What Is Pubic Symphysis Pain and How Can You Treat It During Pregnancy?
Key Takeaways:
Pubic Symphysis Pain Common in Pregnancy: Pubic symphysis pain, known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), is a common issue during pregnancy that affects mobility and daily activities.
Risk Factors Include Hormones and Pelvic History: Risk factors for developing pubic symphysis dysfunction include hormonal changes, a history of pelvic injury, and carrying multiples.
Relief Through Exercise, Support Belts, and Therapy: Effective treatment options for SPD during pregnancy include gentle exercise, pelvic support belts, mindful movement techniques, and pelvic floor therapy.
Pregnancy is often described as a journey—one filled with anticipation, transformation, and, for many, unexpected physical challenges. Among these, pubic symphysis pain can feel like a sudden detour, disrupting the daily rhythms of your life in Brooklyn or Manhattan and leaving you searching for answers and relief. Formally known as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), this condition can make simple acts like walking, climbing stairs, or even turning over in bed feel daunting.
At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, Blair understands how overwhelming it can be to deal with pain while navigating the emotional and physical changes of pregnancy. Our mission is to support you with knowledge, expert care, and empathy, empowering you to understand your body and reclaim your comfort.
In this article, we’ll break down what pubic symphysis pain is, why it develops during pregnancy, and—most importantly—what you can do to find relief, regain confidence, and move through this chapter with the support you deserve. Whether you’re midway through your pregnancy or in the throes of postpartum recovery, knowing that specialized, in-home care is available can make all the difference. Let’s explore your path to comfort, healing, and renewed strength.
Symptoms of Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) can sneak up on you during pregnancy, gradually intensifying as your body changes. Common symptoms include pain centered right at the front of your pelvis, often described as an aching or sharp sensation near the pubic bone. This pain may radiate to your lower back, hips, inner thighs, or even down toward your legs.
You might notice the discomfort most when performing everyday tasks—turning over in bed, walking up stairs, getting in and out of a car, or standing on one leg to put on pants. Many experience a clicking or grinding feeling in the pelvic region, especially during movement. In some cases, swelling or tenderness at the front of the pelvis is present, making routine movements feel challenging.
It’s important to remember that SPD symptoms can vary in intensity. For some, it’s a mild nuisance; for others, it can be debilitating and affect mobility. Pain commonly worsens as the day goes on, with increased activity, or after periods of rest followed by movement. Paying attention to when and how your discomfort flares up can provide valuable clues for managing and alleviating symptoms as you progress through pregnancy.
Who Is At Risk for Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction
Pubic symphysis dysfunction (PSD)—often referred to as pubic symphysis pain—affects people at different stages of pregnancy, but certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing this uncomfortable condition. Anyone can develop PSD, but it’s most commonly seen in the prenatal and postnatal populations.
Pregnant individuals, especially those in their second or third trimester, are more at risk due to a combination of hormonal changes and increased joint laxity. As pregnancy progresses, the hormone relaxin helps soften ligaments to prepare the pelvis for childbirth, but this increased flexibility can sometimes result in instability of the pubic symphysis joint.
Having a history of pelvic injury, such as a previous fall or trauma to the pelvic area, can make someone more susceptible. Those who have experienced pubic symphysis dysfunction or significant pelvic girdle pain in a prior pregnancy are also at a higher risk of recurrence.
Additional risk factors include carrying multiples (like twins or triplets), experiencing a rapid or forceful labor in a previous birth, or having a job or lifestyle that involves heavy lifting, prolonged standing, or repetitive movements that place extra strain on the pelvis. Pre-existing conditions such as hypermobility syndromes or joint disorders can further heighten vulnerability.
While many individuals never experience pubic symphysis dysfunction during pregnancy, being aware of these risk factors can help with early identification and tailored management strategies, setting the stage for a more comfortable and informed pregnancy journey.
Diagnosing SPD: What To Expect
If you’re experiencing pubic symphysis pain during pregnancy, often referred to as Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), it’s completely natural to have questions about what comes next. Diagnosis starts with your care team listening to your story. They’ll ask about the exact location and nature of your pain—is it sharp or dull? Bilateral or on one side? You may be asked whether you notice discomfort with specific movements like getting out of bed, putting on pants, or walking up stairs.
