The pubic symphysis is the joint that connects the left and right pelvic bones.  Symphysis pubis dysfunction is a collection of symptoms that usually occur during pregnancy.  Symptoms are caused by more movement in the joint than usually in your pubic symphysis.  This is caused by hormones and your ligaments loosening, which causes the joint to become more flexible causing more range of motion.  This is needed for childbirth.  It affects about 30% of all pregnancies even though not that many will be diagnosed.  Having this condition is not common outside of pregnancy.  Other causes of symphysis pubis dysfunction are injury, infection, inflammatory conditions, and osteoarthritis.  

Symptoms

Symptoms can start in early pregnancy.  The severity of the symptoms can vary.  Pain can occur in the front of the center of the pubic bone, in the lower back, in the perineum, or pain in the upper thighs.  Where you experience pain can vary from person to person, or even from pregnancy to pregnancy.  Pain can worsen with certain activities such as walking, bending forward, going up and down stairs, adjusting in the bed, getting in and out of the car, standing on one leg, getting out of the bed or a chair. 

Other symptoms can occur as well as pain; they can include difficulty urinating, feeling fatigue, or a clicking or grinding sound that comes from the pelvis. 

 

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis can be beneficial.  It can help you find ways to manage pain.  Your doctor will listen to your symptoms and may do a physical exam.  In some cases they may want to look at the pelvic joint.  They can do this from pelvic ultrasound, CT scan, or X-ray.  If you are pregnant your health care provider will pick a way that is safe for the baby as well.  Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist or a physiotherapist.  A physiotherapist can help assess the stability of the joint and pelvis.  

 

Treatment

Your doctor may suggest that you try to avoid certain movements or things to help lessen your pain, or to try and stop triggers of your pain.  These include putting all your weight on one leg, twisting and bending while lifting, carrying your child on your hip, crossing your legs, sitting on the floor, sitting in a twisted position, standing or sitting too long, lifting heavy loads, vacuuming, or pushing heavy objects.  Not all of these may trigger your pain.  

A physiotherapist can help you minimize pain, improve muscle function, and improve pelvic joint stability and position.  Physical therapy can also help you learn exercises to strengthen your joints and muscles.  They can also teach you pelvic exercises that are safe for you to do while pregnant that can help support your pelvis and reduce pain.  Taking over the counter pain medication, such as Tylenol which is usually safe to be taken while pregnant can help lessen pain.  Wearing comfortable shoes can help support your pelvis appropriately.  You can put an ice pack on your pelvis.  You can also use a heating pad, but if you use a heating pad only use it for about 10 minutes at a time or you can raise the temperature of the baby which can be harmful.  Wearing a pregnancy support belt can also relieve pain. 

 

Prevention 

There is no way to prevent symphysis pubis dysfunction from occurring.  Pain usually goes away within 6 months of giving birth.  If pain does not go away after 6 months postpartum you will want to talk with your healthcare provider.  Symphysis pubis dysfunction is not harmful to your baby.  It can just be extremely painful to you.  This constant pain can make you feel sad, or even lead to postpartum depression.  

 

Outlook

Symphysis pubis dysfunction is different from pubic symphysis diastasis.  This condition is when the pubis symphysis joint separates completely.  This can occur due to pressure during childbirth.  It happens very rarely.  

Symphysis pubis dysfunction usually does not affect your ability to have a vaginal birth.  With help from your doctor or a physical therapist can help you manage this pain you are experiencing.  Pelvic pain during pregnancy is not uncommon.  Figuring out how to minimize it can be helpful in getting through your pregnancy.

 

 

READ MORE: Post Partum Pelvic Pain


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *