PELVIC PAIN & SPD DURING PREGNANCY
What Is Pelvic Pain & SPD?
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is a condition where the joint at the front of your pelvis — the pubic symphysis — becomes overly mobile or misaligned, causing pain and instability. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin loosens your ligaments to prepare for birth, but sometimes it loosens them too much, too early, leaving the pelvis unstable.
SPD affects an estimated 1 in 5 pregnant women to some degree, and it can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that makes walking, climbing stairs, and rolling over in bed extremely difficult.
Signs and Symptoms
Pelvic pain and SPD during pregnancy typically present as pain or tenderness at the front of the pelvis (pubic bone area), a clicking or grinding sensation in the pelvic joint, difficulty walking — especially on uneven surfaces or stairs, pain when turning over in bed or getting in and out of a car, and one-sided or bilateral pelvic discomfort that worsens with activity.
How Chiropractic Helps
SPD is fundamentally a problem of pelvic alignment and stability. When the sacrum and ilia are misaligned, the pubic symphysis bears uneven stress — which worsens the pain and dysfunction.
The Webster Technique is especially effective for SPD because it directly addresses sacral alignment and the surrounding soft tissue balance. By restoring proper pelvic mechanics, we reduce the asymmetrical load on the pubic symphysis and give your body a chance to stabilize.
Our Approach to Relief
Every case of SPD is different. Some mamas experience it early in the second trimester, while others don't develop symptoms until the final weeks. We assess your pelvis individually and build a care plan that accounts for your stage of pregnancy, severity of symptoms, and daily demands.
Adjustments are gentle and specific — we never force anything, and we work within your comfort level at every visit. Many patients feel measurable relief within the first week of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
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Hormonal changes (especially increased relaxin) loosen the ligaments that stabilize the pelvis, which can lead to joint instability and misalignment — especially at the pubic symphysis.
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Yes. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper pelvic alignment, which reduces the uneven stress on the pubic symphysis that causes pain and dysfunction.
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SPD is a condition where the pubic symphysis joint at the front of the pelvis becomes overly mobile, misaligned, or inflamed — causing pain, instability, and difficulty with movement during pregnancy.
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As soon as you begin experiencing symptoms. Early care often prevents the condition from worsening and helps maintain mobility throughout pregnancy.