Is it normal to get groin pain during pregnancy?

The pubic symphysis is one of the structures that can be compromised during pregnancy. It is part of those encompassed within the terms lumbopelvic pain or pelvic girdle pain. Pelvic girdle pain represents, difficulty in carrying out the most basic physical activities, such as standing up or walking. In addition, domestic activities and even work are affected as well.

This pain appears at the connection of the two parts of the pubis (which is what is known as the pubic symphysis), which is made up of a line of calcified and resistant cartilage that, in the case of women, is also covered with adipose tissue. Which we know as the mount of Venus.

During pregnancy, it becomes a support zone and many women suffer from this pain without realizing that it can and should be treated. It is not clear, our expert explains, “why some women suffer from it and others do not, although different risk factors have been identified, such as multiparity (not only number of deliveries, but also number of pregnancies), a high mass index (BMI), early menarche, demanding physical work or previous lumbopelvic pain.

Causes of the appearance of pain in the pubic symphysis

The etiology of this pain is not clear from the scientific evidence, and there are several determining factors and risk factors for suffering this pain. What is certain is that the changes that occur during pregnancy trigger physiological and biomechanical adaptations that may be the cause of this pain in the pelvic girdle and be expressed in the pubic symphysis, sacroiliac joints, etc.

In addition, there are other triggers:

• Hormonal changes, with increased levels of progesterone and relaxin. These two hormones condition the laxity of our joints, and may be the cause of the hyperlaxity that produces this pain due to lack of stability.
• The growth of the fetus and the increase in the uterus also entail a biomechanical adaptation, such as weakness or abdominal diastasis, conditioning a displacement of the load towards the anterior part that produces hyperpressure in this area, that is, the lower back.

Treatment of pain in the pubic symphysis

Given the appearance of intense pain in this area, assessment by a specialist who plans and adjusts the best treatment in an always personalized manner is essential, taking into account the specific conditions of each woman and her conditions.

The treatment, although personalized, is based on maintaining optimal conditions at the level of the musculoskeletal system, taking care of the good condition of the muscles and postural control throughout the pregnancy. We must seek to arrive at delivery in excellent physical condition and without pain. In very acute cases, the pelvic belt is recommended, which is an external orthosis that is easy to wear.

Consequences of pain in the pubic symphysis in the postpartum

One of the issues that most worries pregnant women regarding their physical condition is whether they will be able to regain their weight after giving birth, how long it will take and, of course, whether the pain that has come with pregnancy will disappear.

In this case, most women who suffer pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy recover their initial state within six weeks after delivery. Therefore, it will only be those women who have the worst recovery with respect to this type of pain are multiparous or those who already had lumbopelvic discomfort prior to pregnancy and a high intensity of pain during pregnancy.