Why Your Tailbone Suddenly Starts Hurting in the Third Trimester
Pregatips | January 30, 2026 1:40 AM CST
The final stage of pregnancy is often exciting, but it can be hard on your body. A lot of pregnant individuals suffer from a dull or sharp pain in their tailbone area at this time. This is referred to as coccydynia. While this might make you feel uncomfortable, it’s just your body adjusting to being pregnant. Knowing why this hurts can make dealing with this pain easier.
What Is a Tailbone & Why Is It Important in Pregnancy?
The tailbone, medically recognised as the coccyx, is the tiny triangular bone you have at the extreme base of your spine. It supports your body when you sit and functions as an attachment point for ligaments, muscles, and pelvic tissues.
During pregnancy, this area becomes more sensitive because it plays a crucial role in supporting your increasing weight and preparing for childbirth.
Why Does Tailbone Pain Often Begin at the Final Stage?
Tailbone pain can start at any time, but it is very common after week 28 of conception. This timing isn't accidental. Several physical and hormonal changes come together during this stage.
What Roles Do Hormones Play in Causing Tailbone Pain?
In the final stage, your body releases a higher level of a hormone named relaxin, which loosens joints and ligaments, particularly in your pelvis, to prepare for childbirth. While relaxin plays a vital role in childbirth, it also makes your tailbone unstable. As the adjoining ligaments relax, the coccyx may shift slightly, causing pain during standing or sitting.
Does a Growing Baby Increase Tailbone Pressure?
Yes, significantly. By the third trimester, your baby usually weighs between 1.8 and 3.5 kgs, and your uterus grows outward and upward.
This growth causes:
Your posture naturally changes as your belly expands. Tilting back can help you balance and increase the curvature of your lower back. This posture increases pressure on the tailbone. Sitting for extended periods, especially on hard chairs, can exacerbate tailbone pain because the coccyx bears the weight of your body.
What Does Tailbone Pain Feel Like?
Tailbone pain is different for everyone. You might encounter:
Most of the time, tailbone pain isn’t something to worry about and it won’t hurt your baby. It’s usually just a normal ache that comes with your body getting ready to give birth.
Still, call your doctor if:
You may not be able to eliminate tailbone pain, but several measures can reduce discomfort.
Does Emotional Stress Affect Tailbone Pain?
Yes, it can. Stress can cause muscle tightness, which can worsen pain in your lower back and pelvis. During this time, you may also feel stressed about changes in your lifestyle, finances, or pregnancy. Openly communicating with your partner, having appropriate support, and staying calm by practising relaxation techniques can reduce physical and emotional stress.
How Can Your Partner Make You Feel Comfortable?
Gentle acts of support, such as encouraging you to rest, helping you change postures, or sharing household responsibilities, can significantly reduce physical discomfort. Emotional understanding also helps you feel more comfortable during this demanding phase of pregnancy.
When Should You Call a Doctor?
Contact your healthcare provider if:
Experiencing tailbone pain later in pregnancy isn’t unusual. Hormonal shifts, your baby’s growth, posture shifts, and your body’s preparation for labour can all cause it. Though uncomfortable, it’s often manageable through simple changes in your daily routine and mental wellness. Understanding the causes of such discomfort and taking prompt action can help manage it more effectively and improve well-being in the final months of pregnancy.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Why Your Tailbone Suddenly Starts Hurting in the Third Trimester
Can your labour or childbirth be affected by tailbone discomfort?
Usually, tailbone pain doesn’t cause problems during labour or delivery. The pain often decreases after childbirth when hormone levels become stable.
Will tailbone pain go away after childbirth?
Yes, for most pregnant individuals, tailbone pain typically resolves within weeks after delivery, as the pelvic ligaments tighten again.
Is it safe to take painkillers for tailbone pain?
You should only take doctor-approved medications during pregnancy and avoid trying anything by yourself.
What Is a Tailbone & Why Is It Important in Pregnancy?
