Symphysis pubis dysfunction: women's experiences of care

Abstract

This paper explores the interaction between health care professionals and pregnant and newly delivered women, who have symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). The aim of this research was to identify women's experiences of the care offered by health care professionals when they were diagnosed with SPD. Recent media coverage has suggested it is poor. A qualitative, phenomenological approach using semi-structured interviews was used so that women's experiences with health care professionals could be told. The study was carried out in a large maternity hospital in the north-west of England. Twenty-eight women were interviewed at diagnosis of condition, 36 weeks gestation and 6 weeks postpartum. Three themes and four sub-themes were identified in the study relating to women's interactions with their carers. Midwives, doctors and physiotherapists were the main carers highlighted. There were positive and negative comments in all cases. The sub-themes of pain, negative labelling, dismissive staff and feelings of dissatisfaction were expressed by most women. Women with SPD found that pain and the inability to perform the normal activities of daily living had a profound effect on them. Some women found that professionals lacked knowledge about how to manage their condition.