The symphysis pubis is a secondary cartilaginous joint and in response to hormonal changes during pregnancy (especially the 3rd trimester), the joint widens to increase the saggital diameter of the outlet. Mild separation of the pubic symphysis is therefore considered necessary for childbirth, with an average normal radiological distance between pubic bodies of 4 mm widening by a further 3 mm during pregnancy. A widening of 10 mm has been defined as the upper limit of physiological separation.8 Pubic symphysis diastasis is a recognised rare complication of pregnancy, with a variable reported incidence of 1 in 300 to 1 in 30,000 deliveries. Separation of over 1 cm can rarely occur, and is often symptomatic, leading to pain at delivery and during the postpartum period. We present a case of spontaneous symphysis pubis diastasis in a healthy primigravida, after a vaginal delivery.
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