What Is the Pubic Symphysis, and Why Does It Cause Pain During Pregnancy? - #15556

I’m currently in my third trimester of pregnancy, and for the past few weeks, I’ve been experiencing sharp pain in my pelvic region, especially when I walk, stand for too long, roll over in bed, or even try to put on pants. My doctor mentioned that this could be due to something called pubic symphysis dysfunction (PSD), but I still don’t fully understand what that means or why it happens during pregnancy. From what I’ve read, the pubic symphysis is a joint in the front of the pelvis that normally has a small gap. However, during pregnancy, the body releases a hormone called relaxin, which loosens the ligaments to prepare for childbirth. For some women, this loosening causes excessive movement in the pubic symphysis, leading to pain, instability, and discomfort. The pain I’m feeling is intense, especially when I take long steps, climb stairs, or try to shift positions in bed. Sometimes it feels like a burning sensation or sharp stabbing pain right in the center of my pelvis. Is this normal for pregnancy, or should I be concerned? Does pubic symphysis pain go away on its own after birth, or is it something that requires long-term treatment? I’ve also noticed that the pain gets worse toward the end of the day, especially after standing for long periods. Could poor posture or weight gain be making it worse? Are there any specific pregnancy-friendly exercises or stretches that can help relieve pressure on the pubic symphysis? I’ve heard that pelvic tilts, Kegels, and prenatal yoga might help, but I’m not sure if they’re safe to do at this stage. Since I’m planning for a natural birth, I’m worried about how pubic symphysis pain will affect labor and delivery. Will it make pushing more painful? Are there certain birthing positions that are better for women with pubic symphysis dysfunction? I’d love to hear from other moms who have dealt with this—how did you handle the pain during labor? I’m also interested in natural remedies for pain relief. Has anyone tried using Ayurvedic oils, herbal treatments, or warm compresses for pubic symphysis pain? I’ve read that Mahanarayan oil, castor oil packs, and gentle abdominal massage can help with pelvic pain—has anyone found these effective? For those who have gone through pubic symphysis pain, did it completely go away after delivery, or did you have to do physical therapy to recover? How long did it take for the pubic symphysis joint to return to normal? Any advice from other moms who have experienced this would be really helpful!