What causes pubic pain in pregnant women?
Mar 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Pregnant women may experience pubic pain due to rising levels of progesterone and relaxin hormones, which cause relaxation of the pelvic ligaments and joints, leading to pubic symphysis separation. It could also result from excessive calcium loss causing calcium deficiency, or from the enlarging uterus exerting pressure on the pubic area, resulting in diastasis of the pubic symphysis. It is important to get adequate rest, avoid prolonged standing, ensure sufficient sleep, and promptly replenish nutrients.
In general, pubic pain in pregnant women is mainly caused by excessive hormone secretion during pregnancy, calcium deficiency, and uterine enlargement. It is advisable to seek medical evaluation to determine the exact cause. The specific factors are analyzed as follows:
1. Excessive hormone secretion during pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormonal levels in a woman's body significantly increase. In particular, elevated levels of progesterone and relaxin hormones lead to loosening of the pelvic ligaments and joints, preparing the body for childbirth. This condition can easily result in pubic symphysis separation, causing the pregnant woman to experience pubic pain.
2. Calcium deficiency
As pregnancy progresses, calcium supplementation becomes increasingly important. If calcium is not adequately replenished, combined with the growing fetus's increasing demand for calcium, excessive calcium loss may occur in the mother's body, leading to calcium deficiency, which could also contribute to pubic pain.
3. Uterine enlargement
As gestational weeks increase, the enlarging uterus may exert pressure on the pubic area, leading to pubic symphysis separation and resulting in pubic pain. This discomfort is particularly noticeable after prolonged walking.
In addition, a prior history of pubic bone fracture or pelvic infection affecting the pubic bone may also cause pubic pain. Pregnant women experiencing pubic pain should ensure adequate rest, avoid prolonged standing, maintain sufficient sleep, avoid staying up late, and promptly replenish essential nutrients.
