There are a lot of changes that come with pregnancy, and for many women, one of those changes is tailbone pain. This is a common problem for expectant mothers, and there are several causes and treatment options available. Today, we will discuss the causes, and symptoms of tailbone pain during pregnancy, as well as some of the best treatment options available. We hope that this information will help to alleviate your discomfort and make your pregnancy a little bit easier! Let’s get started with the causes first.
Causes of tailbone pain during pregnancy
1. Increase in relaxation hormone:
First, a possible cause of tailbone pain during pregnancy is increased hormone relaxin. This hormone helps to loosen the joints and ligaments in the pelvis so that the baby can pass through more easily during birth. However, this can also cause the tailbone to become more mobile and increase the likelihood of pain.
2. Pressure on the back and tailbone by the baby:
The second common cause of tailbone pain during pregnancy is pressure from the baby on the pelvis and tailbone. As the baby grows, they put more and more pressure on these areas, which can cause pain. This is especially common in the third trimester when the baby gets bigger and takes up more space.
3. Constipation:
This is a common cause of tailbone pain during pregnancy. It happens when the growing uterus presses on the rectum and anus, making it difficult to pass stool. When you are constipated, the stool hardens. This can cause pain in your tailbone area. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also contribute to constipation.
4. Weight gain:
Another common cause of tailbone pain during pregnancy is weight gain. As the baby grows and the mother’s body swells with extra fluid, the added weight can pressure the lower back and tailbone, causing pain.
5. High Heels:
Another common cause of tailbone pain during pregnancy is wearing high heels. High heels change how you walk and put more pressure on your lower back and tailbone. Wearing high heels can also lead to other problems, such as bunions. If you must wear heels, choose a low heel pair that is comfortable to walk in. This will help take the pressure off your tailbone and reduce your pain.
6. Imbalance in pelvic floor muscles:
The most common cause of tailbone pain during pregnancy is an imbalance in the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the uterus and help control bowel movements when they’re weak or imbalanced (when the muscles are too tight or too loose, it can lead to pain in the lower back and tailbone area.
7. Growing uterus:
The growing uterus also causes tailbone pain during pregnancy. As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the pelvis. This can cause pain in the tailbone area. The good news is that this pain is usually temporary and will go away after the baby is born. Tailbone pain is usually worse when you are sitting or lying down.
8. Progesterone:
It’s progesterone that’s often to blame for tailbone pain during pregnancy. The hormone relaxes the ligaments in your body in preparation for childbirth. This can cause the joints in your pelvis to become unstable and put pressure on your tailbone, resulting in pain.
9. Pressure on the pelvic bones and nerves:
One Tailbone pain during pregnancy cause is that your growing uterus puts pressure on your pelvic bones and nerves. This can cause pain in your lower back, buttocks, and thighs. You may also feel pain when you sit down or stand up. This can happen to start in the second trimester.
10. Sitting for long periods of time:
If you sit for long periods of time, the added pressure on your tailbone can lead to pain. To avoid this, try to get up and move around every 20 minutes.
11. Lying down on stomach:
Lying down on your stomach can cause pain in the lower back and neck. Instead, try sleeping on your back or side.
Symptoms of tailbone pain during pregnancy
There are a few symptoms of tailbone pain during pregnancy that you should be aware of.
Symptoms of tailbone pain during pregnancy can include:
- – dull and achy pain in the lower back and buttocks
- – pain that gets worse when sitting for long periods
- – pain that gets worse when standing up from a seated position
- – sharp pains in the lower back or buttocks
- – difficulty walking or moving around
- – stiffness and soreness in the tailbone area.
1. Relax as much as possible
If you’re experiencing tailbone pain during your pregnancy, the first step is to get off your feet and rest as much as possible. Rest is always important when you’re pregnant, but it’s especially crucial when dealing with pain. This can be difficult to do if you have other children at home or a job that requires you to be on your feet, but it’s essential to give your body a break. You can either rest in a seated or reclined position, whichever is more comfortable.
Taking short breaks throughout the day to sit down and relax can also help to ease the pain. If your tailbone pain is particularly severe, you may consider investing in a pregnancy pillow that supports your back and bottom.
