Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy: Causes & Relief - Dr. Rappaport

Question
Hi Dr. Rappaport,

For the past couple of days I have had bad pelvic bone pain.  I am 27 weeks pregnant with my first.  My LMP was 11-18-04 and I am 24 years old.  It's not as bad during the day, but in the middle of the night when I try to get up or roll over it hurts really bad.  Kind of feels really sore like I have been riding a horse for a long time or something.  The day it started I hadn't done anything, no lifting or anything to make it sore.  Could something be wrong or is this normal in pregnancy?  

Answer
Sometimes, during pregnancy, the bones of the symphysis pubis (pubic bone) can partially separate. The pubic bone is comprised of three bones with a "cement" between them. During pregnancy this cement can loosen and could cause pain. Try using a man's belt to see if you get some relief. I simple X-ray can show the problem (although we do not like to use X-rays during pregnancy). Discuss it with your doctor. You should also check out the possibility that you may have the beginning of a urinary tract infection (or bladder infection). That sometimes gives similar symptoms, although not usually pain in the bone, per se.