How is pubic pain diagnosed?
The diagnosis of pubic bone pain during pregnancy is primarily based on the medical history, i.e. the doctor-patient conversation. During this discussion, further 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 to estimate the extent of the loosening of the symphysis, i.e. the connection between the pubic bones. There is no specific test for the diagnosis of pubic bone pain during pregnancy.
Associated symptoms of pubic pain
If pubic pain occurs during pregnancy, it can manifest itself in different ways. The resulting pain can be of varying intensity. In some cases, they manifest themselves as spots, usually in the middle of the front part of the pubic bone.
Often the pain also radiates into surrounding areas. The thighs and lower back are particularly affected. The pain can occur to varying degrees under different loads.
Many pregnant women with pubic bone pain find it increasingly difficult to climb stairs or walk for long periods of time. Sometimes standing is also affected. A further 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 reduced mobility. Particularly towards the end of pregnancy, some pregnant women with pubic bone pain, for example, may no longer be able to stand on one leg. The loosening of the symphysis between the pubic bones can lead to some pregnant women walking with their legs apart, especially in the last third of the pregnancy. This is sometimes also called waddling.
Pain in the pubic bone after birth
Just as during pregnancy, pubic pain can occur after birth. The pain can also only occur after birth, as the birth process is a great strain on the pelvis and the pelvic and pubic bones are very stressed.Often the pubic bone pain, which exists during pregnancy, is still present after birth. As a result, some mothers become anxious because they expected the pain to end after the pregnancy.
However, this is no reason to worry, as it may be quite 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 disappears within a few weeks. Until then, it may be quite normal that there is still pain in the pubic bone, especially since the pelvis still has to recover from the strain of the birth. If the pubic bone pain is still present after a few months after birth, a doctor should be consulted for clarification.
