During the period of bearing a child, a woman may encounter various difficulties. About half of all expectant mothers are concerned with pubic symphysis. Unpleasant sensations can appear both at the very beginning of the term, and closer to childbirth. This article will tell you about the difference in pubic symphysis during pregnancy. You will learn the features of the pathology and the ways to diagnose it.
What it is
Pubic symphysis is the so-called area that connects the lateral bones of the pelvis of a woman. It is worth noting that this site is also in the body of a man. Pubic symphysis is attached to the bones using ligaments. Their stretching usually does not exceed five millimeters.
The described site is located above the penis in men and on top of the clitoris in women. Outwardly, it resembles a trapezoid turned upside down with a smaller base. Symphysis, or pubic articulation, has the structure of a cartilaginous disc. It can move freely under the influence of certain factors.
Divergence of the pubic symphysis
Most often, in the normal state, this part of the body does not bother men and women. However, during gestation, everything can change. So, about fifty percent of the fair sex, who are in an interesting position, are faced with the fact that there is a strong sprain. In this case, we are talking about the divergence of the pubic symphysis.
With a slight deviation from the norms, no correction is required. However, a strong increase in the lumen between the pubic joint and the pelvic bones leads to unpleasant symptoms. In especially severe cases, a woman is forced to seek help from doctors.
Pathology Diagnostics
To determine the condition of a pregnant woman and the complexity of the situation, it is necessary to perform an ultrasound of the pubic symphysis. You can also examine the aforementioned area using x-rays. However, during the period of bearing the baby, they try not to use this method. There are several stages of pathology.
- The first degree of discrepancy. In this case, the symptoms are mild. The clearance between the pelvic bones and the pubic joint is no more than nine millimeters. Often, expectant mothers have this particular form of divergence of articulation.
- Second stage. At this stage, the length of the ligaments stretches to two centimeters. At the same time, the woman already feels rather unpleasant symptoms. Doctors advise it is in the second degree of discrepancy to seek help.
- Third degree. When the bones move away from the pelvic bases by more than two centimeters, we are talking about the third stage of pathology. It is worth noting that the symptoms in this case become very pronounced. Sometimes a woman simply cannot move normally.
In addition to information obtained through ultrasound diagnostics or x-rays, the doctor must take into account the patient's complaints. Sometimes it happens that the symptoms are very pronounced, while the discrepancy does not exceed one centimeter.
Symptoms of discrepancy of the pubic joint
A rupture of the pubic symphysis is always accompanied by intolerable pain. With the development of such a complication, a person simply cannot move independently. However, among the symptoms of the onset of pathology (discrepancy), the following sensations can be distinguished:
- strong lumbago in the pubic region, extending to the groin and lower part of the peritoneum (sometimes the lower back and upper thighs are involved in the process);
- the inability to perform simple movements (climbing stairs, walking, getting out of bed, and so on);
- sound sensation of a click when moving (amplified while raising the leg up);
- premature abdominal prolapse;
- pain on palpation of the pubic area and during sexual intercourse.
As already noted above, during pregnancy, a woman may notice premature abdominal prolapse. This is due to the fact that the bones diverge, and the baby begins to gradually move into the pelvic cavity.
Why is this happening
What can cause pubic symphysis during pregnancy to diverge? Doctors talk about several reasons for the development of this condition. All of them can be divided into conditions that developed directly due to pregnancy, as well as pathologies that the future mother had earlier.
The main reason for the discrepancy of the pubic joint is hormonal restructuring. Immediately after fertilization and implantation of the cell into the uterine cavity, the active production of progesterone begins. This hormone is necessary for the normal development of the embryo. It has a relaxing effect on the uterus, not allowing it to contract. A similar effect is achieved in other organs and ligaments. Since the pubic symphysis is attached to the pelvic bones with the help of ligaments, they can stretch.
Another reason for the development of pathology may be a lack of vitamins. The main deficient substance is calcium. To form the fetus, a large amount of this component is necessary. However, if the expectant mother does not eat properly or does not take vitamin complexes, the fetus begins to take calcium from her body. First of all, bones, teeth, nails and hair are affected.
Vitamin D deficiency can also play a big role. If a woman in an interesting position gets the right amount of calcium, but at the same time there is not enough vitamin D in her body, then the substance is simply not absorbed. The consequence of this is the poor condition of the teeth, the fragility of the nails and bones, including the pubic symphysis.
Corrective measures
How to treat pubic symphysis during pregnancy? In most cases, a woman is not prescribed any medication. However, with severe pain, there is a need to take painkillers. These include Paracetamol. He is the safest during this period. Also in the second trimester, Nurofen or ibuprofen-based products can be used. However, such drugs can only be used on the recommendation of a specialist and after a diagnosis.
With pathology of the first degree, the expectant mother is recommended to be careful in movement. When getting up from a bed or chair, do not take abrupt actions. When climbing stairs, first place one foot on the step, then move the other foot there. Try to use elevators and walk less .
In especially difficult situations (in the second or third stage of pathology), a woman may be prescribed bed rest. This condition is recommended to be maintained until birth. At the same time, drugs that relieve inflammation and relieve pain can be indicated.
Using a bandage and corset
In the second half of pregnancy and before childbirth, doctors recommend wearing a bandage or a special corset. Such manipulations will help relieve pain and support the body of the uterus. It is worth noting that such tools should be used only after consulting a specialist. Supporting devices should be sized and worn only when lying down.
Doctors recommend wearing selected accessories and a few days after delivery. It is at these moments that the pathology develops back. Supportive and slimming accessories will help to improve the condition of the newly made mother.
Delivery
With the development of pathology, a classic delivery is usually carried out. In this case, do not forget to inform obstetricians about your condition. Doctors must take this into account in the process.
When it comes to the second or third stage of discrepancy, a cesarean section may be selected. When the ligaments are stretched and a distance of more than two centimeters is formed between the pelvic bones and the site of the pubic joint, a planned cesarean section is performed . Otherwise, ligament rupture may occur, and emergency surgical intervention will be required.
Summing up the article
You now know what a pubic symphysis is. A photo of this part of the human body is presented to your attention in the article. Often, expectant mothers attribute the arising symptoms to malaise, fatigue, arthritis, the threat of abortion, or neurological pathology. However, the more you are inactive, the more difficult it will be to cope with pathology in the future. Contact your doctors in a timely manner. Carry out corrective and preventive measures. I wish you health and well-being!