Tailbone pain, or coccydynia, is a common discomfort for many expectant mothers. It can emerge at any point during pregnancy, often becoming more noticeable in the second and third trimesters. While usually not serious, it can significantly impact daily activities, making sitting, standing, or sleeping challenging. Understanding its causes and management strategies can improve comfort.
Common Reasons for Tailbone Pain
Hormonal changes during pregnancy play a significant role. The body releases relaxin, which softens pelvic ligaments and connective tissues for childbirth. This flexibility can lead to instability in joints, including the sacrococcygeal joint, potentially causing tailbone pain.
As pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus and baby exert increased pressure. The tailbone sits directly behind and below the uterus, so the expanding weight can directly press on it and surrounding structures. This pressure is particularly pronounced when sitting or reclining.
Postural shifts also contribute to tailbone pain. To accommodate the growing baby bump, a pregnant person’s center of gravity shifts, often increasing the lower back arch. This postural change can alter pelvic alignment, straining the coccyx and surrounding muscles. Prolonged sitting or certain positions can exacerbate this pain.
Weight gain during pregnancy places extra stress on the pelvic area, including the tailbone. This load, combined with the baby’s position, can strain pelvic floor muscles attached to the tailbone, causing discomfort. Individuals with a history of tailbone injuries, such as falls, may find these issues aggravated by pregnancy.
Strategies for Relief
Adjusting posture can help alleviate tailbone pain. Maintaining proper sitting and standing posture reduces direct pressure. Using supportive seating, like a wedge-shaped cushion with a cutout, can redistribute pressure. Avoiding prolonged sitting and taking frequent breaks to move around can also prevent pain from worsening.
Applying heat or cold therapy can provide relief, reducing pain and inflammation. Gentle, pregnancy-safe exercises and stretches are also beneficial. Pelvic tilts and cat-cow stretches can mobilize the spine and pelvis, relieving pressure and strengthening supporting muscles. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen.
Sleeping positions also impact tailbone comfort. Lying on the side is recommended to take pressure off the tailbone. Placing a pillow between the knees while side-sleeping helps maintain proper hip and spinal alignment, reducing strain. When sleeping on the back, a pillow under the knees allows the lower back and tailbone to relax.
Pelvic floor physical therapy offers support for tailbone pain. A trained physical therapist can assess pelvic alignment and muscle imbalances, providing targeted exercises and manual therapy to release tension in pelvic floor muscles. This therapy improves muscle strength and coordination. For pain relief, acetaminophen is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but always consult a doctor before taking any medication.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While tailbone pain during pregnancy is common, some situations warrant medical evaluation. If pain becomes severe, worsens despite home remedies, or significantly interferes with daily activities, contact a healthcare provider. Persistent pain should always be discussed with a doctor.
Additional symptoms accompanying tailbone pain should prompt a medical consultation. These include fever, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs. Difficulty with bowel or bladder control, such as ongoing constipation or inability to empty the bladder, indicates a need for professional assessment.
A fall or direct tailbone injury during pregnancy necessitates immediate medical attention. While tailbone pain is distinct from labor, any concerns about it being mistaken for or accompanied by signs of premature labor should lead to prompt medical evaluation. Any persistent or concerning pain during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.