After delivering my first baby I have had throbbing pain in the pubic symphysis area. Has anyone had similar symptoms after delivery?

[lindseyrae]

[Jessiepup]

Yes, I had this during and after both pregnancies. Good website below.

pelvicpartnership.org.uk/

I found a Chiripractor was the only treatment which worked for me long term. Don't cycle or do any activity which involved putting all your weight on one leg.

[lindseyrae in reply to Jessiepup]

Are you free of pain now? She was born 6 months ago and the pain has gotten worse. I noticed it got worse when I returned to work and was required to sit for along periods. I have been going to a myofacial release therapist, but I haven't tried a Chiropractor. I am runner and have not been able to run because I notice more pain the days following. I have been to this site which was very helpful. I know it will probably just take time, but I'm not seeing improvement and I am worried I will never run again or be able to have more children. Thanks for the input. It helps to know I am not the only one with these uncommon symptoms.

[Jessiepup]

Hi lindseyrae, i assume you have an injured ligament in the pubis, now called pelvic girdle pain) I was the Southampton contact for the SPD support group 12 yrs ago when mine were babies(group no longer exists and I am not a health professional ) I got to know quite a few new mums with the condition - most of whom found most relief by finding an experienced chiropractor. I had severe pain for 2 years before I was brave enough to see a chiropractor, within 6 months I felt confident enough to try for another baby.

The golden rule is - if it hurts you must rest it, same as any injury (mine used to throb and itch under the skin) I wore a pelvic belt when it was bad which really helped.

I have lead a normal pain free life since my youngest was about 1, as long as I went to chiro regularly and keep fit, every few of months I go back to chiro to get my joints realigned (it is my sacroiliac area he works on) I find cycling or the crosstrainer irritates the joint. I am not a runner but walk , use the gym and swim a lot.

If you have another baby-insist on a cesarean. I always get a 'niggle' in the area at the start of my period.

Pilates is good too.

Hope this helps, and I hope you find a solution.

Would love to know how you get on.

[lindseyrae in reply to Jessiepup]

Thank you for the input. Just talking with someone who can relate helps a lot. I have been so worried that i won't be able to have another baby. Did you have a cesareen with your second baby? I have some pain down my inner leg in addition to pelvic pain. I haven't worn a brace yet but I am seeing a specialist next week and I hope to mention seeing a Chiropractor. Did you do any at home excercies or remedies that helped you recover quicker? I am so eager to get back to working out and just being pain free that I want to do anything I can! AGAin thank you for any other advise and I will let you know how i progress!

[Jessiepup]

I don't know how your specialist will react to the chiropractor suggestion, he may try to scare you out of it, many NHS docs still don't understand the benefit if it, even Some physios would tell you absolutely dont see a chiropractor! That's why it took me 2years to go to one, attitudes are starting to Change though.

I found doing pilates really helpful if you go to a few classes to learn the way it is done than just do it at home(don't do excersises that aggravates it though.)

*Your back needs to be aligned in order to benefit from any excersises, especially core strengening.*

I had a csection with second baby because of the pelvic condition and had v little pain afterwards - I saw my chiropractor right thru pregnancy and for a few weeks after though, it can be expensive but I have a simply health account where you get half your costs back-worth doing if you spend a lot on treatments.

Don't worry, you will have another baby!

[lindseyrae in reply to Jessiepup]

Did you ever have any injections? Did they help? What about myofacial release therapy? That is the therapy I have been trying but I haven't had much improvement. I am about to give up on it, but I fear i haven't given it enough time. Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I am glad that you are pain free and I hope I can say he same soon!

[Jessiepup in reply to lindseyrae]

I haven't had injectios or tried myofacial release for the pubis but I was never offered them, I would have tried if hat was the case though. I think attitudes have changed a lot in the last 10 years, there is a lot more alternitave therapies available.

You might find a combination of therapies is useful.

there is no quick fix for his condition, you will have a day and suddenly realise you are doing more things because the pain isn't sopping you.

[lindseyrae in reply to Jessiepup]

I have found some information online and my myofascial release therapist is familiar with the condition, but I have been very disappointed and surprised by the lack of knowledge by my OBGYN and pelvic pain specialist. I have read that is a common condition, but until after childbirth I have never heard of someone having this chronic pain. I am going to see a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation doctor next wednesday. I have been told that he specializes in pubic symphosis pain. I am open to the injections and will also discuss seeing a Chiropractor.

[Jessiepup in reply to lindseyrae]

Good luck, let me know how you get on

[Model in reply to lindseyrae]

Hi, just posting this hoping that you read it knowing it's been two years since your last post. I am a first time mum and have had exactly the same pain that you describe post delivery. It is beginning to upset me now as it seems to go away and then returns, usually after I have done some exercise. I am a keen runner which makes this a real problem for me. Did you try the chiropractor and did it help? Thank you.