Tips for addressing pregnancy pain (symphysis pubis dysfunction)?

Post date: 2021-10-16 12:03:55

Just diagnosed with symphysis pubis dysfunction and really struggling - was there anything that worked for you?

I'm just over 27 weeks with Baby Synesthesia #2 and for the last couple of weeks have been dealing with steadily escalating pain in my hips, lower back, buttocks, and legs. I am struggling to walk even short distances because every step is painful; have to take stairs one step at a time (i.e., lift up one foot, then the other, to the same step); and have found it agonizing to try to flip over in bed.

My doctor agrees that this all seems to fit the profile of SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction) and is extremely sympathetic but expects I won't get real relief (hopefully) until after the baby is born. In the meantime, she has suggested:

- physical therapy (I had my first session yesterday; now have some exercises to do daily but no immediate results, as expected)

- sports medicine examination (going next week)

- Tylenol as needed (trying to take only sparingly)

- wearing a maternity support belt (I've ordered a couple to try)

I've been lucky to have avoided chronic pain up until now and I'm finding it very difficult (physically and emotionally) to be in some degree of pain virtually every waking minute, and this is compounded by the guilt of not being able to be nearly as present for my extremely active two-year-old. (My husband has thankfully been great about picking up the slack, but I was so looking forward to these last few months of enjoying one-on-one time with our toddler and now I can't even go for a walk with him without worrying that I literally won't be able to get myself back home, let alone run after him if he darts away.)

If you've dealt with SPD or something similar, was there anything that helped you? I'm not expecting a cure but any degree of relief would be welcomed. (As would any tips about staying connected with my firstborn when our usual favorite activities like walks/park trips/farmers' market visits aren't going to be possible for the foreseeable future.)

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