Tailbone Pain during Pregnancy

The joys of pregnancy, often maybe marred by a number of complications. You maybe ecstatic about welcoming a cuddly member to the family; however, little on-the-way jerks through your journey may get you in an overstrung mode.

Through the stages of gravidity, women complain of back pain and tailbone soreness. Besides, some women suffer from tailbone problems before getting pregnant as well, so they have an idea about what one may endure; the only paradigmatic shift they find in this regard, is the intensity of pain they experience in the tailbone area during pregnancy.

Pregnant women experience this pain as the coccyx rubs against the lower back due to the baby putting pressure on the bone. Even during childbirth, as the baby passes through the birth canal, it may cause injury to the tailbone. The injury maybe a bruise, chip and may fracture the tailbone in some cases.

Women who already have a history of tail bone problems should get tests and treatments done before planning to conceive. It is for the simple reason that once pregnant, a number of such tests or treatments can't be done as they may cause injury to the baby in the womb.

It is important to inform one's obstetrician, midwife, or any other health care professional involved in childbirth, if one had tailbone problems earlier, or develops any pain or discomfort in the bone during pregnancy.

✔ Consider sitting on a soft cushion to avoid pressure on the coccyx. Wedge cushions are a good option as they have a triangle, wedge-shape cut that does not allow the tailbone to come in contact with the cushion when one sits on it. One may consider using a donut cushion -- one that has a hole in the center.

✔ Relax, and without putting pressure on your back, rest your feet on an ottoman. When changing positions, assume this position for a while to acquire relief.

✔ Relieve your bowels everyday. Constipation is another problem during pregnancy. It puts immense pressure on your tailbone.

✔ Consider nonmedical ways to cure the pain. Practice relaxation techniques, indulge in soothing baths, or apply a cold compress to the area.

✔ Get some massage done on the tailbone area. This may help relieve the discomfort. However, massage is not a suitable option for everyone. Listen to your body. In case it hurts, discontinue the massage.

✔ Doing the pelvic tilt may help shift the baby off the tailbone to a more comfortable position. Although, the position of the baby may not be the cause of the pain, it helps in alleviating some of the stress in the area.

✘ Certain medicines provide relief form tailbone pain. However, when pregnant, one needs to be careful about the medicines being taken. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opoids (narcotic drugs) should be avoided during pregnancy as these may cause problem during delivery or may harm the baby.

Tylenol (acetaminophen), however, maybe allowed. Nevertheless, it is best to consult one's physician before taking any drug to relieve pain during pregnancy.

✘ Avoid sitting on hard surfaces. Besides, you mustn't sit for long on any surface, be it hard or soft. One may not feel the pain if she is sitting on a soft surface, but a pregnant woman with a tailbone problem may experience a sharp pain as she gets up from her seat.

✘ Avoid rising from your sitting position with a jerk. Rise slowly and steadily, especially if you have been in the same position for a long time. This reduces the chances of experiencing discomfort or pain in the tailbone region.

✘ Avoid standing for long hours, and keep changing positions intermittently.

✘ Do not wear heels; stick to flat, comfortable shoes, or open-toed footwear.

✘ While in bed, do not lie on your back. The best sleeping position is on either side. Moreover, sleeping on your left is considered appropriate as this position is known to improve blood flow and efficiently transfer nutrients to the placenta.

Your kidneys remain flushed, warding heartburn and reducing constipation. Besides, swelling in the feet and ankles wouldn't trouble you.

Pregnancy, undoubtedly is the best experience for a woman. However, it is very important to take care of oneself during this stage. Tailbone pain during pregnancy is just one of the many complications that a woman may have to face. Proper diet, rest, and specific pregnancy exercises can ensure good health of the mother and her baby.

Disclaimer: This is meant to accomplish pedagogical purposes only. The recommendations mentioned hereby may not be generically applicable. The information, by no means, intends to supplant the diagnosis and advice imparted by the medical practitioner.