Pubic Symphasis pain during Pregnancy

Many women experience pain in the pubic symphysis at some point during their pregnancy. This can be felt as mild to severe pain in the area of the pubis which can extend down through the groin or down the inner thighs. The pain tends to be brought on by standing, especially on one leg, sitting for a long time, or moving from one position to another, for example rolling over in bed or going up and down stairs. Some women also experience a clicking in the joint. Women are more likely to experience pubic symphysis pain if they are higher in weight, have a previous history of joint hypermobility or have experienced pubic symphysis pain in previous pregnancies.

If you are experiencing pubic symphysis pain making changes to your daily activities can greatly help with pain. When rolling over in bed or getting out of the car it is important to keep your knees together. Both activities are often easier on a slightly slippery surface. Try putting silk sheets on your bed and sitting on a garbage or grocery bag in the car. This allows you to move more easily from one position to another. When getting into bed it is often easier to get into bed on all fours and then lay on your side rather than sitting on the bed and lifting your legs. When sleeping, placing a pillow between your knees and another under the baby bump can be helpful.
Since climbing stairs is often very difficult it can help to go up the stairs sideways stepping up one step at a time. Try to sit without crossing your legs with your weight evenly on both buttocks and stand with your weight evenly on both feet. If you can avoid a strenuous activity such as prolonged standing, lifting, twisting, etc. DO! If not, try to sit down for tasks that are generally done standing.
A variety of exercises can also be helpful in alleviating pubic symphysis pain. Your chiropractor can help you to learn exercises for pain relief.

Jeffcoat, Heather, DPT (2010). Help for Pubic Symphysis Pain During Pregnancy.
InternationalJournal of Childbirth Education. Vol. 25. No. 3.