Pubic Bone & Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy
That sharp pain when you roll over in bed is real, and it's common.
If getting out of the car, climbing stairs, or turning over at night brings a sharp pain at the front of your pelvis, you're likely feeling pelvic girdle pain. It affects roughly 1 in 5 pregnant people. Common doesn't mean you have to push through it.
What pelvic girdle pain and SPD are
Pelvic girdle pain is the umbrella term for pain in any of the pelvic joints during pregnancy: the pubic bone at the front and the sacroiliac joints at the back. Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) is the name for pain right at the pubic bone joint. It isn't a separate condition, just one type of pelvic girdle pain.
During pregnancy, hormones soften your ligaments so your pelvis can open for birth. As your baby grows and your posture shifts, that softer pelvis carries more load, and the two sides don't always move evenly.
What it feels like
- Sharp or aching pain at the pubic bone, sometimes into the inner thighs
- Pain when standing on one leg, getting dressed or climbing stairs
- Clicking or grinding at the front of the pelvis
- Pain rolling over in bed or getting in and out of the car
- Low back or buttock pain on one or both sides
- A waddle you didn't have last month
How we care for pelvic pain in pregnancy
Every prenatal visit at Tula is 30 to 45 minutes and full-body, with muscle and soft tissue work included. We look at how your pelvis, low back and hips are moving and use gentle, pregnancy-specific adjustments to help both sides move evenly. We also release the muscles that tighten to guard a sore pelvis, like the glutes, hip flexors and inner thighs.
Dr. Aanchal and Dr. Michelle are Webster certified, and all of our doctors have extensive training in pregnancy, postpartum and pediatric care through the ICPA.
What helps at home
- Keep your knees together when turning in bed and getting out of the car
- Sit down to put on pants, socks and shoes
- Sleep with a pillow between your knees
- Take stairs one at a time
- Skip wide squats and long strides on sore days
When to call your provider
Tell your OB or midwife about any new pelvic pain. Call them right away for pain with bleeding, fluid leaking, fever, regular tightening, or pain that's severe and constant.
It doesn't have to last all pregnancy
Care can begin at any point in pregnancy. For most people, pelvic girdle pain eases in the weeks after birth, and postpartum care can support you if it lingers. Read the full pelvic girdle pain guide.
Visiting Tula
Tula Chiropractic & Wellness is at 7701 Eldorado Pkwy, Suite 500, McKinney, TX 75070, a short drive for families in Allen, Frisco, Prosper, Plano, Melissa, Princeton and North Dallas.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM; Wednesday 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM; Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Saturdays by appointment; closed Sunday.
We don't bill insurance directly. We're self-pay, we provide superbills you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement, and we accept HSA and FSA cards. See pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Is pubic bone pain normal in pregnancy? It's very common. Pelvic girdle pain affects roughly 1 in 5 pregnant people and comes from normal pregnancy changes like softer ligaments and a growing baby. Common doesn't mean you have to live with it.
What is SPD? Symphysis pubis dysfunction is pain at the pubic bone joint at the front of the pelvis. It's one type of pelvic girdle pain.
Is chiropractic care safe for pelvic pain in pregnancy? Pregnancy-specific chiropractic care is gentle and adapted to each trimester. Dr. Aanchal and Dr. Michelle are Webster certified, and all of our doctors have extensive training in pregnancy, postpartum and pediatric care through the ICPA. Always share your full health history with us.
What can I do at home for SPD? Keep your knees together when turning in bed or getting out of the car, sit to get dressed, sleep with a pillow between your knees, and avoid wide squats on sore days.
Will pelvic girdle pain go away after birth? For many people it eases in the weeks after birth. For a smaller group it lingers, and postpartum care can help with recovery.