Butt Pain During Pregnancy: Is It Normal?

Pain in the buttocks might not be the symptom that jumps to mind when you think about pregnancy.

But here it is.

And it’s real.

Pregnancy can literally be a pain in the butt.

But there are ways to manage it, so stick around.

We’re talking butt pain during pregnancy.

In this article: 📝

What are some causes of butt pain during pregnancy?

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you might be experiencing butt or butt bone pain during pregnancy.

Sciatica

In pregnancy, the growing fetus can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the buttocks down the leg.

This condition, known as sciatica, is common in pregnancy because of relaxin.

This hormone relaxes your ligaments and starts loosening things up in preparation for childbirth.

But loose ligaments mean that there’s more chance of compressing your sciatic nerve.

Sciatica is most common in the third trimester, but it can develop at any stage of pregnancy.

The pain is often described as “radiating pain” which starts in the butt and shoots down the back of your thighs.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids — aka piles — are swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum.

They’re pretty common in pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters.

The growing fetus starts to put pressure on the anus, causing hemorrhoids to develop.

Hemorrhoids can cause unpleasant symptoms such as itching and swelling around the anus, bleeding and pain during pooping, and aches and pains in the buttocks.

Pelvic girdle pain

Here too, relaxin is responsible.

Because of your ligaments being looser than usual, your pelvis can start to move in ways that aren’t ideal.

Also, your growing baby changes your center of gravity, which can shift your posture and strain your pelvis and lower back.

All this extra movement can cause pain in the pelvic area known as pelvic girdle pain.

It might be felt over the front of your pubic bone, in your perineum, across your lower back and buttocks.

It can also lead to pain when walking, during sex, difficulty lying on one side of the body for extended periods, and a clicking or grinding in the pelvis.

You can experience pelvic girdle pain at any stage of pregnancy.

Contractions

If you’re nearing your due date and experiencing butt pain, you might be having contractions.

Usually, if you’re having contractions, you’ll feel them in your belly and lower back in addition to possibly your butt.

How to ease butt pain during pregnancy?

You need to know what’s causing the pain before being able to find a way to ease it.

It’s a good idea to let your healthcare provider know if you’re experiencing any pain, as they’ll be able to diagnose the problem and steer you towards some relief options.

They can also guide you as to what pain medication is safe during pregnancy (in the cases of more acute pain) or suggest seeing a physical therapist (for sciatica or pelvic girdle pain).

If you’re looking for some home remedies for easing your pregnancy butt pain, here are some options.

Try to avoid standing or sitting for too long.

This can put pressure on the anus.

If you have to stand or sit for extended periods, try to change positions every 45 minutes.

Try applying gentle heat over the painful area by using a hot water bottle or heat bag.

Another option is a warm bath, but remember not to make it too hot as it can be dangerous to increase your body temperature too much during pregnancy.

Gentle stretching is a great way to help ease the pain.

Check out our list of pregnancy-safe stretches.

Try a new sleeping position.

Sleeping on your side with a pillow under your belly and a second pillow between your knees can help support your body and ease pain.

This is particularly helpful if you’re struggling with sciatica and pelvic girdle pain.

Soothe hemorrhoid pain with witch hazel

Using a few drops of witch hazel on a maxi pad can help ease some inflammation and bring relief.

Eat plenty of fiber and drink lots of water to avoid constipation.

You can also ask your doctor about taking the stool softener colace.

Using a foam roller can help gently relieve pain in the butt and legs.

Just make sure you don’t overdo it.

Butt pain during pregnancy: the final word

Butt pain can be uncomfortable, limiting, and just plain frustrating.

It’s tough not being able to do what you could do before.

Use this as a time to slow down.

We hear you.

It’s not always easy.

But remember, your body is in the process of doing something pretty incredible right now.