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What Does Tailbone Pain During Pregnancy Mean?

Pregnant With Tailbone Pain

As you begin your journey into motherhood, you should be prepared to have a fair share of joys and pain. As you take care of the life growing in your womb during pregnancy, you’re likely to experience bouts of pain and discomfort. One such pain is feeling too much pressure on the tailbone, and most women ask, “What does tailbone pain mean during pregnancy?” Well, this article will show you everything you need to know about the coccyx pain in pregnancy.

What is Tailbone Pain during pregnancy?

Tailbone pain is one of the most common types of pain experienced during pregnancy. It can strike at any trimester, and it is usually caused by increased pressure in the lower extremities as the fetus grows in the womb.  

This is normal because as your baby grows in size, it pushes against the tailbone, which is located at the end of the spine, causing a certain degree of pain. You are most likely going to feel more of this pain in the months leading to delivery. Sometimes, it can even continue after delivery.

Causes of Tailbone pain during pregnancy

Tailbone pain is basically caused by an abnormal shift of the coccyx. However, during pregnancy, a lot of factors can cause this pain, including:

  • Pregnancy hormones: The body releases estrogen and relaxin during pregnancy and these hormones are mainly responsible for relaxing the pelvic region. This causes the ligaments in the abdominal area to stretch to accommodate your growing baby, thereby resulting in pains.
  • The growing baby: The increase in the size of a baby with each passing month – especially during the second and third trimester – puts pressure on the tailbone, which is just behind the uterus. This pressure felt as the baby pushes can result in pains and discomfort.
  • Poor posture: You can develop tailbone pain when you sit on a hard surface for long hours during pregnancy. Sitting on a bad seat can also hurt the tailbone. Your sleep posture also matters; when you sleep on your back or on a poorly supported mattress, it can increase the risk of pain.
  • Other possible causes: Some factors like constipation, diarrhea, rectal pain, inflammation between the sacrum and the tailbone can also result in tailbone pain. More so, any activity that puts the body to physical work, like cycling, walking, or even standing can cause pain. So you need to be careful with the activities you do during this critical time.

Symptoms of pain in tailbone during pregnancy

Your brain will tell you that you have pelvic pain because it is a physical sensation. The symptoms are easy to interpret.

Some of the symptoms related to pelvic pain during pregnancy include:

  • Sharp and dull pains around the upper buttocks
  • Excessive pain in the hip or lower back region
  • Gradually increasing pain near the end of the spine
  • Constant pain while climbing, walking, getting up, and twisting
  • Pain increases with walking

Risk factors that can intensify tailbone pain during pregnancy

The severity of the pelvic pain you feel during pregnancy depends on several factors. You need to keep these things in mind to avoid problems in the early stage of your baby’s development. 

Some risk factors that can trigger or aggravate coccyx or pelvic pain include:

  • Limited mobility
  • Hypermobility
  • Obesity
  • Infection
  • Repetitive stress

Treatment and tips to Ease Tailbone pain during pregnancy

You can deal with tailbone pain during pregnancy by trying some simple measures with precaution and regularity. Remember, the pain increases with time, so some lifestyle changes or practices can help you reduce the pain in a safe and effective manner. 

Without much ado, check out the following treatment tips and practices that you can introduce into your daily routine to tackle tailbone pain during pregnancy:

Wear a maternity support belt

Using a maternity belt to support your growing bump helps to ease tailbone pain during pregnancy. This works to help you carry the weight you’re supposed to gain, and it reduces the pressure on your lower back.

Sleep on your left side with a pregnancy pillow

You can relieve tailbone pain during pregnancy by adjusting your sleeping position. Avoid sleeping on your back to reduce the pressure on your tailbone. It is best to sleep on your left side to help improve blood circulation, relieve pain, and support your head, belly, legs, and knees. Try placing a pregnancy pillow in between your knees for proper balance.

Apply heating pads

You can use heating pads to reduce tailbone pain. These pads help to regulate blood supply in the pain region, preventing the formation of blood clots. However, ensure you don’t overheat the pads to avoid discomfort and burns.

Avoid staying on one spot for a long period

When you stay in the same spot or keep a bad posture, it aggravates the tailbone pain. So you should try to be in constant motion. You can do some\ light exercises or simply take a walk.

You can prevent tailbone pains after long periods of sitting by trying stretching poses like: 

  • Bridge pose
  • Cat-cow pose
  • Downward-facing dog pose
  • Child pose
  • Standing cat-cow pose

Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes

Your footwear during pregnancy should be flat-soled. This helps to reduce the tailbone pain.

Relieve your bowels

It may seem silly, but relieving your bowels can reduce the pressure and pains on your tailbone during pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor regarding the use of painkillers

Sometimes, the tailbone pain may get intense and you may find it hard to deal with it. In such cases, you can talk to your doctor regarding the use of painkillers. But ensure you do not self-medicate at any point in time during your pregnancy.

Final Remark

You may experience tailbone pains during pregnancy as your baby grows in your womb. This process is quite normal and it prepares the body for the actual delivery. Relaxin is a hormone that is made in the body to help with pain and stress. The good thing is that simple things like exercise and a healthy lifestyle can help you manage the pain. But if the pain is chronic, ensure you consult your doctor or physiotherapist.