Tailbone Hurts in 90% of Pregnant Women

What Causes Tailbone Pain?

Tailbone pain during pregnancy is a common issue, affecting up to 90% of expecting mothers. It's typically caused by the following factors:

• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones, such as relaxin, cause ligaments in your pelvis and spine to become loose and flexible to accommodate the growing baby. This can lead to instability in the sacroiliac joints, which can put stress on your tailbone.
• Increased Weight: As your belly grows, it puts extra weight on your tailbone. This can cause inflammation and pain.
• Sitting and Lying Positions: Sitting for long periods or lying on your back can put pressure on your tailbone, exacerbating the pain.

Symptoms of Tailbone Pain

Tailbone pain can manifest in various ways, including:

• Aching or throbbing pain in the tailbone area
• Pain that worsens with sitting, lying on your back, or getting up from a seated position
• Numbness or tingling in the buttocks or legs
• Pain during bowel movements

Treatment Options

Home Remedies:

• Warm Baths: Taking a warm bath can help relax muscles and reduce pain.
• Ice Packs: Applying an ice pack to the tailbone area for 15-20 minutes at a time can help numb the pain.
• Sitz Baths: Sitz baths are shallow baths that cover your buttocks and can help soothe pain and inflammation.
• Pelvic Tilt Exercises: These exercises can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and reduce pressure on your tailbone.

Medical Treatment:

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce pain.
• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can teach you specific exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and reduce pain.
• Injections: In some cases, your doctor may inject corticosteroids into the tailbone area to reduce inflammation and pain.

How to Manage Tailbone Pain

Preventive Measures:

• Avoid Sitting for Long Periods: Take frequent breaks from sitting to reduce pressure on your tailbone.
• Use a Tailbone Pillow: Using a specialized tailbone pillow can help provide support and reduce pain.
• Support Belts: Support belts can help lift your belly and reduce pressure on your tailbone.

Relief Measures:

• Lying on Your Side: Lying on your side with a pillow between your legs can help relieve pressure on your tailbone.
• Using a Coccyx Cushion: A coccyx cushion has a cutout that relieves pressure on your tailbone.
• Seeking Professional Help: If home remedies and preventive measures don't provide relief, consult your healthcare provider.

Tailbone Pain and Delivery

Tailbone pain during pregnancy typically resolves after delivery. However, in rare cases, it can continue postpartum due to damage to the ligaments or muscles supporting the tailbone. Postpartum tailbone pain can last for several months or even years. If you experience persistent tailbone pain after delivery, it's essential to seek medical attention.

Maintaining a Positive Outlook

Tailbone pain during pregnancy can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but it's important to remember that it's a temporary condition. By following these tips and working with your healthcare provider, you can manage your pain and enjoy a healthy pregnancy.