A physical examination is typically the next step. A healthcare provider will gently assess the range of motion in your hips and pelvis, check for tenderness around the pubic bone, and observe how your body moves. They may use special tests—such as the “pubic symphysis palpation test” or “modified Trendelenburg sign”—to pinpoint the source of the pain and rule out other conditions.
Imaging is not usually required but can be helpful in rare or severe cases. An ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious concerns, as traditional X-rays are generally avoided in pregnancy.
Throughout the process, your provider’s goal is to validate your symptoms and empower you with information. You should always feel comfortable voicing your concerns and asking questions. Open and honest communication can make the diagnostic process less daunting, ensuring you get the answers—and the support—you deserve.
Treatment Options For Pubic Symphysis Pain
When pubic symphysis pain strikes during pregnancy, you deserve relief that’s both safe and effective. Fortunately, several evidence-based strategies can help manage discomfort and make each day more manageable.
1. Gentle Movement And Exercise
Staying active can actually help, as long as you choose the right kinds of movement. Gentle, low-impact activities—like swimming, strength training, and walking on even surfaces—can maintain mobility without aggravating the pain. Focus on exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor, hips, and core, but avoid those that force you to stand on one leg or widen your stance dramatically.
2. Pelvic Support Belts
Specialized maternity belts or pelvic support bands provide external stability to the pelvis, reducing discomfort for many people. These belts gently compress and support the area, making it easier to walk, stand, or complete daily activities.
3. Mindful Movement And Ergonomics
Paying attention to your posture and daily movement patterns can make a noticeable difference. When getting in and out of bed or a car, try keeping your knees together to minimize strain. Use pillows for support when sitting or sleeping—placing a pillow between your knees can relieve pressure on the pelvis.
4. Pain Management Techniques
Cold packs can help reduce inflammation, while warm baths or heat packs may ease muscle tension. Some individuals find relief through gentle massage, as long as pressure is not applied directly to the pubic symphysis joint.
5. Birthing Considerations
Blair can help you determine some positions during labor and pushing that reduce further injury and damage to your pubic symphysis joint. For example, avoiding any extreme movements of the hips and legs during birth can cause permanent damage to this joint without you knowing at the time.
6. Professional Guidance
Working with a trained healthcare provider, such as a pelvic health therapist, can be invaluable. Tailored therapy can teach you targeted exercises, posture adjustments, and hands-on techniques that relieve pain and improve function. Regular check-ins ensure your approach evolves with your pregnancy—and that you never have to navigate this discomfort alone.
Remember, everybody is different. If your pain escalates or interferes with your day-to-day life, reach out to your healthcare provider for individualized support and assessment.
When To Seek Professional Help For Pelvic Pain
Pregnancy is a time of profound physical change, and some discomfort is common as your body adapts. However, ongoing or severe pain—especially in the pelvic region—should never be ignored or brushed aside as “just part of pregnancy.” If you’re experiencing persistent pubic symphysis pain that interferes with daily activities like walking, standing, or turning in bed, it might be time to reach out for support.
Warning signs that warrant professional evaluation include:
Sharp, shooting, or constant pain at the pubic bone or groin
Difficulty with everyday movements such as putting on pants, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of cars
A feeling of your pelvis ‘clicking’ or ‘grinding’
Pain that radiates into your thighs, hips, or lower back
Swelling or bruising in the pubic region
Any doubts about whether your pain is ‘normal’
Early intervention is crucial. The right specialist—often a pelvic floor physical or occupational therapist—can help identify the root cause of your pain and craft a treatment plan tailored to your needs. No one should have to endure pregnancy pain alone; if your mobility is affected or pain keeps you from caring for yourself or your family, seeking help is a courageous and proactive step toward healing.
The Role Of Pelvic Floor Therapy In Treating SPD
Pelvic floor therapy plays a pivotal role in managing pubic symphysis pain (often called symphysis pubis dysfunction or SPD) during pregnancy. When the ligaments around your pelvis become more relaxed to prepare for childbirth, the additional movement can lead to pain—especially at the pubic symphysis, where the left and right pubic bones meet. Pelvic floor physical therapists are specially trained to evaluate the function and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles in relation to the entire pelvis and core.
