If you’re pregnant and feeling pain at the very bottom of your spine—especially when sitting, standing, or rolling over in bed—you’re not alone.
Tailbone pain during pregnancy (also called coccyx pain) is more common than many people realize. And while it’s often brushed off as “just part of pregnancy,” that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it.
Let’s break down why it happens and what you can do to feel better.
What Is Tailbone Pain?
Your tailbone (or coccyx) sits at the base of your spine. It’s a small bone, but it plays an important role in:
Supporting your body when you sit
Anchoring muscles and ligaments
Helping with pelvic stability
During pregnancy, this area can become irritated or strained, leading to:
Achy or sharp pain when sitting
Discomfort when standing up
Pain when rolling in bed
Tenderness at the base of the spine
Why Does Tailbone Pain Happen During Pregnancy?
There isn’t just one cause of tailbone pain: it’s usually a combination of changesn happening in your body.
1. Postural Changes
As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts.
This often leads to:
Increased arch in your low back
A forward tilt of your pelvis
More pressure through your tailbone
2. Ligament Laxity
During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin.
Relaxin helps your body prepare for birth by loosening ligaments—but it can also:
Reduce stability in your pelvis
Make joints (including the tailbone) more sensitive
Increase strain with everyday movements
3. Pelvic Floor Tension or Imbalance
Your pelvic floor muscles attach near your tailbone.
If these muscles are:
Too tight
Overworked
Not coordinating well
…they can pull on the tailbone and contribute to pain.
4. Baby’s Position
Your baby’s position—especially later in pregnancy—can place direct pressure on your tailbone.
This is why some moms notice symptoms:
Increasing in the third trimester
Changing depending on baby’s movement
How to Relieve Tailbone Pain During Pregnancy
1. Modify How You Sit
Sitting can be one of the biggest triggers.
Try:
Sitting with your feet flat and weight evenly distributed
Avoiding slouching or tucking your pelvis under
Using a cushion or wedge to reduce pressure on the tailbone
2. Be Mindful of Transitions
Movements like standing up or getting out of bed can aggravate symptoms.
Helpful tips:
Roll onto your side before getting out of bed
Keep your knees together when transitioning
Move slowly and with control
3. Support Your Pelvis
A pelvic support belt can sometimes help reduce strain by:
Providing external stability
Taking pressure off your pelvis and tailbone
4. Gentle Movement and Stretching
Staying active (in a way that feels good) can help:
Reduce stiffness
Improve circulation
Support better muscle balance
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is gentle, specific, and tailored to your body.
For tailbone pain, care may help by:
Improving alignment and movement of the pelvis
Reducing tension in surrounding muscles
Supporting better balance in the pelvic floor
Helping your body adapt more comfortably to changes
Many pregnant patients notice:
Less pain with sitting and movement
Improved comfort throughout the day
Better overall mobility
When to Seek Additional Support
Sometimes, a team approach works best.
You may also benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy, especially if:
Pain is persistent or worsening
You feel pressure or heaviness in your pelvis
There are signs of pelvic floor tension or dysfunction
You Don’t Have to “Just Deal With It”
Tailbone pain during pregnancy can be frustrating—but it’s not something you have to push through.
With the right support, you can:
Sit more comfortably
Move with less pain
Feel more at ease in your body as your pregnancy progresses
Looking for Relief?
If you’re experiencing tailbone pain during pregnancy and want support, chiropractic care can be a safe and effective option to help you feel more comfortable.
Have questions? Feel free to reach out anytime.
Warmly,
Cleveland Chiropractic and Integrative Health Center