Sitting down hurts. Standing up hurts more. Tailbone pain in late pregnancy is caused by relaxin - a hormone that loosens all your ligaments in preparation for birth - affecting the joints around the coccyx (the small curved bone at the base of your spine). As your baby grows and pushes down, pressure on this area increases.
What Causes Tailbone Pain
| Cause | Why It Happens |
|---|---|
| Relaxin hormone | Loosens sacrococcygeal joint, causing instability |
| Baby's weight | Increased downward pressure on lower spine |
| Posture changes | Centre of gravity shifts, altering how you sit and stand |
| Previous coccyx injury | Any old injury becomes more sensitive in pregnancy |
What Actually Helps
- Use a coccyx (donut) cushion when sitting - these have a cutout that removes pressure from the tailbone
- Avoid hard surfaces - always sit on cushioned seats
- Do not sit for more than 30 minutes at a stretch without standing and moving
- When sitting down or standing up, tilt your pelvis slightly forward to protect the joint
- Apply an ice pack for 15 minutes after prolonged sitting to reduce inflammation
- Warm baths with Epsom salts - the heat relaxes the surrounding muscles
When to See a Physiotherapist
A women's health physiotherapist can assess your pelvic alignment and provide manual therapy that brings significant relief. They can also show you safe exercises that strengthen the muscles around the coccyx without straining the joint. If you are in Singapore, ask your OB for a referral - most private hospitals have in-house physios.
After birth
Tailbone pain usually resolves within a few weeks to months after delivery as relaxin levels drop. If it persists beyond 3 months postpartum, see a physio for treatment.