Vaginal delivery with intrapartum pubic symphysis separation. A case report.

Background: Pubic symphysis separation is an uncommon complication of pregnancy. It can occur during the antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum period.

Methods: A 29-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, at 39 weeks' pregnancy, experienced regular labor pain and suprapubic pain for 3 hours. Her clinical presentation and physical examination led to the diagnosis of intrapartum pubic symphysis separation. Vaginal delivery was chosen because there was no cephalopelvic disproportion. The obstetric outcome was favorable, with a healthy female infant of 3,150 g. The patient underwent conservative management during the postpartum period. She was doing well at the 6-week follow-up.

Conclusions: In the absence of obstetric indications for cesarean delivery, vaginal delivery can be achieved in cases of intrapartum pubic symphysis separation. Conservative management usually results in complete recovery.