13 Common Causes of Tailbone Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes to accommodate your growing baby. One of these changes is the release of hormones that relax your ligaments and joints. This can lead to pain in your coccyx, or tailbone.

What is the coccyx?

The coccyx is a small, triangular bone located at the base of your spine. It is made up of four fused vertebrae. The coccyx helps to support your pelvic floor muscles and provides a point of attachment for some of your back muscles.

What causes tailbone pain during pregnancy?

Tailbone pain during pregnancy can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• The release of hormones that relax your ligaments and joints. This can cause your coccyx to move out of alignment.
• The weight of your growing baby. As your baby grows, it can put pressure on your coccyx.
• Changes in your posture. As your belly grows, you may start to lean back to accommodate your changing center of gravity. This can put strain on your coccyx.
• Sitting for long periods of time. Sitting for long periods of time can put pressure on your coccyx.
• Constipation. Constipation can cause straining during bowel movements, which can put pressure on your coccyx.
• Trauma to your coccyx. A fall or other injury can damage your coccyx and cause pain.

How is tailbone pain during pregnancy treated?

The treatment for tailbone pain during pregnancy will depend on the cause of your pain. Some common treatments include:

• Rest. Resting your coccyx can help to relieve pain. Avoid sitting for long periods of time and try to avoid activities that put pressure on your coccyx.
• Ice. Applying ice to your coccyx can help to reduce pain and swelling.
• Heat. Applying heat to your coccyx can help to relax your muscles and relieve pain.
• Massage. Massaging the muscles around your coccyx can help to relieve pain.
• Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles around your coccyx and improve your posture.
• Medication. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain.

How can I prevent tailbone pain during pregnancy?

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent tailbone pain during pregnancy, including:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can put extra pressure on your coccyx.
• Get regular exercise. Exercise can help to strengthen the muscles around your coccyx and improve your posture.
• Avoid sitting for long periods of time. If you have to sit for long periods of time, try to get up and move around every 20-30 minutes.
• Use a pregnancy pillow. A pregnancy pillow can help to support your body and reduce pressure on your coccyx.
• See a physical therapist. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles around your coccyx and improve your posture.

When should I see a doctor about tailbone pain during pregnancy?

You should see a doctor about tailbone pain during pregnancy if:

• Your pain is severe.
• Your pain is not relieved by home treatment.
• Your pain is getting worse.
• You have other symptoms, such as fever, chills, or vaginal bleeding.

Conclusion

Tailbone pain during pregnancy is a common problem. The pain is usually caused by the release of hormones that relax your ligaments and joints, the weight of your growing baby, or changes in your posture. There are a number of things you can do to help prevent tailbone pain during pregnancy, including maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and avoiding sitting for long periods of time. If you have tailbone pain during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Additional resources

• Tailbone Pain During Pregnancy
• Coccyx Pain During Pregnancy
• Tailbone Pain in Pregnancy