What is symphysis pubis dysfunction?The two halves of your
pelvis are connected at the front by a stiff joint called the
symphysis pubis. This joint is strengthened by a dense network
of tough, flexible tissues, called ligaments. To help your baby
pass through your pelvis as easily as possible, your body
produces a hormone called relaxin. Relaxin softens your
ligaments. As a result, your pelvic joints move more during and
just after pregnancy (Bjorkland et al 1999, Bjorkland et al
2000, Kristiansson 1997, Vollestad et al 2012), causing
inflammation and pain. This condition is known as symphysis
pubis dysfunction (SPD). A related condition is diastasis
symphysis pubis (DSP), in which the gap in the pubic joint
widens too far. The average gap between the bones in a non-
pregnant woman is between 4mm and 5mm. During pregnancy it's
normal for this gap to widen by 2mm or 3mm. If the gap is 10mm
or more, DSP is diagnosed. It's rare, and can only be identified
by X-ray (Parker & Bhattacharjee 2009). See our video abo