You’re in your third trimester. Your belly is growing, your baby is getting stronger and… your pelvis hurts. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Pelvic pain is common in late pregnancy and can really interfere with daily life.
What is pelvic pain?
Pelvic pain, sometimes called pelvic girdle pain, happens as your body prepares for birth. The hormone relaxin makes your joints and ligaments more flexible so your pelvis can move during delivery. But that flexibility can also make your pelvis less stable. The result is pain in your lower back, around your tailbone, at the sides of your hips or in your pubic area.
What does pelvic pain feel like in the third trimester?
Pelvic pain shows up differently for everyone. For some, it starts as a dull ache after a busy day. For others, it’s a constant sharp pain that affects almost every move. Common symptoms include:
- Pain when climbing stairs, getting out of bed or turning over in bed
- A dull or stabbing feeling in the pubic bone or tailbone
- Difficulty standing, walking or biking for long periods
- Pain when bending, lifting or getting in and out of the car
- An unstable or “loose” feeling in the pelvis
- The sensation that your pelvis is “open” or not working together properly
The pain can change from day to day. One day it’s manageable, the next it feels like everything is too much. However it shows up, one thing is clear: it’s not just something to accept or push through. It deserves attention and support.
Is it pelvic pain or sciatica?
Sometimes pelvic pain can feel like sciatica, a type of nerve pain that radiates from your lower back into your buttock or leg. This can happen when the sciatic nerve is compressed, often due to your posture changes or the growing uterus. Sciatica often feels sharp, burning or tingling, and can make walking difficult. Not sure what you’re dealing with? Talk to your midwife or healthcare provider. A physical therapist can help with both conditions through movement and posture advice.
What can you do about third trimester pelvic pain?
Ignoring pelvic pain won’t help, but listening to your body will. There are ways to reduce discomfort and give your body more support.
- Keep moving, but mindfully
Try to take short walks and avoid sitting or standing for too long. Alternate often and pay attention to your limits.
- Avoid uneven pressure
Don’t stand on one leg for too long, don’t lift or twist unevenly and when turning in bed, keep your knees together. A pillow between your legs can help.
- Support matters
A pelvic support belt can help during walking or standing. Supportive shoes without heels are important too. And asking for help? Please do.
- Get guidance
A pelvic floor or women’s health physical therapist can help with specific exercises, posture tips and everyday strategies that work.
- Slow down
Maybe you can’t do everything the way you used to. That’s okay. You’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to find this hard.
When the pain takes over
If walking, sleeping or even sitting becomes almost impossible, don’t wait it out. Contact your healthcare provider and ask for a referral to a pelvic health specialist. In some cases, extra rest or even temporary aids like a walker or wheelchair can help. That might sound drastic, but your comfort and safety, and your baby’s, come first.
