The exact cause of SPD during pregnancy is unclear and the condition varies between women. It is certainly true that the pregnancy hormones, relaxin and progesterone, tend to soften and relax the ligaments of the pelvic joints in preparation for giving birth.
Most women expect to experience some discomfort during pregnancy such as nausea from morning sickness, heartburn in the last few weeks and occasional backache as their posture changes to accommodate the extra weight of the growing baby. sbut most do not expect to experience occasional or persistent and often agonising pain which affects their ability to perform basic everyday activities like walking, turning over in bed, driving, housework and especially not being able to take care of their families.
Fortunately, most women have never heard of this condition, but it is not rare. Approximately one in 36 pregnant women will experience it to some degree and approximately 8 per cent of these will go onto have long term chronic problems. The condition is known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction or SPD. Not uncommon in men also.