Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction During Pregnancy: What It Is and HowChiropractic Care May Help

With Dr. Mallory, one of our incredible postpartum Chiropractors

Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to your body, and while some aches and pains can be expected, pain that makes it difficult to walk, roll over in bed, climb stairs, or get through your normal day deserves attention. One common cause of pelvic pain during pregnancy is symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), which is often included under the broader term pelvic girdle pain (PGP). For some people, it feels like a mild ache or pressure at the front of the pelvis. For others, the pain can be much more noticeable and can interfere with everyday movement.

The good news is that there are ways to help manage these symptoms and support your body as it continues to change throughout pregnancy. Chiropractic care is one option that may help improve comfort, movement, and your ability to keep doing the activities that matter to you.

What Is Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction?

The pubic symphysis is a joint at the very front of your pelvis, where the left and right sides of the pelvic bones meet. It normally allows a small amount of movement and is supported by strong ligaments.

During pregnancy, your body is constantly adapting to make room for your growing baby and prepare for birth. As your belly grows, the way you stand, walk, move, and carry your weight naturally changes too.

For some people, these changes can put extra strain on the joints and muscles around the pelvis. This may lead to pain around the pubic bone or other areas of the pelvis.

Having SPD does not necessarily mean that your pelvis is “out of place.” Instead, it

often means that the muscles and joints around your pelvis are working harder to keep up with the changes happening during pregnancy.

What Does Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction Feel Like?

Symptoms can feel different for everyone, but pain is commonly felt at the front and centre of the pelvis, close to the pubic bone.

Some people describe it as:

• An ache or soreness

• Sharp or sudden pain

• Pressure at the front of the pelvis

• A pulling or uncomfortable sensation

• Pain that travels into the groin, hips, inner thighs, or lower back

Certain movements can be especially uncomfortable, including:

• Walking, especially for longer periods

• Going up or down stairs

• Standing on one leg while getting dressed

• Getting in and out of the car

• Rolling over in bed

• Getting in and out of bed

• Taking large steps

• Carrying a toddler or something heavy on one hip

• Movements where your legs are spread far apart

  
  

For others, the discomfort is mild and comes and goes. For others, even simple

daily activities can become frustrating or painful.

Why Does It Happen During Pregnancy?

There usually isn't one single reason why someone develops pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy.

Your hormones are changing, your belly is growing, and the way your body carries

weight is constantly shifting. The muscles around your hips, pelvis, abdomen, and lower back also have to work differently as pregnancy progresses. Things like previous low-back or pelvic pain, increased activity, repetitive movements, or

simply how your body is adapting to pregnancy can all play a role. This is why treatment should be individualized. Rather than focusing only on the spot

that hurts, it can be helpful to look at how your hips, pelvis, lower back, and surrounding muscles are working together.

Small Changes at Home Can Make a Big Difference

Sometimes, small adjustments to the way you move can make everyday activities much more comfortable. For example, instead of standing on one leg while getting dressed, try sitting down to put on your pants, socks, or shoes. When getting in or out of the car, keeping your knees relatively close together and

moving both legs together may feel better than stepping out one leg at a time.

When rolling over in bed, try keeping your knees closer together and moving your upper and lower body together. Sleeping with a pillow between your knees may also help reduce discomfort.

This doesn't mean you need to stop moving or avoid activity altogether. In most cases, the goal is to find ways to stay active without repeatedly aggravating your symptoms.

How Can Chiropractic Care Support Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction?

Chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide a gentle and individualized approach to pelvic and low-back discomfort.

At Frame Fidelity, care starts with understanding where you're feeling pain, which

activities are bothering you, and how your body is moving.

An assessment may look at your lower back, pelvis, hips, surrounding muscles, and everyday movements to get a better idea of what may be contributing to your discomfort.

Depending on your individual needs, treatment may include:

• Gentle Chiropractic Techniques

Pregnancy-appropriate chiropractic techniques may be used to improve

comfortable movement in the lower back and pelvis and address areas that feel

stiff or restricted. Treatment is always adapted to your stage of pregnancy,

comfort level, and what feels appropriate for your body. As a Webster-certified

chiropractors, we also have additional training in caring for pregnant patients, with a focus on the pelvis and surrounding muscles and joints during pregnancy.

• Soft Tissue Therapy

The muscles around the hips, glutes, pelvis, and lower back can become tight or

overworked as your body changes. Soft tissue techniques may be used to help

reduce tension, improve comfort, and make movement feel easier.

• Exercises and Movement Strategies

Depending on your symptoms, we may give you simple exercises to help improve

strength and support around the hips and pelvis. We can also talk about

movements or daily activities that are aggravating your symptoms and find ways

to make them more comfortable.

Why Consistent Care and Progress Matter

Your body can change a lot from one stage of pregnancy to the next. What feels

comfortable at 20 weeks may feel very different at 30 or 38 weeks. For this reason, some people benefit from ongoing care rather than only seeking treatment when their pain becomes severe.

Regular visits allow us to check how your body is adapting, see what's improving, and adjust treatment or exercises as your pregnancy progresses.

Progress may look like:

• Walking more comfortably

• Rolling over in bed with less pain

• Managing stairs more easily

• Feeling more comfortable during everyday activities

• Feeling stronger and more confident with movement

Progress isn't always perfectly steady. You may have weeks where you feel great and others where symptoms flare up as your baby grows or your activity changes.

The goal of continued care is not to make you dependent on treatment. Instead, it is to support you with a combination of hands-on care, movement, exercise, education, and strategies you can use on your own.

You Don't Have to Simply Put Up With Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain during pregnancy can be frustrating, especially when it starts affecting simple things like walking, sleeping, getting dressed, or caring for another child.

Although pelvic girdle pain is common during pregnancy, that doesn't mean you have to ignore it or simply push through. Understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms and having a plan to manage them can make a big difference in how you feel and move throughout your pregnancy.

At Frame Fidelity, we provide pregnancy-focused chiropractic care designed to support your changing body through every stage of pregnancy. Whether you're dealing with pubic symphysis pain, low-back discomfort, hip pain, or simply want help staying comfortable and active as your pregnancy progresses, your care will be tailored to you.

If pelvic pain is starting to interfere with your day, we would be happy to help. Book an appointment, a complimentary consultation, or explore our prenatal chiropractic services to learn more about how we can support you throughout your pregnancy.

Dr. Mallory Samuels, D.C.