Réhabital
Pubic Symphysis Pain During Pregnancy
Pain at the front of the pelvis can make everyday movements—walking, climbing stairs or turning in bed—surprisingly difficult during pregnancy. It is sometimes called symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD) or pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP). At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, Shahram Ghasemi, MD (Iran), DOMP, offers a gentle osteopathic approach adapted to your comfort. Manual care may support mobility and symptom management, but it does not replace care from your obstetrician or midwife.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
The pubic symphysis is the joint at the front of the pelvis where the two pubic bones meet. Together with the sacroiliac joints at the back, it forms a pelvic ring that transfers load between the trunk and legs. During pregnancy, changes in posture, a growing abdomen and new demands on the pelvis can contribute to pelvic pain. PGP is a broader term: some people feel pain at the pubic bone, while others notice it in the groin, buttocks or lower back. Symptoms may be aggravated by asymmetrical movements or repeated activity, and vary from person to person. Pubic pain alone cannot confirm a specific dysfunction. Assessment considers your symptoms, pregnancy and activities, and whether another cause needs medical attention. The goal is to improve comfort and function using cautious strategies—not to promise that a joint can be put back into place or that all symptoms will disappear.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Pregnancy-related adaptations
Posture and load distribution change as pregnancy progresses, which may place different demands on the pelvic structures.
Repeated asymmetrical movements
Stairs, long strides or standing on one leg may increase symptoms for some people.
Increased physical demands
Daily tasks and prolonged standing may temporarily exceed the tolerance of sensitive tissues.
Pelvic movement and control
Hip mobility differences and how the trunk and legs coordinate their effort can influence comfort.
Other possible causes
Pain near the pubic bone is not always pelvic girdle pain; your maternity team can assess obstetric or medical causes.
Our Treatment Approach
The visit starts with a conversation about your pregnancy, symptoms, aggravating movements and goals. Shahram Ghasemi, MD (Iran), DOMP, adapts the assessment and avoids positions or techniques that do not feel right for you. Osteopathic techniques are gentle, selected around your comfort, and do not involve forceful pelvic manipulation. Care may address tissues around the hips, lower back and pelvis, with position changes as needed. Side-lying with pillows for support is often a comfortable option. Practical guidance may include ways to reduce asymmetrical movements and pace certain tasks. Depending on your needs, physiotherapy may complement care with tailored exercises; prenatal massage is also available as a related service, with comfort and relevant precautions discussed. Osteopathy does not provide a medical diagnosis. If your symptoms or history indicate that medical advice is needed, we will refer you to your care team.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment includes a discussion of your symptoms and history, an adapted assessment and a clearly explained plan. Tell us how far along you are, which positions feel comfortable and whether your maternity team has given specific instructions. You can request a break or position change at any time. Treatment can be performed side-lying with pillows; you do not need to remain flat on your back if that is uncomfortable. Treatment pressure is adjusted to your response. We discuss simple strategies for home and review how you respond from visit to visit. There is no guaranteed number of appointments or recovery timeline: this depends on your symptoms, pregnancy and response to care.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Try sitting down to get dressed instead of balancing on one leg.
- When turning in bed, keeping your knees closer together may help if it reduces pain.
- Break tasks into shorter periods and alternate activity with rest as tolerated.
- Temporarily reduce long strides and repeated stairs if they aggravate symptoms.
- Use pillows to support your abdomen and legs in the most comfortable sleep position.
- Ask your obstetrician or midwife before using a support belt or making major activity changes.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies. Many people find ways to manage symptoms better with activity adjustments, support and adapted care, but improvement is neither immediate nor guaranteed. Symptoms may change as pregnancy progresses and can sometimes continue after birth; follow-up with your maternity team and reassessment can help. Contact your care team if pain worsens, changes in character or substantially limits mobility. The aim of care is to support comfort and meaningful activities while respecting the needs of pregnancy.
When to See Us at Réhabital
You may book an appointment if pelvic pain interferes with walking, sleep or daily activities and your maternity team has not advised against manual care. Contact your obstetrician or midwife first with any pregnancy-related concern. Contractions, bleeding, fluid loss, reduced fetal movement or fever require prompt contact with your maternity team or emergency services, as directed locally. Do not assume these signs are ordinary musculoskeletal pain. New, severe pain or pain accompanied by feeling generally unwell also merits medical advice. An osteopath does not make medical diagnoses and will refer you to a physician when appropriate.
Why Réhabital Clinic
Réhabital is on the ground floor of Cavendish Mall, D4-5800 Cavendish Boulevard, Côte Saint-Luc, on the Island of Montréal. There is step-free access and free parking. Osteopathy is provided by Shahram Ghasemi, MD (Iran), DOMP. Receipts for private insurance are available. The clinic offers evening and Sunday hours; appointments are booked through Jane App. The 10% discount on the first clinic visit does not apply to physiotherapy. We do not offer home visits or on-site imaging.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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