I have just found out that I am pregnant. I also had my first Pap. The doctor didn't say anything was wrong, but I feel that something is. I am not exactly sure of the proper position of the pelvis or the pubic bone. In the front of my vagina, in the pubic hair area, there is a bulge, and it feels like a bone. Should that be there, or is something displaced? Would this require surgery or hurt my baby in the birth process?

Morgan

What you are feeling is the symphysis pubis, commonly known as the pubic bone. This arch-like bone is certainly supposed to be there! The pubic bone provides much of the bony support that allows us to walk upright. In a few women, the bony structures of the pelvis, including the pubic bone, may be exceptionally narrow, increasing the chance of needing a cesarean section.

Pregnancy is a wonderful time for you to learn more about your body. Anatomy is very difficult to explain just in words; pictures are so helpful. I suggest that you ask your doctor to explain normal anatomy to you the next time you are in the office, or check a book out of the library. There are anatomy references available on-line as well -- just type in "female pelvic anatomy" on any search engine.