Pregnancy can be a beautiful journey, but it can also come with its fair share of discomforts. I first experienced a peculiar pain during my third pregnancy, and it took me a while to connect the dots. When I would spend extended periods on my feet or attempt to climb in and out of bed, it felt like I had been dealt a harsh blow to my pelvic region. Initially, I believed my pubic bone might be bruised, though I couldn’t recall any specific incident that would cause such agony.
Having given birth twice before, I was accustomed to various aches and pains during pregnancy. I had dealt with severe round ligament pain during my second pregnancy, which was sharp but fleeting. However, this new pain manifested as a relentless ache that could shift from dull to sharp, lingering far longer than I anticipated. Standing too long, walking, or getting in and out of the car became excruciating tasks. Even simple movements, such as spreading my legs beyond shoulder-width, felt intolerable.
In my quest for answers, I consulted not one but two doctors about my discomfort. Their responses were almost identical: “It’s likely just the baby pressing down on your pelvis. Some pressure is normal.” I tried to clarify that this felt different; it was a sharp pain localized at the top of my pubic bone. Unfortunately, they insisted that various aches and pains were typical during pregnancy.
While I’m not a medical professional, my search for answers led me to discover a condition called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). It may sound similar to an STD, but it refers to excessive loosening of the pelvic joints due to relaxin hormones during pregnancy. This condition can lead to significant discomfort in the pelvic area, also known as pelvic girdle pain.
Let me tell you, the term “pelvic girdle pain” does not do justice to the level of discomfort I experienced. If I wasn’t cautious about my movements, I would endure hours of intense pain. By six months into my pregnancy, grocery shopping became a challenge; I found myself relying on those motorized carts. I had always enjoyed remaining active during my pregnancies, but now I struggled to walk for more than five minutes without paying for it later.
Rolling over in bed was painful, as was anything that required me to spread my legs. This included intimate moments, which were often a difficult balancing act. I returned to my doctor with my findings from Dr. Google, and he acknowledged that SPD could be the culprit. But why was it not mentioned earlier? He suggested a support belt, which provided some relief, but chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture offered even better, albeit temporary, help. I encountered stories of women who found significant relief from chiropractic care, but unfortunately, my SPD seemed resistant to treatment.
To my relief, SPD typically resolves shortly after childbirth, and mine did just that. I wouldn’t wish that kind of pain on anyone. Interestingly, my experience with SPD isn’t unique. Statistics vary, with some sources indicating that about 1 in 300 pregnant women experience SPD, while others suggest the number could be as high as 1 in 5. Two of my close friends also faced this issue during their pregnancies, and countless online stories echoed similar sentiments, often noting how their doctors dismissed their pain as mere pregnancy discomfort.
It’s crucial to recognize that feeling as if a bowling ball has been dropped on your pubic bone is not normal. If you’ve ever experienced a grinding sensation or intense pain in your pelvic area while pregnant, you may have been dealing with undiagnosed SPD. If you’re currently pregnant and struggling with soreness in your pubic bone, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
You might assume that such a prevalent pregnancy discomfort would be more widely acknowledged, but it’s often not a topic that many women feel comfortable discussing. “Hi, I’m feeling intense pain in my pubic area today.” Explaining that you have something called “symphysis pubis dysfunction”? Not the easiest conversation.
To anyone who has experienced SPD or is currently facing it, my heart goes out to you. It truly is a challenging experience, but remember you are not alone. For more insights on pregnancy-related challenges, you can also check out this informative article on Modern Family Blog. And for those considering options for family planning, exploring fertility supplements might be beneficial. Additionally, for comprehensive information about IVF and home insemination, visit the Mayo Clinic.
In summary, SPD can be an excruciating and often misunderstood condition during pregnancy. It’s essential to advocate for yourself and seek the right support if you experience this discomfort.