and just after pregnancy.

    We are not sure exactly what causes SPD but current thinking indicates that if one side of the pelvis moves more than the other when you walk or move your legs, this can lead to pain and inflammation at the symphysis pubis. X-rays and scans may not diagnose the problem as this rotation does not show up on most scans. Many women with SPD experience significant pain without any great separation of the joint -- the amount of pain isn't related to the degree of separation.

    A related condition is diastasis symphysis pubis (DSP) in which the pubic joint loosens and leaves an abnormally wide gap between the two pelvic bones. The average gap between the bones in a non-pregnant woman is 4-5mm and during pregnancy it's normal for this gap to widen by 2-3mm. If the gap is 10mm or more, DSP is diagnosed. This is a rare condition and can only be diagnosed by X-Ray.


    But just wanted to tell you brianna, that NO question in here is stupid... Its good that you are using the initive of asking others a questions when you dont know that answer your self... To me thats really smart

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    White Gum Valley, WA
    318

    I have a feeling I have this. Between my legs it hurts so increadibly badly- like I've been horse riding for weeks non stop. It hurts to walk, to turn over in bed, to stand, to sit. It's just plain ouch!
    I hope you've managed to avoid it Brianna.

  5. #5
    Registered User
    Add ~clover~ on Facebook

    Sep 2007
    travelling
    9,557

    I'm still suffering from it nearly 12 months after having DS.
    It's nothing now to what it was, but I asked a few gp & obs about it & none of them actually told me what it was or offered me any help. One did kinda explain what was happening, but didn't tell me the name of it & her only answer was to limit walking & take it easy.
    If she had've given me more info I could've understood it a bit better & so could've DH, but it sounded like something that happened to everyone & like I was being a sook!
    Try a physio, chiro, or osteo, til you find one that helps you & invest in a belly belt/brace.

  6. #6
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber
    Add sushee on Facebook

    Sep 2004
    Melb - where my coolness isn't seen as wierdness
    4,361

    Aquanatal classes can help, and a belly belt can ease some of the pain.