Through careful assessment, a therapist can help pinpoint muscle imbalances, weaknesses, or areas of excessive tension that may be contributing to SPD symptoms. Treatment plans often include targeted exercises to strengthen and stabilize the muscles surrounding the pelvis, as well as gentle manual techniques to relieve discomfort and improve mobility. Education is another cornerstone: therapists teach body mechanics and posture modifications, such as strategies for getting in and out of bed or car, to minimize strain on the pubic joint.
Perhaps most importantly, pelvic floor therapy provides a supportive environment where you are listened to and your pain is taken seriously. It’s about building confidence in your own body’s resilience. With the right guidance, many people experience significant relief from SPD, allowing them to move through pregnancy with more comfort and assurance.
Final Thoughts
Pubic symphysis pain in pregnancy can be isolating, frustrating, and sometimes overwhelming—but you do not have to navigate it alone. At Blair Mauri Pelvic Health, Blair’s mission is to provide compassionate, expert support right in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re confronting discomfort for the first time or grappling with ongoing pain, remember that you have options—and you have people in your corner who understand what you’re experiencing.
Effective, evidence-based care can make all the difference. With personalized in-home pelvic floor therapy tailored to your unique needs, we can help ease your pain, empower you with knowledge, and support your body’s incredible ability to heal. The path toward relief from pubic symphysis pain in pregnancy is not always straightforward, but with the right guidance, you can regain confidence and comfort.
Your journey through pregnancy and beyond deserves validation, professionalism, and steadfast support. If you’re ready to take the next step, Blair Mauri Pelvic Health stands with you—as your advocate, your ally, and your partner in pelvic wellness. You are not alone, and you deserve care that meets you where you are, every step of the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pubic Symphysis Pain In Pregnancy
What is pubic symphysis pain?
Pubic symphysis pain refers to discomfort or aching felt at the front of your pelvis, right where the two sides of your pelvic bones meet at the pubic symphysis joint. During pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased pressure on your pelvis can cause this joint to become more mobile and sensitive, leading to pain, tenderness, or even a sharp ache in the groin or lower belly.
How common is pubic symphysis pain during pregnancy?
Pubic symphysis pain is more common than many realize. Studies suggest that up to 1 in 5 pregnant people experience some degree of pelvic girdle pain, with pubic symphysis dysfunction being a frequent culprit. While these symptoms can vary in severity, most people can find relief with the right support and targeted therapy.
What causes pubic symphysis pain in pregnant women?
Pregnancy-related pubic symphysis pain is primarily caused by hormonal changes, especially an increase in relaxin and progesterone, which soften ligaments and allow the pelvis to become more flexible in preparation for birth. As your baby—and your belly—grow, extra weight and shifting posture also put more strain on the pelvic joints. Activities like walking, climbing stairs, standing on one leg, or rolling over in bed can make the pain worse.
What are the symptoms of pubic symphysis dysfunction?
Symptoms of pubic symphysis dysfunction can range from mild discomfort to intense, limiting pain. Common signs include:
Aching, sharp, or shooting pain at the front of your pelvis
Pain that radiates to your hips, thighs, or lower back
Clicking or grinding sensations in your pelvis
Worsening pain with walking, standing on one leg, or getting in and out of bed or cars
If these symptoms are interfering with your daily life or your ability to move comfortably, it may be time to reach out for support.
Is pubic symphysis pain a sign of a problem in pregnancy?
While pubic symphysis pain can be very uncomfortable, in most cases it isn’t a sign of a dangerous problem for your pregnancy or your baby. It’s a common response to the physical changes of pregnancy. However, severe or persistent pain should never be ignored—reach out to your healthcare provider or a specialized pelvic floor therapist like Blair Mauri Pelvic Health to ensure you get the care and reassurance you need.
How can I tell if I have pubic symphysis pain?
If you’re experiencing pain or tenderness directly at the front of your pelvis (where your pubic bones meet), especially when moving, rolling, walking, or climbing stairs, you may be dealing with pubic symphysis pain. Notice if the pain intensifies with specific movements or weight-bearing activities, and keep track of when and how it occurs. If you’re unsure, a qualified pelvic floor therapist can perform a detailed assessment and help pinpoint the source of your discomfort, right in the privacy and comfort of your home.
