Pubic Bone Pain in Pregnancy

Pain in the front of your pelvis or in the center of your pubic bone is caused by a condition known as symphysis pubis dysfunction. This condition is brought on by the release of hormone called Relaxin that cause your ligaments to soften and loosen in preparation for birth.

What's Actually Happening

The ligaments loosen and widen the pelvic outlet to create space for the baby's head during delivery. Many ligaments exist in the pelvis but one in particular, the pubic symphysis is attached at the center of the pubic bone. This normally non pregnant, narrow midline cartilaginous joint can create a 2-3 mm gap between the two bones. As it becomes more flexible this connective tissue may widen up to 9 mm.

Think about that! Your little pubis symphysis may be stretched to 3 to 4 times it's pre-pregancy size. The stretching in conjunction with the added strain on the muscles of this area caused by the weight of the baby can create an extremely painful sensation in the front of the pelvis.

The ligament may stretch and widen so much that it eventually becomes unstable and less effective at bearing weight.

Treatment

1. Pelvic floor exercises can help in relieving pelvic pain. These exercises are designed to strengthen the hammock-like muscles which support the pelvic organs. Better control over these muscles could help take some of the weight bearing responsibility away from the pelvic girdle and ligaments.

2. Elastic support belt or the pelvic girdle can help to support your pelvis during pregnancy. This acts just like an ankle or knee brace to keep the joints in place. I prefer wearing a velcro back brace under my belly and around my hips. These are relatively inexpensive at your local medical supply store.

3. Climbing stairs is very painful if you suffer from pelvic pain. It may be advisable to go up and down stairs using your bottom, and lifting yourself up or down each stair with your hands. Bear in mind that it is much easier going down than up!

4. Remember to sit on a chair when getting dressed rather than balancing on one leg.