Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction During Pregnancy: Information & Support

Question
My girlfriend is pregnant and has been diagnosed with symphisispubisdis function.  I was hoping you could send me some information this.  I'm not to sure wether it is spelt correctly.

Kind Regards


Daniel Kenny

Answer
Hello Daniel. The simphysis pubis is the "joint" or connection of the pelvic bones directly in the center front of her pelvis. The two bones are held together by a pad of very tough connective tissue. During pregnancy all connective tissue is softened by hormones to allow the pelvis to become more flexible for birth. Sometimes the tissue at the symphysis pubis becomes super soft and the pelvis is very loose. For the rest of the pregnancy she will need to be aware of movements that she needs to avoid. She must NOT stand with one hip higher than the other- for instance as she stands at the kitchen sink she must have equal wt. on both hips. In bed, to lie on her side she needs several pillows especially under the thigh of the top leg so that her thigh is parallel with the floor- the knee must not drop down toward the bed. Her birth will be somewhat easier with this looseness and in time the connective tissue will tighten up again after birth. Hope that helps- Cheri.