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Pregnancy Tailbone Pain | Pregnancy Power Hour
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Condition · mild

Pregnancy Tailbone Pain

Pregnancy tailbone pain, or coccydynia, is a discomfort often felt in later pregnancy and postpartum due to joint changes and pressure from your baby.

3 min read

Quick answer

Pregnancy tailbone pain, or coccydynia, is a discomfort often felt in later pregnancy and postpartum due to joint changes and pressure from your baby.

On this page
  1. What it is
  2. What it tends to feel like
  3. What the evidence says helps
  4. Working with your care team
  • Also: coccydynia in pregnancy

What it is

Pregnancy tailbone pain, medically known as coccydynia, is a distinct discomfort that often arises due to the unique physiological shifts happening in your body as your pregnancy progresses. This particular ache stems from the sacrococcygeal joint, which is where your tailbone (coccyx) connects to the sacrum. During pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin is at work, gently loosening ligaments throughout your pelvis to prepare for birth. This joint laxity, combined with the increasing pressure from your growing baby's position, can put strain on the tailbone area, leading to discomfort. While your body is doing incredible work to nurture your growing baby, these changes can sometimes bring unexpected aches, much like the common experience of Braxton Hicks Contractions as your uterus practices.

What it tends to feel like

Coccydynia typically manifests as a localized pain or tenderness right at the base of your spine. Many people describe it as a dull ache, though it can sometimes feel sharper, especially with certain movements or positions. You might notice the pain more intensely when sitting, particularly on hard surfaces, or when transitioning from sitting to standing. For some, walking can offer a sense of relief compared to remaining seated. It's a discomfort that can be present in the second and third trimesters, often continuing into the postpartum period as your body recovers and realigns. Understanding these sensations can help you make informed decisions about comfort, similar to how recognizing the signs of Pregnancy Hemorrhoids helps you manage that specific discomfort.

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What the evidence says helps

When it comes to managing tailbone pain, several evidence-informed approaches can offer relief. Many find significant comfort from using specialized cushions, such as donut cushions or those with a coccyx cutout, which redistribute pressure away from the tailbone when sitting. If your work or daily routine involves prolonged sitting, incorporating a standing desk or taking frequent breaks to stand and walk can be immensely helpful. For sleep, side-lying with a pillow placed between your knees is often recommended to reduce direct pressure on the coccyx.

For more targeted support, pelvic floor physical therapy is considered the most evidence-based intervention. A pelvic floor therapist can assess for associated muscle tension and provide specific exercises and techniques to alleviate discomfort. Additionally, some individuals find relief through chiropractic adjustments of the coccyx. While the evidence for chiropractic care in this specific area is primarily from case studies rather than extensive randomized controlled trials, it's an option some choose to explore with their provider. As a doula, I often encourage clients to explore these options, just as we might discuss comfort measures for other common pregnancy experiences like a persistent PUPPP — Pregnancy Rash.

Working with your care team

Experiencing tailbone pain can be frustrating, but it's important to remember that you're not alone, and there are supportive strategies available. Most cases of coccydynia resolve naturally within weeks to months after birth as your body heals and the relaxin hormone levels return to normal. Rarely does it require significant medical intervention. However, your care provider — whether your OB or midwife — is your best resource for your specific situation. They can help you understand the nuances of your pain and guide you toward the most appropriate interventions.

As your doula, my role is to help you feel calm, clear, and confident in navigating these physical changes. We can explore comfort measures, discuss questions to ask your provider about pelvic floor therapy or chiropractic care, and help you craft a personalized approach to managing this discomfort. Remember, you get to decide what feels right for your body and your pregnancy journey.

Common questions

Why does my tailbone hurt during pregnancy?+

During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin softens ligaments, including those around your tailbone (coccyx). This joint laxity, combined with the increasing pressure from your baby's position, can lead to discomfort at the base of your spine.

Will tailbone pain go away after birth?+

For most people, tailbone pain resolves naturally within weeks to months after childbirth. As your body recovers and hormone levels normalize, the discomfort typically subsides without specific medical intervention.

What are some simple ways to ease tailbone pain?+

Using a donut cushion or a cushion with a coccyx cutout can reduce pressure when sitting. Standing or walking may offer more comfort than prolonged sitting. Side-lying with a pillow between your knees can also help relieve pressure during rest.

Brittany Nance

“Pregnancy is under-supported at every week. This is the kind of clear, calm guidance I give my one-on-one clients — and the questions worth taking back to your provider.”

Brittany Nance · Pregnancy Wellness Consultant · full-spectrum doula

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Written by Brittany Nance, Pregnancy Wellness Consultant· BADT Full Spectrum Doula · Founder, Pregnancy Power Hour
Last reviewed July 15, 2026

This is evidence-informed education from a birth-doula perspective, not medical advice. Always discuss your individual situation with your prenatal care provider.

On this page

  1. What it is
  2. What it tends to feel like
  3. What the evidence says helps
  4. Working with your care team

Keep reading

  • RelatedPubic Bone Pain in PregnancyPubic bone pain, or pelvic girdle pain (SPD), affects many pregnant individuals due to ligament loosening, but evidence-based strategies can offer comfort.
  • RelatedPregnancy Back PainLower back pain and pelvic discomfort are common experiences during pregnancy, often manageable with evidence-based approaches and support.
  • RelatedPregnancy SciaticaPregnancy sciatica is a common discomfort where nerve pain radiates from your lower back down the leg, often felt in the second and third trimesters.
  • RelatedPubic Bone Pain at 21 Weeks PregnantAt 21 weeks, pubic bone pain, often called pelvic girdle pain, can arise as your body adapts to pregnancy, driven by relaxin-induced joint laxity.
  • RelatedPubic Bone Pain at 25 Weeks PregnantAt 25 weeks, pubic bone pain, often called pelvic girdle pain, can arise as relaxin loosens your pelvic ligaments, leading to discomfort.
  • RelatedPubic Bone Pain at 27 Weeks PregnantAt 27 weeks pregnant, pubic bone pain, often called pelvic girdle pain (PGP) at the pubic symphysis, is a common experience as your body adapts.