Pregnancy guide
SYMPHYSITIS
Symphysitis is one of the most common causes of pain during pregnancy.
Symphysitis generally occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy, sometimes earlier.
Pubic symphysitis results when the ligaments and joints of the pelvis become relaxed due to the hormones of pregnancy. They become inflamed by certain movement.
It can manifest as pain on one side of the lower back, pain radiating into one or both groin areas, pain around the pubic bone. The pain is felt when walking, getting up after sitting, rolling over in bed, getting in and out of the car, standing for long periods.
What can I do to alleviate pubic symphysitis?
- Modify movements that exacerbate the pain.
- Try to keep your knees together.
- Don’t pull yourself up when lying on your bed. Roll to your side.
- Avoid soft chairs like sofas.
- Sit symmetrically in the chair. Avoid sitting cross-legged.
- Sit down to avoid balancing when putting on clothes, underwear and pants.
- Try putting your weight on both legs when standing.
- Don’t lift anything heavy.
- Avoid some housework activities like vacuuming.
- Lots of walking or stair climbing will worsen the symptoms. Take the stairs one step at a time.
- Sex in the supine position (woman on her back) can also worsen symptoms.
Guide summary