During pregnancy, the pubic bone doesn't change structurally, but the surrounding pelvic region undergoes significant changes due to hormonal and physical shifts. Specifically, the pubic joint and surrounding ligaments are affected.
Changes in the Pelvic Region
Here's what happens to the area around the pubic bone during pregnancy:
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Ligament Loosening: The hormone relaxin is released, causing ligaments in the pelvis, including those around the pubic bone, to become more flexible and stretch. This is crucial for allowing the pelvis to expand to accommodate the growing fetus and prepare for childbirth.
- This flexibility allows the pelvic joints to move more, however this can sometimes be too much resulting in discomfort.
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Pelvic Joint Movement: As the ligaments loosen, the pelvic joints, which include the pubic symphysis (where the two halves of the pubic bone meet), experience increased mobility.
- The weight of the developing fetus and pressure in the pelvic region adds stress to these joints.
- This increased movement, while necessary for childbirth, can sometimes lead to pain and discomfort. The joints are unable to move comfortably due to the pressure from the fetus.
Summarizing the Effects
| Change | Description |
|---|---|
| Relaxin Hormone | Triggers loosening and stretching of pelvic ligaments. |
| Ligament Flexibility | Increased flexibility allows for pelvic expansion but also increased movement in pelvic joints which can become painful with the pressure from the fetus. |
| Joint Mobility | Increased movement of pelvic joints, including the pubic symphysis. |
| Fetal Pressure | The fetus adds pressure, which reduces the pelvic joint comfort. |
In summary, while the pubic bone itself doesn't alter its shape or size, the hormonal changes and physical pressures of pregnancy cause the ligaments around it to stretch and the pelvic joints to become more mobile and less comfortable.
