Tailbone Pain During Pregnancy: Why It Happens and How to Ease It

Pregnancy changes almost everything about your body — the way you walk, sleep, sit, even breathe.
But one discomfort that often catches moms by surprise is tailbone pain — that deep, achy, or sometimes sharp pain right at the base of your spine, especially when sitting or standing up.

If you’ve been feeling this, you’re definitely not alone. Tailbone pain is quite common in pregnancy, especially in the later months when your body is preparing for birth.

Why Tailbone Pain Happens During Pregnancy

Your tailbone (or coccyx) sits at the bottom of your spine. During pregnancy, several changes around your pelvis and lower back can make it sensitive or sore:

1. Hormonal changes: The hormone relaxin loosens your ligaments to prepare your body for delivery — but it can also make your joints, including those near the tailbone, less stable and more prone to strain.

2. Postural shifts: As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes. Your lower back arches more, putting extra pressure on the tailbone.

3. Pressure from the baby: In the third trimester, your baby’s position — especially if pressing low or back — can directly increase pressure on the tailbone area.

4. Previous injury: If you’ve ever had a fall or tailbone injury before, pregnancy may make that area ache again.

What Tailbone Pain Feels Like

Tailbone pain (also called coccydynia) can vary from person to person. You might notice:

• Pain or pressure at the very end of your spine
• Discomfort when sitting, standing up, or leaning back
• Aching after long periods of sitting or sleeping on a hard surface
• Worsening pain toward the final weeks of pregnancy

The pain may come and go, or feel constant depending on your posture and daily activity.

How to Ease Tailbone Pain During Pregnancy

Thankfully, most cases of tailbone pain can be relieved with small lifestyle adjustments and mindful care:

• Use a soft or donut-shaped cushion: Reduces pressure on the tailbone when sitting.
• Sit with good posture: Keep both feet flat on the floor and lean slightly forward rather than slouching.
• Alternate sitting and standing: Take short breaks to walk or stretch every 30 minutes.
• Warm compress: Apply gentle heat (not too hot) to ease muscle tension.
• Prenatal yoga or pelvic stretches: Gentle movements can strengthen muscles and reduce stiffness.
• Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees: Keeps hips aligned and relieves pelvic pressure.
• Avoid sitting on hard surfaces for long periods: Use padded seating whenever possible.

If the pain persists or becomes severe, speak to your doctor. They may suggest a prenatal physiotherapist or pelvic floor therapist who can guide you through safe strengthening and posture correction exercises.

Will Tailbone Pain Go Away After Pregnancy?

In most cases, yes.
Tailbone pain usually eases or disappears within a few weeks after delivery, once pregnancy hormones settle and pressure on your pelvis reduces.

However, if the pain continues, your doctor can refer you for a postpartum assessment to rule out tailbone inflammation or misalignment.

Key Takeaway

Tailbone pain in pregnancy can be uncomfortable, but it’s usually temporary and harmless.
Your body is shifting, softening, and making space — and the tailbone simply feels that adjustment more than most.

With mindful posture, gentle stretches, and the right support, you can find real relief and comfort as your body prepares for birth.