The tailbone, medically recognised as the coccyx, is the tiny triangular bone you have at the extreme base of your spine. It supports your body when you sit and functions as an attachment point for ligaments, muscles, and pelvic tissues.
During pregnancy, this area becomes more sensitive because it plays a crucial role in supporting your increasing weight and preparing for childbirth.
Why Does Tailbone Pain Often Begin at the Final Stage?
Tailbone pain can start at any time, but it is very common after week 28 of conception. This timing isn't accidental. Several physical and hormonal changes come together during this stage.
What Roles Do Hormones Play in Causing Tailbone Pain?
In the final stage, your body releases a higher level of a hormone named relaxin, which loosens joints and ligaments, particularly in your pelvis, to prepare for childbirth. While relaxin plays a vital role in childbirth, it also makes your tailbone unstable. As the adjoining ligaments relax, the coccyx may shift slightly, causing pain during standing or sitting.
Does a Growing Baby Increase Tailbone Pressure?
Yes, significantly. By the third trimester, your baby usually weighs between 1.8 and 3.5 kgs, and your uterus grows outward and upward.
This growth causes:
- Increased pressure on your lower spine
- Your centre of gravity may shift
- You may experience increased pressure on your pelvic joints and muscles
Your posture naturally changes as your belly expands. Tilting back can help you balance and increase the curvature of your lower back. This posture increases pressure on the tailbone. Sitting for extended periods, especially on hard chairs, can exacerbate tailbone pain because the coccyx bears the weight of your body.
What Does Tailbone Pain Feel Like?
Tailbone pain is different for everyone. You might encounter:
- Intense pain with standing or sitting
- A numbness at the bottom of your spine
- Discomfort while turning in bed
- Pain during prolonged sitting
- Feeling sensitive to the touch in that area
Most of the time, tailbone pain isn’t something to worry about and it won’t hurt your baby. It’s usually just a normal ache that comes with your body getting ready to give birth.
Still, call your doctor if:
- Pain turns out to be severe
- You also have swelling or a fever
- Your legs feel weak or numb
- Pain persists even after childbirth
You may not be able to eliminate tailbone pain, but several measures can reduce discomfort.
- Improve Your Posture
- Avoid Long Hours of Sitting
- Try Side-Lying Posture
- Do Light Exercises
- Use Warm Compress
Does Emotional Stress Affect Tailbone Pain?
Yes, it can. Stress can cause muscle tightness, which can worsen pain in your lower back and pelvis. During this time, you may also feel stressed about changes in your lifestyle, finances, or pregnancy. Openly communicating with your partner, having appropriate support, and staying calm by practising relaxation techniques can reduce physical and emotional stress.
How Can Your Partner Make You Feel Comfortable?
Gentle acts of support, such as encouraging you to rest, helping you change postures, or sharing household responsibilities, can significantly reduce physical discomfort. Emotional understanding also helps you feel more comfortable during this demanding phase of pregnancy.
When Should You Call a Doctor?
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Pain interferes with your usual activities
- You feel a sudden increase in pain
- You feel numbness or weakness
- You observe early labour signs, including pain
- When sitting, use a pillow for support
- Do some light exercise each day
- Focus on your postures
- Don’t sit on hard or very low seats
- Sleep with pregnancy pillows
- Discuss intolerable pain with your doctor
- Ask for help when necessary
Experiencing tailbone pain later in pregnancy isn’t unusual. Hormonal shifts, your baby’s growth, posture shifts, and your body’s preparation for labour can all cause it. Though uncomfortable, it’s often manageable through simple changes in your daily routine and mental wellness. Understanding the causes of such discomfort and taking prompt action can help manage it more effectively and improve well-being in the final months of pregnancy.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Why Your Tailbone Suddenly Starts Hurting in the Third Trimester
Usually, tailbone pain doesn’t cause problems during labour or delivery. The pain often decreases after childbirth when hormone levels become stable.
Yes, for most pregnant individuals, tailbone pain typically resolves within weeks after delivery, as the pelvic ligaments tighten again.
You should only take doctor-approved medications during pregnancy and avoid trying anything by yourself.
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