Therapy

In the treatment of symphyseal pain during pregnancy, special emphasis should be placed on active stabilizing therapy. Painkillers should only be taken in case of very severe pain and in consultation with the treating physician in order not to harm the unborn child. A certain degree of protection of the pelvis is also advisable.

For example, the pregnant woman should avoid heavy lifting and should not additionally demand pelvic stability. The legs should not be spread too far apart, and wide steps, breaststroke or cross-legged sitting should be avoided. During the night, the legs can be prevented from rolling over by using a pillow that is clamped between the legs.

In physiotherapy, stabilizing training of the pelvic floor and training of the abdominal and back muscles helps to increase pelvic stability. Such a physiotherapeutic exercise program can also be useful and helpful after birth, when the symphysis is also often stressed. In the case of severe complaints, aids such as a pelvic belt can support the stability of the pelvis from the outside.

Symptoms

Symphyseal pain often only manifests itself during pregnancy. Certain positions, such as lying supine for a long time, turning from one side to the other, can cause pain in the pubic region. This pain can also occur depending on movement and can radiate into the back or legs.

Due to the instability in the pelvic ring, the corresponding structures, such as the cartilaginous symphysis, are stressed and irritated, and inflammation can occur. Pain may then occur at rest, especially during movements such as walking or climbing stairs. The symphysis is also connected to the sacroiliac joint through the pelvic blades.If the symphysis is loosened, this instability can also affect the sacroiliac joint, causing back pain or pain radiating to the back of the leg.

When does symphysis pain begin to occur during pregnancy?

Symphyseal pain usually occurs during pregnancy when the pelvis widens more and the weight of the growing child puts additional strain on the structures. In principle, however, symphysis loosening can occur at any time during pregnancy, including during birth or after delivery. Why some women are affected by symphysis loosening and others are not is not clear. A “weak connective tissue“, certain pelvic shapes, but also obesity and smoking could contribute to symphysis loosening.