Pubic bone pain in pregnancy is pain that often occurs in the anterior region of the pubic bone from mid-pregnancy. They affect about 10% of all pregnant women and can be punctiform or radiate into surrounding areas.
The pubic bone pain is caused by the loosening of the so-called symphysis, i.e. the cartilaginous connection between the two pubic bones. In most cases, they go away a few weeks after the baby is born.
If pubic bone pain occurs during pregnancy, additional stress on the symphysis should be avoided.
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If pubic pain occurs during pregnancy, it is a sign that the mother's body is adjusting to the pregnancy.
The symphysis, which is made of cartilage and connects the two pubic bones, is loosened by hormones and can cause pain. This usually has no effect on the baby.
Likewise, pubic bone pain is usually not a sign that something is wrong with the baby, as it is caused by the mother's body. If anything is unclear or if you have any questions, it can still be useful to visit the attending gynecologist.
As an alternative to this topic, read our next article under: Pain during pregnancy
Pubic bone pain that occurs during pregnancy is caused by the so-called symphysis. This is the cartilaginous connection between the right and left pubic bones. During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone adjusts the mother's body to pregnancy and childbirth.
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So that the maternal pelvis offers enough space for the growing baby, the symphysis must also be loosened. This also enlarges the later birth canal.
The progesterone ensures the loosening of the cartilage structures of the symphysis, whereby the adjacent pubic and pelvic bones are slightly displaced. This can lead to pubic bone pain during pregnancy.
In addition, there is the fact that the baby needs many minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, during pregnancy. These are mainly found in the mother's bones and a certain part is withdrawn from them in order to take care of the baby. This makes the mother's bones somewhat more unstable, which also promotes the loosening of the symphysis.
Are you more interested in this topic? Read more about this in our next article: Pain in the pubic bone - these are the causes
The diagnosis of pubic pain in pregnancy is primarily based on the anamnesis, i.e. the doctor-patient conversation. More details, such as the type of pain and when it occurs, can be clarified.
In addition, a physical examination with palpation of the pubic bone can be useful in order to assess the extent of the loosening of the symphysis, i.e. the connection between the pubic bones. There is no specific test for diagnosing pubic pain in pregnancy.
$config[ads_text3] not foundIf pubic bone pain occurs during pregnancy, it can manifest itself in different ways. The resulting pain can vary in severity. In some, they manifest themselves punctiformly, usually in the middle in the front area of the pubic bone. Often the pain also radiates to surrounding areas. This mainly affects the thighs and lower back.
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The pain can vary in severity with different loads. Many pregnant women with pubic bone pain find it increasingly difficult to climb stairs or walk for long periods. Standing is also partially affected. Another strain on the pubic bone is typically caused by turning over while lying down.
Depending on the severity of the pain, some pregnant women may experience a limitation in mobility. For example, especially towards the end of the pregnancy, some pregnant women with pubic bone pain can no longer stand on one leg.
The loosening of the symphysis between the pubic bones, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy, can cause some pregnant women to walk with more legs apart. This is sometimes referred to as a waddling gait.
Hip pain can occur alongside pubic bone pain. You can read more about this here: Hip pain in pregnancy
As in pregnancy, pubic bone pain can also occur after the birth.The pain can also only occur after the birth, as the birth process places a great strain on the pelvis and the pelvic and pubic bones are very stressed.
$config[ads_text4] not foundOften the pubic bone pain that exists during pregnancy is also present after the birth. This frightens some mothers because they expected the pain to end after pregnancy. This is not a cause for concern, however, as it is perfectly normal for the pubic bone pain to persist for a while.
The reason for this is that the symphysis, whose cartilage structures connect the two pubic bones, does not immediately contract again after birth. The relaxation of the symphysis during pregnancy usually regresses within a few weeks.
Until then, it can be quite normal that there is still pubic bone pain, especially since the pelvis still has to recover from the strain of childbirth. However, if the pubic bone pain persists after a few months after the birth, a doctor should be consulted for clarification.
If pubic bone pain occurs during pregnancy, different doctors may be available for treatment. In some cases, gynecologists can already provide helpful tips. Alternatively, orthopedists can also be used. They can, for example, write out a prescription for a physiotherapy treatment and advise on a support belt.
There are also a few orthopedic surgeons who specialize in orthopedics during pregnancy and are therefore particularly suitable for treating pubic bone pain during pregnancy.
The treatment of pubic bone pain during pregnancy depends on the type and severity of the symptoms. It is important to avoid movements that place excessive stress on the pubic bones. This includes, for example, lifting or carrying heavy objects. Spreading your legs, for example when breaststroke, usually increases the pain and should be avoided if possible.
In the case of pubic bone pain during pregnancy, it makes sense to strengthen the muscles and tissues. Treatment by a physiotherapist can be helpful for this. There are also various types of orthopedic support belts, which are also known as symphysis belts, to relieve the pubic bones. For this you can get advice from a medical supply store.
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There are also various homeopathic remedies that can help relieve pubic bone pain during pregnancy. This includes, for example, the agent Symphytum C30.
There are several exercises that can help relieve pubic bone pain during pregnancy. Above all, this includes exercises that strengthen the stomach and pelvic floor. This improves the stability of the entire pelvis, thereby relieving the pressure on the pubic bones and their surroundings.
In addition to pelvic floor training, various exercises are suitable for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. When sitting cross-legged with an upright back, the muscles of the pelvic floor can be lifted and kept in tension for a while. This exercise should be repeated several times. Likewise, in the four-legged position with a tense stomach and pelvic floor, the back can be arched alternately up and down. The so-called buttocks lifters, in which the buttocks are pushed up in the supine position with legs drawn up, also help to strengthen the pelvic floor.
Planks, for example, can be used to strengthen the abdominal muscles. You support yourself on your forearms and forefeet and stay in this position for a while. The lateral abdominal muscles can also be strengthened by leaning on one forearm and the lateral foot and holding this position for a while.
Are you interested in this topic? Read more about this in our next article: Pregnancy gymnastics
The duration of pubic bone pain during pregnancy can vary, as the symptoms can occur at different times during pregnancy.
Many pregnant women notice the pain from about halfway through or only in the last third of the pregnancy. However, pubic bone pain can sometimes occur in the first three months.
The symptoms can also subside for a few weeks after the birth. However, they usually resolve completely within one to two months after birth.
The prognosis for pubic pain during pregnancy is usually very good. If there are symptoms, further strain on the pubic bones should be avoided if possible so as not to aggravate the pain.
Physiotherapy and wearing support belts may be necessary to relieve the pain. After the birth, the symptoms disappear completely after a few weeks in most cases.
Pubic bone pain
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