Tailbone Pain During Pregnancy: Why Does It Happen?

So, you’re well into your pregnancy, and you’ve started to feel an irritating pain at the bottom of your spine…

Is this your tailbone? 🤔

And, if so, why would this random little bone decide to start acting up when you’re pregnant?!

Let’s find out together. 👇

In this article: 📝

Is it normal for your tailbone to hurt during pregnancy?

Turns out — yep, it is!

In fact, around 50-80% of women report lower back pain in their pregnancy. [1]

And this lower back pain is often related to the tailbone, also known as the coccyx. 🦴

This is the small triangular bone at the base of your spine. [2]

So, what causes coccyx pain in pregnancy?

Tailbone pain in pregnancy can be caused by the pelvic ligaments loosening and shifting. [3]

“So, why does this happen?”

You guessed it — those pregnancy hormones are at it again. ✨

Specifically, a hormone called relaxin, which makes your pelvic ligaments looser and more flexible, making more space for baby to live happily in there for 9 months. 👶 [4]

Consequently, this can then cause tighter contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, which are connected to the tailbone — which causes pain.

In some cases, not getting enough exercise or constipation could also contribute to coccyx pain.

Can pregnancy put pressure on your coccyx?

Your center of balance can be shifted during pregnancy as your abdomen expands, meaning that your posture changes, causing your pelvis to tilt forwards. ⚖️

Sometimes, this additional can add pressure to the lower back (specifically your coccyx), causing pain.

That’s why it can often be painful to sit or stand as a pregnant woman, with more pressure being put onto your tailbone.

When does tailbone pain start in pregnancy?

Like every woman, every pregnancy is different. 🤷‍♀️

But, most women say they experience tailbone pain in their second or third trimester, so usually later on in their pregnancy.

But, there’s no timeline for this — it can happen earlier, or it can happen much later in your pregnancy journey.

It’s all unique to you, mama-to-be. 🤰

Does tailbone pain mean labor is near?

Not necessarily!

As we’ve mentioned above, you might start to experience tailbone pain from your second trimester, so this isn’t always indicative of labor on the approach.

But, if you haven’t had tailbone pain before, and you begin to feel pains in your coccyx around the time your baby should be born, this could be a sign labor is pending. 👶

Your little babe may be gearing up for birth — moving into the right position, which could put some pressure on the tailbone and spine. [5]

Does the coccyx move during childbirth?

During pregnancy and especially labor, the positioning of the tailbone is a lot looser, gearing the body up to make room for the childbirth process to happen.

That means childbirth itself can put pressure on the coccyx as the baby is born.

So, that’s why some women only develop coccyx pain after childbirth, as opposed to during pregnancy. [2]

How to relieve tailbone pain during pregnancy

Tailbone pain can be a pain when you’re pregnant. 😵‍💫

So, what are some of the best ways of relieving it?

• Avoid sitting or standing up for prolonged periods of time
• Try to tilt your pelvis into neutral alignment when you’re standing. You can do this by tucking in your coccyx, but making sure your back isn’t arched backwards.
• Wear flat, supportive shoes (waving goodbye to any high heels, mama-to-be!) 👠
• Keep your posture upright with your shoulders relaxed
• Use a coccyx cushion
• Adjust how you’re getting into a laying down position. For example, try and roll onto your side rather than pushing yourself up, relieving any pressure put on the tailbone.
• Sleep on your side with pillows for support, placed between your legs 😴
• Ice your tailbone (remember to always protect the skin from an ice burn by placing the ice pack in a wet towel) 🧊
• Be as active as possible within your pain boundaries 🏃‍♀️

How to look after your tailbone when pregnant

In short? Those pelvic floor exercises are a godsend, mama-to-be.

And, not only will these help your tailbone gripes, but they’re also great for other things, too.

A strong pelvic floor supported the pelvic organs in position, preventing leakages from the bladder and bowel. [2]

Pelvic floor exercises can also strengthen the vagina too, and can sometimes make sex better after childbirth. [6]

So, incorporating these into your pregnancy activities is a great way to keep the pain at bay, and keep everything strong and supported down there.

🔍 Read More: Your Complete Guide to Pelvic Floor Exercises

Want to hear from women who’ve been through it all before?

Our Peanut Community is here 24/7 — waiting for you to join in the conversation. 🥜