SPD & Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy: Causes, What they are, and how to get relief

Welcome to a space where physiology meets lived experience. On this episode of The Village Talks podcast, hosts Dr. Jamie and Dr. Brittany dive deep into one of the most common complaints during pregnancy: Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) and generalized pelvic girdle pain. Many expectant parents are told that sharp pubic bone pain or groin discomfort is "just a normal part of pregnancy," but you don't have to simply suffer through it. In this episode, we clarify why "pelvic girdle pain" is a broad label rather than a specific diagnosis, break down the surrounding muscles and ligaments involved, identify high-risk movements like curb walking, and outline actionable strategies for real relief. Topics Covered in This Episode • Specificity Over Generic Labels: Why "pelvic girdle pain" is a catch-all term and how isolating the exact tissue changes your care. • Key Anatomy Involved: The role of adductors, hip flexors, inguinal ligaments, and the psoas in pubic joint strain. • The Internal Pelvic Floor Connection: How internal rotators and pelvic floor tension directly pull on the pubic ramus. • Exercises & Movements to Avoid: Why asymmetrical movements like deep lunges, 90/90 stretches, and curb walking can worsen SPD. • Red Flags to Watch For: Differentiating routine musculoskeletal pain from severe sudden-onset weakness, clots, or localized trauma. • Collaborative Perinatal Care: How prenatal chiropractors, pelvic floor PTs, and OTs work together for targeted treatment. • Preparing for Labor: Managing SPD during pregnancy so pubic joint pain doesn't dictate your birth options or comfort. Key Takeaways for Families • Common, But Not Something You Must Bear: You don't have to "suck it up"—functional care can restore ease when rolling over, walking, or taking stairs. • Avoid Asymmetrical Movement: If you're experiencing SPD, keep your knees together when getting out of the car or rolling over in bed, and avoid single-leg exercises. • Look Beyond the Joint: Pain at the pubic bone is rarely just a bone issue; it frequently stems from overstretched or weak inner thigh adductors. • Skip the Curb Walking if You Have SPD: Popular labor prep activities like curb walking create pelvic shearing that exacerbates joint inflammation. • Seek Functional Assessment: Find a specialized prenatal chiropractor or pelvic floor physical therapist who evaluates your body's full mechanics. Connect with Us • Official Website: https://www.bellybliss.com/ • Booking Site: https://bellybliss.janeapp.com/ • Yoga Schedule: https://www.bellybliss.com/yoga/ • YouTube:    / @thevillagetalkspodcast   • Instagram:   / villagetalkspodcast   • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FwXeBW... Support the Village Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, hit the notification bell, and share this video with an expectant parent who needs relief today! #SPDInPregnancy #PelvicGirdlePain #PrenatalCare #PerinatalChiropractic #PelvicFloorHealth #BellyBliss #TheVillageTalks #shorts