WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Pelvic Pain in the Third Trimester

Pelvic Pain in the Third Trimester
Pelvic pain in the third trimester is a common occurrence for many pregnant women.
This discomfort can vary from sharp, shooting pains (often known as 'lightning crotch') to a persistent, dull ache.
It is usually caused by factors such as the baby's position, increased pressure on the pelvic and hip joints, and the loosening of ligaments in preparation for childbirth.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is It Normal?
Experiencing pelvic pain during the third trimester is typically normal, as the body makes significant adjustments to accommodate the growing baby and prepare for labor.
However, the degree of pain can vary greatly among women.
Percentage of Women Affected
A considerable number of women experience pelvic pain during the third trimester:
  • Seventh Month: Around 60-70% of pregnant women report experiencing pelvic pain.
  • Eighth Month: The prevalence may increase as the baby grows and descends lower into the pelvis.
  • Ninth Month: Most women continue to experience some form of pelvic pain as they approach labor.
Tips to Prevent and Care for Pelvic Pain
  • Pelvic Floor Exercises: Gentle exercises can strengthen the pelvic floor and reduce discomfort.
  • Proper Body Mechanics: Be mindful of your movements and posture. Avoid heavy lifting and sudden movements.
  • Supportive Devices: Consider using maternity belts or pregnancy pillows for additional support.
  • Rest and Positioning: Frequent rests and finding comfortable positions can alleviate pressure on the pelvis.
As you enter the third trimester, pelvic pain can become more pronounced due to the increasing size and position of your baby. This pain might feel like a sharp, sudden twinge or a constant, heavy ache.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When Should I Consult?
Consult a healthcare provider if:
  • The pain is severe, constant, or significantly disrupts your daily life.
  • You experience any bleeding, unusual discharge, or have concerns about the baby's movements.
  • The pain is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, nausea, or headaches.
  • You have any concerns about labor or how the pain may affect it.
Top Asked Questions
Is pelvic pain a sign of impending labor?

While it can be a sign that the body is preparing for labor, it's not a definitive indicator.

How can I differentiate between normal pelvic pain and something more serious?

Persistent, severe pain, especially with other symptoms, should be evaluated.

What can I do to ease pelvic pain at home?

Exercises, proper rest, and supportive devices can help, but consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Should I be concerned about pelvic pain affecting my baby?

Normal pelvic pain is not typically a concern for the baby's health, but always discuss any worries with your healthcare provider.

View Sources
More info
S
ShaRikka
5 Feb 2024

What helps y’all with heartburn? In my 3rd trimester and it has kicked up to a day to day basis as well as pelvic pain in the lower area 😩

6 comments
♡Elizabeth♡
I ate Tums like it was candy lol 🤣
27 Mar 2024

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ShaRikka
Lol They not helping either I just ate some mustard and a green apple 😫
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jacquelyn
19 Dec 2023

Has anyone else gotten like a shooting pain in your pelvic area? I’ve googled it and it says it’s lightning crotch but that it doesn’t usually start until the third trimester, I’ll be 6 weeks tomorrow.

2 comments
A
Alyssa
Yes and it’s a sharp like pain. I had it here and there from 4-7 weeks. I haven’t had much this last week and I’m now 8 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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M
MamaZama
31 Aug 2023

Anyone else experiencing debilitating pelvic pain in the third trimester? Walking is hard, shoot even scooching to sit up is super painful 😭

4 comments
H
Holly
Yeah I have been having that since early in the second trimester and it has only gotten worse ❤️
27 Mar 2024

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Jané
Yup. I had forgotten how miserable the third trimester can be 😩
27 Mar 2024

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N
Noelle
17 Jul 2023

Anyone else having severe rib pain (costochondritis) in third trimester? It's unbearable.

2 comments
H
Holly
I've had issues with is since 16 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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Indasia
Oh my goodness I had this a few weeks back and honestly nothing helped I just let it take it’s course 😩
27 Mar 2024

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E
Estefany
12 May 2023

Third trimester and I’m feeling it all the back pain, hemorrhoids, the hormones, the pelvic pain, constipation, heart burn and top it off I do not feel the joy at home, he has me feeling as if I’m exaggerating or just doesn’t react or say anything when I explain my discomfort…… Or am I just loosing it ?

1 comments
M
Malley
❤️❤️❤️
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sydney
24 Nov 2022

I’ve been having some pelvic cramping for about 5-10 minutes but it’s gone. Is this just ligament pain since I’m in the second trimester?

3 comments
M
Monica
I believe it’s ligament pain I had it a few days ago and now it’s gone
27 Mar 2024

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Sydney
Okay I feel better about that! It felt sort of similar to menstrual cramping and it was twinge-like. But I laid down and it’s gone.
27 Mar 2024

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Q
Queen
21 Oct 2022

has anyone experienced pelvic pain. my pelvic is aching. I swear the first trimester is so scary & worrisome🫣🥴😔 #6Weeks #1sttimeMom

2 comments
M
Monique
I did but I had a subchorionic hematoma it was soooo scary because I'd bleed non stop but now I'm ok n baby's healthy
27 Mar 2024

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Q
Queen
ok i did some reading & it said slight pain is very normal. its my first baby so im keen to everything thsts not normal. my ears go up like a dog lmao
27 Mar 2024

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c
cheyawntay
9 Oct 2022

The third trimester isn’t for the weak the pain , the aches Jesus 😩😩😩😩

4 comments
Q
Queen
I’m in the same boat as you these contraction pains are unbearable my contractions are irregular so I have to drink cold water all day every day to get it to be calm nd for my cervix to start opening up
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kimberly
Girl who you telling I'm with you on this I'm 37 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jasmyn🪴🧘🏽‍♀️
23 Jul 2022

This third trimester has me feeling like I’m starving...the headaches, and side boob pain 😭 30 weeks tomorrow though🥳😮‍💨

2 comments
s
sapphire
Amennnn not to mention the constant back pain lol! The clock is ticking so much faster now it’s almost time to meet our little ones 🫶🏽🤰🏽👩🏽‍🍼 The excitement and anxiety is really building up 😁😳🫣
27 Mar 2024

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Jasmyn🪴🧘🏽‍♀️
It really is! It’s exciting 🥲 but girl the back and swollen feet.. it’s kicking in hard
27 Mar 2024

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Maryann
21 Jun 2022

Anyone in their third trimester that been having real bad pelvic pain and pain in their vagina went to the dr and was dilated how many cm? I really feel like I can be dilated or starting too with all the pain I been having the 3 weeks appointments killing me thought I be every week by now when I go on the 29th I hope he checks me I am definitely going to push the issue…

5 comments
K
Krystal
I’ve been having bad pelvic pain too but I’m not dilated any yet and yes he definitely will check you on the 29th
27 Mar 2024

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Sarah
I have been feeling that same thing.
27 Mar 2024

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