| Summary: | This exploratory study used a Heideggarian phenomenology to describe the experiences of women suffering from Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) during pregnancy and three months after childbirth. Data were collected from a purposive sample of nine women, one and three months after birth, using a semi-structured interview schedule. Analysis was based on Colaizzi's (1978) framework for phenomenological analysis. Four main themes emerged: pain, lifestyle adaptation, emotions and health professional's support and information. Each theme illustrated the wide ranging effects of SPD on women and their families. Postnatally, pain prevented the women from caring for themselves, their families and homes.
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