It is possible for women from around the 7-12 week mark of their pregnancy to feel pain down the front of their pelvis/in their groin. And an all too common response is that it is “normal” and so women put up with it! But they need not!
Why does it happen? Well one of the reasons is that a pregnancy hormone, ‘relaxin’ is released to soften ligaments and cartilage to make room for the growing baby and to allow for cervix dilation in childbirth. The reason that pain is often felt from the 12-14 week mark is relaxin levels reach their peak at this point.
The pelvis is made up of several bones that are joined with ligaments:
- The joint at the front of the pelvis is known as the public symphysis and;
- The large joints at the back of your pelvis are known as the sacroiliac joints.
At these joints, ligaments bridge the gap, holding them in tightly. The release of relaxin in the body causes these ligaments to relax and frees movement of the bones. On average a pregnant woman will have an increase in the public symphysis gap by 2-3mm. It is possible, however for this gap to increase by 4-5mm, which means that the pelvis can easily misalign, and this is when it becomes painful.
Symptoms of Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction:
- Pain/tenderness of the pubic area
- A feeling of deep bruising
- Vaginal pain
- Lower back pain
- Reduced range of motion of hips
- Pain in separating legs (walking, getting out of bed, climbing stairs)
- Bladder dysfunction
Chiropractic care might be able to help you! Your pelvis bears the weight of your body and is the anchor point for key stabilising muscle groups so it is no wonder that if it is misaligned; and your centre of gravity is constantly changing with your growing baby; that your brain sends and receives signals to alert you to make a change —> ie pain.
Pain is just the symptom/sign that we need to make a change.
Chiropractic care will aim at realigning your spine so you can function at your best and the knock on effect is a reduction in your symptoms/signs as your body heals itself.
Helpful Hints for Home:
- Sleep with a pillow between your legs
- Take smaller steps when walking
- Move your legs as a unit ~ when getting in and out of your car/bed/lounge chair etc, keep your legs together.
- Avoid lifting heavy things
- Have regular rests (avoid standing for long periods of time)
- Change your exercise plan to include swimming (excluding breastwork)
Make sure your body is in correct alignment and give yourself the best opportunity for an enjoyable pregnancy and birth!
Any questions just send us a message!
-Lucy
Nomad Chiro
Please note that this information is general and each individual is unique. If you are suffering from what could be pubic symphysis dysfunction please seek help from your chosen health provider for diagnosis, individual advice and care.