Pubic Symphysis Pain During Pregnancy
What is the pubic symphysis?
The pubic symphysis is a cartilaginous joint that is located at the front of your pelvis. This joint connects the right and left pubic bones together, and is responsible for shock absorption and weight transfer from side to side. The pubic symphysis also serves as an attachment for the adductors, rectus abdominis, obliques, and pelvic floor muscles. This joint widens progressively throughout pregnancy, and then really expands during childbirth which allows the pelvis to open as the baby descends.
What are the symptoms of pubic symphysis dysfunction?
Sharp, stabbing pain at the front of the pelvis, jokingly coined “lightening crotch” Pain that radiates into the front or middle of the thigh Pain when rolling over in bed at night Pain with single leg movements such as climbing stairs, shifting weight from side to side or getting out of the carClicking or grinding feeling at the pubic symphysis
How do you manage pubic symphysis pain?
The gold standard for pubic symphysis pain would be to seek out care from a specialized prenatal chiropractor or pelvic floor physical therapist in your area. Hands-on manual therapy and personalized rehab exercises can make a huge difference! If that’s not an option, here are some things to try at home.
Work on your breathing patterns and learn to brace your core when doing movements such as rolling over in bed, picking up a child off the floor, etc. Check your posture, your diaphragm should be stacked over your pelvic floor with slight core engagement. Don’t let your pelvis tip forward, and keep those feet pointing straight ahead. Say no to the pregnancy waddle! Avoid aggressive adductor stretching. Instead, you should be strengthening! Try banded glute bridges and lateral walks. If you notice movements or activities that increase your pubic symphysis pain try to reduce or eliminate them altogether.
About the author
Dr. Eric Dickerson, DC, FRCms
Founder, Sports Chiropractor
As the Founder and Director of Clinical Development at Radius Physical + Sports Rehab, Dr. Eric Dickerson is a dedicated musculoskeletal provider who blends clinical experience with a patient-centered approach. He integrates functional rehabilitation, evidence-based physical rehabilitation modalities, joint manipulation, and advanced manual therapy techniques to craft a comprehensive approach to your health.
More from Dr. Eric Dickerson →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about pubic symphysis pain.
What is symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) in pregnancy?
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) describes uncomfortable symptoms felt in the pubic symphysis, typically during pregnancy. The pubic symphysis is the joint where the two pubic bones meet at the front of the pelvis, so SPD is pain where those two pubic bones meet. It is common during pregnancy. SPD and pelvic girdle pain affect about 1 in 4 people during pregnancy.
What does pubic symphysis pain feel like, and where is it felt?
Pubic symphysis pain in pregnancy centers at the front of the pelvis, where the two pubic bones meet. It can range from mild discomfort that tends to stay in the front of the pelvis to sudden shooting pain from the front or back of the pelvis, or tingling, burning, stabbing or throbbing pain in the pelvic region. Some people feel steady pain that radiates through the lower abdomen, back, groin, perineum and thigh, a sensation that the pelvis is loose and wobbly, or a clicking or grinding sound from the pelvis.
What causes pubic symphysis pain during pregnancy?
During pregnancy the body produces a hormone called relaxin that makes the ligaments in the joint between the left and right pelvic bones more relaxed, and relaxin also softens the cartilage of the pubic symphysis to prepare the birth canal for delivery. Loosening the grip that the ligaments have on the joint means the joint can move around more. Carrying extra weight in the pelvic region also puts added pressure on the pelvic joints.
Does pubic symphysis pain go away after giving birth?
Pubic symphysis pain from pregnancy usually goes away after the baby is born. Most people say their pain subsides within a few months of giving birth. Recovery can vary from person to person, so the timeline is not the same for everyone.
What helps manage pubic symphysis pain during pregnancy?
Pubic symphysis pain in pregnancy is generally managed with conservative, self-care and supportive measures. These may include wearing a pregnancy support belt to help stabilize the pelvis, standing and sitting with good posture, avoiding sitting for long periods, wearing comfortable shoes with extra cushioning, placing an ice pack on the pelvic area, and sleeping with a pillow between the knees. Options such as acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care or physical therapy may also help.
What activities or movements should I be careful with if I have pubic symphysis pain?
With pubic symphysis pain in pregnancy, several everyday movements may aggravate the joint, including walking, climbing stairs, adjusting position in bed, getting in and out of a car, standing on one leg, and spreading the legs apart. General guidance is to listen to your body: if something hurts, stop, and don't overdo it. Small adjustments, such as squeezing your legs together when getting out of a car, may also help.
When should I talk to a clinician about pubic symphysis pain in pregnancy?
It is reasonable to let a healthcare provider know if pelvic pain during pregnancy interferes with your daily life. If normal movements like walking, climbing steps, or getting in and out of a car cause discomfort, the pubic symphysis may be the cause. A physical therapist can be contacted directly for an evaluation and can teach pelvic-floor, deep abdominal, and core-stability exercises and guide activity modification.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic "Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD)" — tier 4, patient-facing general clinical reference (definition, "pain where your two pubic bones meet," 1 in 4 prevalence, symptom list, relaxin/laxity/weight causes, "usually goes away"/"within a few months," support belt/posture/ice/pillow/shoes self-care, aggravating movements, "listen to your body," when to tell a provider)
- StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) "Postpartum Pubic Symphysis Diastasis" (NBK537043), updated Apr 15 2026 — tier 2, peer-reviewed open review. Used ONLY for shared normal physiology: relaxin softens the cartilage of the pubic symphysis for the birth canal; normal widening (4 mm at 8 weeks to ~7 mm at term). Diastasis-specific (>1 cm pathologic) claims NOT used — out of scope
- APTA ChoosePT "Physical Therapy Guide to Pelvic Pain" — tier 3, PT professional-body patient education (pregnancy/childbirth as a cause of pelvic pain; PT teaches pelvic-floor/deep-abdominal/core-stability exercises, posture and activity technique; "You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation")
The information on this website is general education about musculoskeletal and movement-related conditions. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis, and it cannot tell you what is causing your symptoms. Reading it is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation, and booking a visit does not confirm that your condition is right for our care until a provider has examined you. This information cannot identify every condition, and some urgent problems can feel like musculoskeletal pain. If your symptoms are severe or getting worse, or you are unsure how urgent they are, contact your physician, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. When in doubt, seek emergency care.
