Pubic pain during pregnancy is called Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) and can be pretty severe.  During pregnancy your body changes and the baby grows larger putting more stress on the round ligament, sacrum, hips and low back. SPD is one problem that is fairly easy to rectify by chiropractors.  Aligning the pelvis is key along with taking pressure off the round ligament.

What is Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)?

First, let's talk about how your body changes during pregnancy.  Your pelvis becomes more easily moveable getting ready for child birth.  Your body begins releasing a chemical called "relaxin" to loosen ligaments in your body and make the birth process easier. 

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) can occur in 25% of pregnant women because the pelvis can rotate, move forward or shift to the side causing the fibrocartilage tissue to inflame and cause pain.  If you have ever had this, you know how painful this can be.

What are the symptoms?

Discomfort in the pelvic region (usually the center).  Pain may also occur in your low back, hips, legs and the sacroiliac joint.  You may hear a popping or clicking when walking and have difficulty climbing the stairs.

How can chiropractic and the Webster Technique help?

The Webster Technique has proven to be quite successful when used on my pregnant patients experiencing SPD pain.   It is primarily used to turn breech babies but it also alleviates aches and pains that most pregnant women feel are "normal" during pregnancy. Adjusting the pelvis and alleviating stress to the ligaments that attach to the uterus really help keep your baby happy and comfortable during pregnancy. 

Remember, the hormone Relaxin stays in mother's system for 9 months after the baby is born.  This means ligaments and joints are still not back in the position they were in prior to pregnancy.  Keeping the whole body aligned is important so when the ligaments and bones are now back to pre-pregnancy status, the body functions the way it ought to.  

Chiropractic is non-invasive, safe and effective even during pregnancy.  To keep pain and discomfort down before, during and after pregnancy is key to having a healthy stress free body.  This leads to better sleep, regulation and health.  Contact us at our San Francisco, CA or San Carlos, CA chiropractic office today.