Painful Coxis During Pregnancy: A Guide to Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

The tailbone, also known as the coccyx, is a small triangular bone located at the base of the spine. During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments and joints in the pelvis to prepare for childbirth. This can also cause the tailbone to move slightly, which can lead to pain.

How Common is Painful Coxis During Pregnancy?

Painful coxis is a relatively common problem during pregnancy, affecting up to 25% of women. It is most likely to occur in the third trimester when the baby's head is putting pressure on the tailbone.

What are the symptoms of Painful Coxis?

The main symptom of painful coxis is pain in the tailbone. The pain can be sharp, dull, or burning, and it may worsen with sitting, standing, or walking. Other symptoms may include:

• Numbness or tingling in the tailbone area
• Pain during bowel movements
• Difficulty getting up from a seated position
• Pain during intercourse

What are the Causes of Painful Coxis During Pregnancy?

There are several factors that can contribute to painful coxis during pregnancy, including:

• Hormonal changes: The hormone relaxin loosens the ligaments and joints in the pelvis, which can cause the tailbone to move slightly.
• Weight gain: The weight of the growing baby can put pressure on the tailbone.
• Poor posture: Standing or sitting in a way that puts pressure on the tailbone can worsen the pain.
• Trauma: A fall or other injury to the tailbone can also lead to pain.

How is Painful Coxis Diagnosed?

Your doctor can usually diagnose painful coxis based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also order an X-ray to rule out other conditions, such as a coccyx fracture or degenerative changes.

How is Painful Coxis Treated?

Treatment for painful coxis during pregnancy may include:

• Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Ice: Applying an ice pack to the tailbone can help to reduce pain and swelling.
• Heat: Applying a heat pack to the tailbone can help to relax the muscles and relieve pain.
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help to reduce pain.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the tailbone and improve your posture.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture may help to relieve pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers.

How Can Painful Coxis Be Prevented?

There are several things you can do to help prevent painful coxis during pregnancy, including:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put pressure on the tailbone.
• Improve your posture: Stand and sit up straight to avoid putting pressure on the tailbone.
• Avoid sitting for long periods of time: If you have to sit for a long time, get up and walk around every 30 minutes to help reduce pressure on the tailbone.
• Use a pregnancy pillow: A pregnancy pillow can help to support your back and hips, which can help to reduce pressure on the tailbone.
• Strengthen your core muscles: Strong core muscles can help to support the spine and reduce pressure on the tailbone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are several common mistakes that can worsen painful coxis during pregnancy, including:

• Ignoring the pain: If you have pain in your tailbone, don't ignore it. See your doctor to rule out other conditions and get treatment.
• Sitting on a hard surface: Sitting on a hard surface can put pressure on the tailbone and worsen the pain.
• Wearing high heels: High heels can put pressure on the tailbone and worsen the pain.
• Not getting enough exercise: Exercise can help to strengthen the muscles around the tailbone and improve your posture.
• Smoking: Smoking can damage the ligaments and joints in the pelvis, which can worsen painful coxis.

Conclusion

Painful coxis during pregnancy is a common problem that can cause significant discomfort. There are several things you can do to help prevent and treat painful coxis. If you are experiencing pain in your tailbone, see your doctor to rule out other conditions and get treatment.

Additional Information

• The Tailbone During Pregnancy
• Painful Coccyx During Pregnancy
• Coccydynia: Tailbone Pain
• Tailbone Pain During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatments