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What about spd,which is becoming more and more frequent with pregnant women and after.

I had spd with my youngest who is 3 in january and still suffer now,my mum had it with my sister who is 19 and still gets it now.

Not enough information is given and I know that in the uk they gave you info books etc but no mention of this

for those that dont know spd is 'symphysis pubis dysfunction' where the pelvic bone opens wider than it should,thus given discomfort and severe pain in and around the pelvic area,to include the hips and can affect the lower back.

Spd (symphysis pubis dysfunction) simply means that the joint is apparently not working, as it should be. Together with the two sacroiliac joints at the back of the pelvis, the symphysis pubis plays an important part in holding the pelvis absolutely steady during any activity, in any position, which involves the legs. If the joint is not firmly ‘tied’ by all its ligaments it cannot effectively perform its role and excessive strain is placed on all the pelvic joints giving rise to the all too familiar painful symptoms. It is important to remember that the sacroiliac joints are equally affected by the hormones of pregnancy and become slightly looser. It is very common to find that although a woman might be complaining of groin and pubic pain, the main cause of the symptoms is actually at one or both of the sacroiliac joints and this puts extra stress on the symphysis.
In pregnancy, hormones cause the ligaments of the body to relax thus allowing the uterus to expand and the pelvis to open ready for the birth. As the pelvis expands some women can experience pain in the pelvis and lower back which, if severe, can affect their gait and walking.

Not all women suffer from pelvic pain during pregnancy, some only suffer postnatally. There are also those who suffer both during and after pregnancy. Some women will experience pelvic pain in their first pregnancy and not subsequently, while other suffer from this distressing problem with each and every baby.

It must be stressed that although pain in pregnancy is common it does not have to be tolerated.

This condition can be extremely debilitating and can occur from the 12th week of pregnancy. Symptoms include pain and tenderness over the symphysis pubis area in the lower central part of the pelvis, which can also radiate down the legs and abdomen. It tends to worsen with walking especially when going up or down stairs. Once diagnosed the gp/obstetrician can prescribe anti - inflammatory painkillers and will refer you to an obstetric physiotherapist who can fit a special support belt, as well as offer pain relief in the form of a tens (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine, which is often extremely effective. Crutches can also be supplied to aid mobility at this time.

Symphysis pubis dysfunction is when the pelvic girdle is not functioning correctly and is in fact unstable therefore comfortable positions in labour may well be limited. Once the baby is born the ligaments normally return to normal.

Professional treatment

physiotherapy
if spd is causing you constant discomfort it is is advisable to see a specialist at your local hospital to arrange to get a support belt for daytime use and a tubigrip bandage to use at night. If the pain is severe, it may be necessary to use elbow crutches for support when walking.

General practitioner
your gp can prescribe painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs to help relieve pain. The drug prescribed will depend on whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Your gp can refer you to a specialist physiotherapist for help, advice and treatment. It may be possible to arrange some home help if you're very disabled.

Alternative therapy
osteopathy, acupuncture, or acupressure and massage - these therapies can all bring great relief. It may be useful to rotate them if your symptoms are severe. It is most useful to be in touch with other women who have also suffered from this problem.

Rest can be extremely helpful.

Self-help suggestions
homeopathy - take sepia 30c three times daily for two days, then arnica 30c and hypericum 30c three times daily for five days. Repeat periodically. Reduce all weight bearing activities such as standing, walking, shopping, and lifting that are not essential and rest a lot. Take great care when standing and walking to avoid turning out your feet, keeping them parallel instead, or even slightly 'pigeon toed'.

Sit when you get dressed and keep your knees together when getting in and out of the car. Avoid stairs, going up them slowly sideways if you must.

Avoid squatting or yoga positions that involve separating or spreading the legs. You can substitute either of the positions suggested below and still do the movements recommended for the upper body. When keep your legs together instead of kneeling with your knees apart.

Plenty of warm baths and gentle swimming can be a relief, but avoid breaststroke which may strain the symphysis pubis, and take care getting in and out of the bath or pool. Wear well cushioned flat shoes. Be creative when you dress, tying a long scarf around your hips for support.

For comfort at night, put a baby sheepskin under your hips or an "egg box" foam underlay under your bed sheet, and use a soft pillow to support your top leg when lying on your side.

Discuss your care in labour with your birth attendants to avoid greater separation of the legs than you can manage comfortably and consider possible labour and birth positions such as lying on your side, kneeling on all fours, or immersion in warm water. Be especially careful of spreading the legs too wide if you have an epidural which may mask the pain.

After birth, the first two weeks are crucial to a good recovery, so be careful to avoid strain at this time.

Kneeling

kneel with pile of three or more cushions between your calves, keeping your knees together. Use a long scarf to tie your thighs together just above the knees for support. Sit back so that your pelvis rests on the cushions and make sure that you feel completely comfortable or use more cushions. Your hips should be higher than your knees. Keep your knees together and your lower legs and feet turned inwards around the cushions. Let your weight drop through your hips.

Sitting

with your lower back supported by a wall, sit with legs stretched out, heels in line with your hips and toes turned in so that they are slightly overlapping or 'pigeon toed'. Tie the thighs together for support just above the knees. Use this position instead of wide-legged yoga positions.

Some links on this are:
http://www.Spd-uk.Org/
http://w ww.Ivillage.Co.Uk/pregnancyandbaby/pregnan cy/complicatepreg/articles/0,,15_187741,00 .Html
http://www.Plus -size-pregnancy.Org/pubicpain.Htm