Pelvic pain during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the woman’s pelvis is exposed to great stress. It is estimated that one out of 600 pregnant women suffer a so-called symphysis loosening during their pregnancy. Symphyseal loosening is an extremely painful procedure, which causes pain in the pubic bone during and after pregnancy.

The symphysis is the anterior connection between the two halves of the pelvis. It is a kind of intervertebral disc consisting of fibrous cartilage. This articulated connection is called the pubic symphysis (lat.

: Symphysis pubica). The joint is strengthened by tight ligaments, which is why there is normally not much freedom of movement between the two halves of the pelvis. However, the symphysis reacts to hormonal influences.

During pregnancy, estrogens have an increased effect on the fibrous cartilage of the symphysis, which thus becomes loose. As a result, the symphysis gap widens. The purpose is to make the pelvis more flexible for the birth of the child and to adapt it to the new conditions.

It is assumed that pain during symphysis loosening is caused by the uneven displacement of the pelvic bones against each other. However, imaging diagnostics such as X-rays cannot depict this. However, X-rays may show a widened symphyseal gap.

The symptoms usually occur in the middle of pregnancy and can vary in severity. Women who suffered from this in the first pregnancy have an increased risk of suffering from these pelvic pains again in a second pregnancy. The localization of the pain is not limited to the pubic area.

Affected women also have pain in the groin, pelvis, back, hip and sacrum. The pain can radiate into the thighs, where it is mainly located on the inside. Furthermore, some women complain about a kind of rubbing or grinding in the pubic area, which can be very unpleasant.

The pain increases when spreading the legs or during physical exertion.They are also stronger at night than during the day and can rob you of sleep. Sleeping on your side is almost impossible. What can you do about this painful affair?

First of all, analgesics (painkillers) are administered to relieve the pain quickly. However, it is important that the person concerned takes it easy and does not under any circumstances perform heavy physical work. A support corset is used as part of an orthopedic treatment to stabilize the pelvis.

Pelvic floor exercises and light back exercises can alleviate the complaints. However, care must be taken to ensure freedom from pain. Activities that cause pain should be avoided by the pregnant woman.

As a rule, the complaints subside after the birth. Only a few women experience pain in the year after the birth. Physiotherapeutic exercises can help here.