pubic bone pain normal?

[Lewis's Mummy]

This is number 2 for us and I haven't had anything like this with my first pregnancy... Sometimes when I walk or change position from sitting to standing etc or even during sleep, I get sharp pains around the pubic bone. Then today, just since late this afternoon, I've had pain like someone has kicked me from the outside on my pubic bone - slightly more to the left than the right, but it really hurts. Is this sort of thing normal given everything was stretched to smitherines with number 1? I'm only small and he was 8lb with a big head (I know, they all feel like they have big heads...) and Dr says I did well to get him out without any hassles... so is this pain all just because the hormones are stretching what is essentially already stretched? Any ideas please!

[Jellymaker]

Is it a sharp stabby pain around where your bladder is? or more of a constant ache?
If its an ache I would say that it is just pelvic pain from your bones stretching and relaxing. If it is more of a sudden sharp stabbing pain when you move it could either be bubs moving suddenly and stretching your uterus or putting pressure on your bladder, or it could be round ligament pain that tends to shoot around the front and down the vagina. The constant pain that you have felt since today could just be a more that normal over stretched muscle. As long as the pain doesn't get to bad and isn't accompanied by any leaking or bleeding, i would say its just growing pains. keep an eye on it though and if you get too concerned, check with your MW, OB or hospital.
Good luck and hope the pains go away.

[Alan]

Hi Lewis’s Mummy
The pain you are feeling is quite normal. It is caused by a hormone called relaxin. Relaxin causes all your joints and ligaments to relax in preparation for birth. In the middle of your pubic bone is a joint that normally does not move, unfortunately under the influence of relaxin this joint becomes lose and can often move. Now the problem is that this joint, unlike all the other joints of the body, dose not have any cartilage to protect the bone surface. Therefore when this joint moves the two parts of the bone rub against each other causing pain. For some women this pain can be almost as bad as a broken bone. Panadol may help a little but the best way is to reduce the movement of the pubic bone. Move slowly, try to keep your knees together especially when rolling over in bed or getting in/out of bed. When walking do not take long strides.

[Carrie]

Hi there, I also get this, very painful. I find that a pillow between the legs also helps when sleeping

[Amie]

Now the problem is that this joint, unlike all the other joints of the body, dose not have any cartilage to protect the bone surface. Therefore when this joint moves the two parts of the bone rub against each other causing pain.

Sorry to be picky, but this isn't quite true. Between the two parts of the pelvis that meet at the front there is a cartilage disc and it is the torsion of this disc and the ligaments of the pelvis that causes pain.

I second the suggestion of taking careful strides, getting in and out of car carefully etc. If the pain persists or gets worse I'd go and see an osteopath or physio who specialises in pregnancy care.

Good luck!

[maranui]

I second Amie's advice about going to a professional. I was in a lot of pain and really missing walking but was sorted out in one session by a fantastic osteopath. Goodluck.

[Alan]

Hi Amie
You are correct, there is cartilage at the pubic bone joint. But rather than go on to discuss the fibrous nature and lack of synovial fluid of this cartilage I thought it easier to say that there was no cartilage. Perhaps I should have said cartilage as most people understand it.

[Lewis's Mummy]

Thanks for the advice. The pain was still there next morning so I saw my Dr about it. He said not to worry, just gave the same advice as you guys and the name of a physio in case it didn't get better at all. Now 2 days later I think bubs has moved because it's nowhere near as bad as it was and isn't so constant. Apparently bubs was head down and on his/her side with right arm and shoulder out to my front, so the left shoulder or elbow may have been part of the issue. Taking it easier than I was too - especially at work! So all good again for now - thanks everyone

[Carrie]

Can an osteo or chiro really stop the pain? I had it with my last pregnancy and it appears to be worse this time despite seeing a chiro last time (who specialised in pregnancy) and an osteo this time. Can it be helped in all situations or only some? Also having lots of sacral pain and into my tail bone and gluts

[maranui]

Well, it is true that not all Osteos and Chiros are equal. So people have different experiences.

Mine (who is very good) certainly helped manage the pain. While it sometimes comes back, she always reduces the discomfort significantly. But you are right - the underlying source is only something that will be cured after about 40 weeks