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Writer's pictureTalia Gilmour

Why Pubic Symphysis Pain Doesn't Always Go Away Postpartum

Updated: Nov 4


Pubic Symphysis Pain Postpartum

Up to 71% of pregnant women will experience pubic symphysis pain (Howell, 2012).


And pubic symphysis pain in pregnancy can be anywhere from a nuisance to full on debilitating.


But imagine the frustration when your pain is still there postpartum!!


Pubic Symphysis Pain Postpartum


Pubic symphysis pain is the expression of an underlying movement pattern dysfunction, which was probably there before you got pregnant, and will be there after if unaddressed.


That said, the offending movement pattern may not be symptomatic after pregnancy since your pelvis is no longer also carrying the load of the baby.


But it also might! Or it could morph into a different type of symptom, like SI Joint or deep butt pain.



Isn't It Because of Relaxin?


Pubic symphysis pain can be the result of many things. For example, a hyper-mobile joint due to hormonal changes in pregnancy can contribute, but this is not always the result of hormonal changes or more specifically, relaxin.


Relaxin is a hormone that helps with loosening joints, muscles, and ligaments during pregnancy. It has previously been blamed for all aches and pains women experience during pregnancy.


Relaxin peaks in the first trimester and tapers from there. Relaxin is not the cause of your pubic symphysis pain during or after pregnancy!


There is so much we can do to help moms during pregnancy than blame their hormones for their discomfort.


What Can We Do?


We can help moms prevent the onset of pelvic pain during pregnancy by addressing hip asymmetries, back pain, or rotational issues in the pelvis, spine and shoulder before they get pregnant!


We can help moms heal from pelvic pain during pregnancy by increasing core and hip strength and addressing the underlying cause of pelvic pain.


We can decrease suffering from continued pelvic pain postpartum by fixing the underlying cause of their pain.


And by doing all of this, we can stop the cycle of pelvic pain during pregnancy for moms that want to get pregnant again.


If you are suffering from pubic symphysis pain during pregnancy or postpartum, make sure you book your session today!


Click here to schedule with us!


Want to learn more about your pelvic floor or find out if pelvic floor physical therapy is for you? Make sure you check out our blog The Ultimate Guide to Know If Pelvic Floor PT is For You.




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