Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)
Understanding SPD Severity
SPD symptoms exist on a spectrum, and understanding where your symptoms fall can help clarify what kind of support might be most helpful.
Why It Happens
SPD occurs when the ligaments supporting the pubic symphysis — the joint at the front of the pelvis — become too loose or unevenly stressed, largely due to the hormone relaxin combined with the physical demands of pregnancy. This can result in instability and pain at that joint specifically.
General Severity Range
Mild — occasional discomfort with specific movements, minimal impact on daily activity
Moderate — more consistent pain, some activities need modification (like taking stairs one at a time)
Severe — significant pain limiting mobility, sometimes requiring mobility aids or more significant activity modification
Why SPD Happens Earlier for Some Women Than Others
Ligament laxity from relaxin affects every pregnant woman to some degree, but the severity and timing vary significantly — women who've had previous pregnancies, prior pelvic injuries, or higher relaxin sensitivity may notice symptoms earlier and more intensely.
Practical Movement Strategies
Keep knees together when getting in and out of cars or beds
Avoid activities requiring wide leg separation when possible
Take stairs one at a time, leading with the less symptomatic leg
Consider a maternity support belt, discussed with your care team
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Contact your OB or midwife if SPD pain becomes severe enough to significantly limit mobility, or to discuss additional support options like physical therapy referral or a support belt, which can work well alongside chiropractic care for more significant cases.
Our Approach
We evaluate pelvic alignment and stability, using gentle, pregnancy-safe adjustments including the Webster Technique to support balanced pelvic function and reduce the uneven stress contributing to SPD symptoms.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your OB or midwife about your specific pregnancy.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, often called SPD, is a specific type of pelvic pain during pregnancy that can range from mild discomfort to significant, activity-limiting pain. At Two Sparrows, we offer gentle, pregnancy-safe care aimed at improving pelvic stability and reducing pain.
Symptoms We Commonly See
Pain at the front of the pelvis, directly over the pubic bone
Pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of a car
A clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvis
Difficulty with activities that require separating the legs, like getting dressed
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, SPD is a musculoskeletal condition affecting the mother's pelvis and doesn't pose a direct risk to the baby, though the pain and limited mobility can significantly affect quality of life during pregnancy.
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For most women, SPD symptoms improve significantly after delivery as hormone levels change and the pelvis restabilizes, though this can take some time.
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Avoiding activities that require wide leg separation, using a pillow between the knees while sleeping, and moving carefully when changing positions can help manage symptoms alongside care.
Every expecting mom wants to feel supported, comfortable, and confident as her body changes to make room for new life
— not bracing at the front of your pelvis with every step, wondering how you'll get through the next stretch of pregnancy like this.
And sometimes that means looking beyond what you've been told to simply expect, toward gentle, whole-body care that works with your body through every stage of pregnancy. Holistic, non-invasive chiropractic care helps to provide a clear and hopeful path forward for you and your family, meeting you exactly where you are, whether you're in the earliest weeks of pregnancy or counting down the final days before you meet your baby. You don't have to have all the answers today — just a willingness to explore what's possible, one gentle step at a time.