2. Practising Good Posture
The Second great step to treating tailbone pain is to practice good posture. This means sitting up straight and avoiding slouching. When you have to sit for long periods, make sure to use a pregnancy pillow or another type of support to keep your back and hips in alignment. You may also want to avoid sitting on hard surfaces, such as concrete floors or wooden chairs. Instead, opt for softer surfaces, like carpets or cushioned chairs.
When you sit, make sure to keep your back straight and your shoulders back. This will take pressure off of your tailbone and help to alleviate pain. You may also want to invest in a maternity support belt, which can help take the pressure off of your back and tailbone.
“Also Reading: 11 Home Remedies for Burning Feet: Causes, Symptoms”
3. Using a Heating Pad
One of the most effective ways to treat tailbone pain is to use a heating pad. Applying heat to the area can help to relax the muscles and ease the pain. It is essential not to use the heating pad for more than 20 minutes, as this can cause skin irritation. You should also avoid placing it directly on your skin. Instead, You can put a towel between your skin and the heating pad to protect yourself from burns.
If you’re pregnant, it’s also important to make sure that the heating pad is not too hot. It is essential to use a low setting on the heating pad, as too much heat can be dangerous for both you and your baby. If you don’t have a heating pad, you can also use a hot water bottle or a warm compress.
4. Massage
One of the best ways to relieve tailbone pain during pregnancy is massage. Massage can help to ease pain by relaxing the muscles and tissues around the tailbone. You can either visit a professional masseuse or ask your partner to give you a massage at home. If you choose to have a professional massage, make sure to find someone who is experienced in massaging pregnant women. A massage therapist will use gentle pressure and strokes to relax the muscles and ease the pain.
If you are doing it yourself, use a circular motion and press firmly on the tailbone. If someone else is doing it for you, make sure they are gentle and not press too hard. There are many different massages that can be beneficial for tailbone pain, including Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, and prenatal massage. Massage can be an effective treatment for tailbone pain, but be sure to discuss it with your doctor first.
5. Acupuncture
Acupuncture to treat tailbone pain during pregnancy treatment is a popular choice for many women. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. It is said to help relieve pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. During pregnancy, this tailbone pain is often used in conjunction with other treatments. Acupuncture is also thought to help improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. A licensed practitioner typically does acupuncture. If you are interested in trying acupuncture, consult with a licensed practitioner.
6. Epsom Salt Baths
One treatment option for tailbone pain during pregnancy is to take an Epsom salt bath. Epsom salt is a type of salt that is rich in magnesium. When magnesium sulfate, the main compound in Epsom salt, comes into contact with water, it dissolves and releases sulfates and magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral known for its ability to relax the muscles and relieve pain. Sulfates help to reduce inflammation.
Epsom Salt is a natural mineral that has many health benefits. One of the most well-known benefits is its ability to relieve pain. Therefore, Epsom salt baths can help to reduce tailbone pain by relaxing the muscles and reducing inflammation.
Here is how to take an Epsom salt bath for tailbone pain:
- Fill a bathtub with warm water.
- Add two cups of Epsom salt to the tub.
- Soak in the tub for 20 minutes.
- Repeat this process three times per week.
7. Exercises
If you’re pregnant and suffering from tailbone pain, there are some exercises you can do to help ease the discomfort. First, try lying on your back with a pillow under your knees. This will take pressure off your tailbone and help relieve some of the pain.
Next, try doing some gentle pelvic tilts. To do this:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Slowly tilt your pelvis up, then back down again.
- Repeat this several times.
Gentle stretching exercises
Finally, try doing some gentle stretching exercises. Stretch your hamstrings by lying on your back with one leg straight and the other bent at the knee. Use a towel or strap to pull the straight leg towards you gently. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs and repeat.
You can also stretch your lower back by lying on your stomach and reaching your arms overhead. Gently arch your back, hold for a few seconds, and then relax back down again. Repeat several times.
Bottom line:
Tailbone pain during pregnancy can be extremely uncomfortable and frustrating. However, there are a number of treatments available that can help to reduce the pain. These include massages, acupuncture, Epsom salt baths, and exercises. Be sure to discuss any treatment options with your doctor before you begin. Tailbone pain is often a temporary condition that will resolve itself after delivery. So, don’t worry!