Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and severity of symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) in pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Design: A postnatal questionnaire was sent to 248 women who had been referred to the Obstetric Physiotherapy Department in 1997 and 1998 with symptoms of pubic pain either during pregnancy or soon after delivery.
Setting: A north of England teaching hospital, The Clarendon Wing, Leeds General Infirmary.
Participants: Questionnaires were sent to 248 women. One hundred and forty-one were returned (response rate 57%).
Results: The condition is associated with much unrecognised obstetric morbidity. The prevalence in our unit over the 2-year study period was 1/36 women. Many medical and midwifery staff have little knowledge of SPD. Patients often felt ignored when they complained of pain. One out of four of the respondents were still symptomatic 6 months later.
Conclusion: Further research is needed to identify the best practice in the antenatal care provided, including the provision of support belts, the most appropriate mode of delivery and postnatal treatment.