5 Crazy Things Every Woman Should Know About Pain in Tailbone During Pregnancy

Introduction

Pain in the tailbone, also known as coccydynia, is a common complaint during pregnancy. It can range from a mild ache to severe pain that makes it difficult to sit, stand, or walk. While there is no cure for coccydynia, there are a number of things you can do to relieve the pain.

What Causes Pain in Tailbone During Pregnancy?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to pain in the tailbone during pregnancy, including:

• Hormonal changes: The hormones released during pregnancy can relax the ligaments and muscles that support the tailbone, making it more likely to move out of place.
• Weight gain: The extra weight you gain during pregnancy can put pressure on the tailbone, causing pain.
• Posture: Poor posture can put extra strain on the tailbone, leading to pain.
• Trauma: A fall or other injury can damage the tailbone, causing pain.

Symptoms of Pain in Tailbone During Pregnancy

The symptoms of pain in the tailbone during pregnancy can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

• Pain that is worse when sitting, standing, or walking
• Pain that is worse after a period of inactivity
• Pain that is relieved by lying down
• Numbness or tingling in the tailbone area
• Difficulty bowel movements

How is Pain in Tailbone During Pregnancy Diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose pain in the tailbone during pregnancy based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order an X-ray or MRI to rule out other conditions, such as a fracture or infection.

Treatment for Pain in Tailbone During Pregnancy

There is no cure for coccydynia, but there are a number of things you can do to relieve the pain. Some common treatments include:

• Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
• Ice: Apply an ice pack to the tailbone area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Heat: Apply a heat pack to the tailbone area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• ** Sitz baths:** Sit in a warm bath for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Stretching: Gently stretch the muscles around the tailbone.
• Strengthening exercises: Strengthen the muscles that support the tailbone.
• Medication: Your doctor may prescribe pain medication or muscle relaxants to relieve the pain.

Prevention of Pain in Tailbone During Pregnancy

There is no sure way to prevent pain in the tailbone during pregnancy, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk, including:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can put pressure on the tailbone, leading to pain.
• Maintain good posture: Good posture helps to keep the tailbone in its proper position.
• Avoid activities that aggravate the pain: If you have pain in the tailbone, avoid activities that make the pain worse.
• Strengthen the muscles that support the tailbone: Strengthening the muscles that support the tailbone can help to prevent the tailbone from moving out of place.

When to See a Doctor

See your doctor if you have pain in the tailbone during pregnancy that is:

• Severe
• Getting worse
• Not relieved by home treatment
• Accompanied by other symptoms, such as numbness or tingling

Conclusion

Pain in the tailbone during pregnancy is a common condition that can be caused by a number of factors. While there is no cure for coccydynia, there are a number of things you can do to relieve the pain. If you have pain in the tailbone during pregnancy, be sure to see your doctor to rule out other conditions and to discuss treatment options.

Additional Resources

• The American Pregnancy Association
• The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• The Mayo Clinic