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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

pubic symphisis separation

3 replies

Madigan · 12/03/2009 14:39

Help - I am 39 weeks pregnant and have just been diagnosed with pubic symphisis separation .............. have been complaining about severe pain in bladder area for weeks and only just been diagnosed!! At least I now have a name for it, and I am not going mad ... it IS painful. Anyway - does anyone have any experience of this? How quickly did you recover after birth? any tips for managing the pain??
Thanks

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Hawkmoth · 12/03/2009 15:54

www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk

Has lots of useful info.

Is there any chance of you seeing a physio before the birth? You could really do with one finding your pain-free gap (which is basically how wide apart you can open your knees without it hurting) so that you don't go above it and damage yourself in labour. Especially if you have an epidural, and therefore can't feel it hurting.

You should also discuss with a MW about positions for giving birth to minimise damage to your pelvis. Lying on your back pushing is likely to not do you any good at all. You should be trying to keep as active and upright as possible through labour... which may well be easier if your pelvis has opened already :-/

Heat and cold can help the pain, baths too, but BE CAREFUL getting in and out. Keep your knees together as much as you possibly can.

Don't do too much after the birth. I was pushing a massive pram around and knackered myself. Then when I started feeling better (and fat) decided to start doing sit-ups, which set me back a long way. It can, however, just vanish after the birth... but if it doesn't, you need to see a physio.

If you don't mind me asking, who told you that you have a separation, and how wide is it? The reason I ask is that the joint may just be misaligned, which a physio can sort for you very quickly.

Lots of very knowledgeable people on here, you're sure to get some good advice.

Hope you soon start feeling better.

Madigan · 12/03/2009 19:15

Hi Hawkmoth, and thank you for your post.

Luckily I have an elective c section booked for next Friday .... so will not be in labour/natural birthing etc.

My consultant told me I had a separation - he did not say how wide it is (I do not think he could know, as I have not had an x ray or anything). I do recall feeling similar pain when pregnant with my DD (now 19 months old) - and I did not know what it was. It resolved after the pregnancy, without difficulty. I am hoping it will this time as well. Do you think it might be worth seeing a physio before Friday though? Will do, if it might help!!!

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becks130 · 13/03/2009 07:55

I suffered from this in my first pregnancy and it is VERY painful, I suffered from 16 weeks till I gave birth. As soon as I gave birth the pain went but it does restricts you when you are in labour, they advised me not to have my legs open until I really had to. My GP gave me safe painkillers and signed me off of work as I was unable to walk un aided also a support belt helped and tubigrip in bed at night.
Your midwife should refer you to a physiotherapist for treatment.

Good Luck x

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