Q&A: Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (Pelvic Girdle Pain)

During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin causes your ligaments to relax and become loose. This is helpful for birth because it increases your range of movement and helps your baby get through your pelvis. For a small percentage of expecting mothers this can lead to the ligaments becoming too loose and their pelvis becoming unstable. The result can be an uncomfortable and painful condition called symphysis pubis dysfunction or pelvic girdle pain. Like many things that occur during pregnancy this tends to disappear shortly after the birth of your baby. This episode answers a few questions about symphysis pubis dysfunction (ad pelvic girdle pain), what the evidence is that it goes away after birth, recommended labor positions for the condition, and whether breastfeeding prolongs SPD.