Symphysis Pubis | How To Relieve It During Pregnancy?

Are you pregnant and the pelvic area is painful? The pubic symphysis is certainly involved. But rest assured, it is a “classic” inconvenience of pregnancy. Few future mothers escape the minor ailments of pregnancy. Among them, the famous ligament pain.

What’s a Pubic Symphysis?

The pubic symphysis is the junction of the two pubic branches of the two bones of the pelvis. These two bones are connected by a fibrous structure. It is therefore an anatomical entity located at the level of the pubis.

The pubic symphysis is found on the anterior side of the pelvis.

Why Do We Feel Pain?

The pelvic bones are connected to each other and do not move apart. But with pregnancy, the fetal head can press down and cause tension in the ligaments that are attached to this symphysis.

Symphysis Pubis: What Symptoms?

The pubic symphysis causes pain in the lower abdomen due to the pressure exerted by the baby’s head at the level of the pubis. The ligaments stretch and press against the bone. These pains are part of what is called ligament pain which results from the physiological lengthening of the ligaments, the belly expand, the uterus grows and the ligaments which support it are put under tension.

Sometimes pubic symphysis pain can feel like a slight pinch or ache.

When Do The Pains Appear?

While some woman will feel pain from the start of pregnancy, in general, these pains appear rather in the third trimester.

How To Relieve The Pubic Symphysis?

These pains that occur during pregnancy can be very debilitating, to the point of preventing the future mother from moving. They most often occur when walking or when changing position. 

The pains can usually be relieved with an analgesic such as Doliprane. In some very rare cases, however, they are so intense that they require women to be put on morphine. Pelvic work performed by an osteopath can also be effective in relieving pain and reducing tension during pregnancy.

Prenatal yoga is also an effective means of relief against the pubic symphysis. The ideal is to practice this activity during sessions adapted to pregnant women, or with a trained midwife.

Prenatal yoga is an effective means of relief against the pubic symphysis

Symphysis Pubis After Childbirth: How To Recover?

After childbirth, and due to the passage of the baby in the pelvis, it is possible to have pain in the pubic symphysis. It sometimes happens that these small movements of the two pubic branches are more important and lead to what is called a symphysis disjunction. It is then necessary to be patient and everything is generally back to normal with osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions. 

If your pain is worse than it has ever been before, it is imperative to consult a health professional: midwife or gynecologist.

Dr James S Pendergraft | Orlando Women’s Center