The path to motherhood is a mix of joy, anticipation, and some hurdles. The last part of this journey, the third trimester, can bring physical changes that can make you uncomfortable. One such thing is pelvic pain during the third trimester, an issue lots of moms face. This article aims to explain pelvic pain in the third trimester, the reasons for it, and how to find relief. We will also look into how pelvic pain in the last trimester affects daily life and what actions you can take to lessen the discomfort.
What is Third Trimester Pelvic Pain?
Third trimester pelvic pain is the ache or discomfort felt in the pelvic area, often in the pelvis front, hips, and occasionally reaching the lower back. This pain can be a mild annoyance to intense pain influencing mobility and daily tasks.
Third Trimester Pelvic Pain Symptoms
- Ongoing ache or sharp pain in the pelvic zone: Plenty of women have a lasting ache in their lower pelvis. The pain can sometimes turn sharp, especially when standing or moving.
- Pain reaches the hips and thighs: It is also usual for pelvic pain to spread to the hip and thigh zones.
- Discomfort during activities: Actions like walking, climbing stairs, standing for long, or shifting in bed can increase the pain.
Why is Third Trimester Pelvic Pain Common?
As your body readies for birth, it undergoes many changes. The growing baby’s weight, hormones, and the body getting ready for labor contribute to pelvic pain. Knowing the causes of this pain is key to managing it effectively.
Third Trimester Pelvic Pain Causes

Various physical aspects can trigger trimester pelvic pain. Let’s look closer at some standard causes.
Hormonal Shifts
During pregnancy, your body makes a hormone called relaxin. This hormone helps loosen the ligaments and joints, enabling the pelvis to grow during birth. However, these changes can also create instability and increased pressure, leading to pelvic pain.
- Relaxin’s Function: Relaxin helps soften the ligaments, allowing more pelvic movement. This movement can cause discomfort, most noticeably in the third trimester as the body readies for labor.
- Joint Loosening: With loosened joints and ligaments, the pelvic region can become less stable, potentially causing pain when walking or moving in certain ways.
Baby’s Size and Position
As the baby gets bigger, more weight is put on the pelvic region, leading to more pressure and pain.
- Baby’s Weight Gain: The baby’s weight adds substantial pressure to the pelvic region, potentially leading to discomfort and aches.
- Baby’s Position: The baby’s placement can also affect pelvic pain. If the baby’s head is pressing against the pelvis, it can worsen pain in the final trimester.
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)
Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is a typical condition that causes pain in the pelvic joints, hips, and lower back. It often happens in the final trimester due to the increased strain on the pelvis.
- Pain Locations: PGP can show as pain in the pubic bone, hips, or lower back. It can be worsened by actions like walking, climbing stairs, or standing on one leg.
- Impact on Everyday Life: Plenty of women find that PGP restricts their mobility, making routine activities tough.
Round Ligament Pain
The round ligaments that support the uterus can stretch and cause sudden, sharp pain during the third trimester.
- Ligament Stretch: As the baby gets bigger, the round ligaments must stretch to fit the growing uterus. This stretching can cause sudden, sharp pain, especially when changing positions or getting up quickly.
Handling Belly Pain in the Last Part of Pregnancy
Belly pain in the last part can be lessened via different ways that help soothe the pain and boost movement. Here are useful tips to manage belly pain successfully.
Light Physical Activities
Light physical activities aid in calming belly pain, strengthening muscles around the belly section, and enhancing stability.
- Lower Body Workouts: Doing Kegel exercises makes the lower body muscles stronger, providing more support and lessening pain.
- Pregnancy Yoga: Pregnancy yoga focuses on light stretching, calm breathing, and relaxing methods. It eases tightness in the belly region and gives relief from pain.
- Aqua Workouts: Aqua workouts or water aerobics lower belly pain by easing pressure on your joints but still allowing movement.
Keeping Upright Position
Staying upright can ease tension on your belly joints and ligaments.
- Seat Comfort: Use a cushion or a rolled towel for extra support when seated.
- Don’t Cross Legs: Do not cross your legs when seated, as it adds pressure on the belly.
- Stand Properly: While standing, keep your spine straight, shoulders relaxed, and weight balanced between both feet.
Using Comfort Tools
Using comfort tools can ease belly pain and give more stability.
- Pregnancy Belt: A maternity support belt evenly distributes the baby’s weight and reduces belly pressure.
- Comfort Pillows: Resting a pillow between your knees during sleep can align your hips and ease belly discomfort.
- Fitness Ball: Seating on a fitness ball helps you maintain a good posture and lessens belly pressure.
Warm and Cool Therapy
Placing heat or cold on the belly can handle pain and swelling.
- Warm Therapy: Use a heated pad or take a warm bath to soothe the muscles around the belly.
- Cold Wrap: Place a cold wrap on the hurting area for 15-20 minutes to decrease swelling and dull the pain.
When to See a Health Expert
While belly pain is usual in pregnancy, it is crucial when it’s time for expert advice. Severe or long-term pain can’t be ignored because it may mean underlying problems that need attention.
Sudden or Severe Pain
If you feel sudden, sharp, or severe belly pain, call your health provider at once. It may mean early labor, placental problems, or other complications.
- Early Labor Signs: If belly pain comes with cramping, back pain, or regular contractions, it could mean early labor, and you need medical help fast.
- Placental Problem: In rare instances, severe belly pain may mean a placental problem, a serious situation where the placenta separates from the uterus too soon.
Hard Time with Everyday Tasks
If belly pain is too severe that it stops you from doing everyday jobs, you should consult your health provider.
- Hampered Movement: If walking, standing, or even sitting for long periods becomes too painful, your healthcare provider might suggest a treatment plan or physical therapy.
Fever or Other Symptoms
If belly pain comes with fever, odd discharge, or bleeding, it’s important to seek medical help.
- Infection: Fever and belly pain may mean an infection that needs medical intervention.
Continuous Pain Despite Management
If you have tried different ways to ease belly pain but get no better, it is crucial to seek expert advice.
- Physiotherapy Referral: Your health provider might send you to a physiotherapist specializing in pregnancy issues for focused exercises and treatment.
How to Fight Pelvic Pain During the Final Trimester?

With pelvic pain striking in pregnancy’s final trimester, you can employ different tactics to increase comfort as you get ready for your baby’s arrival.
Embrace Rest and Shun Overexertion
Rest is a must for tackling pelvic pain head-on.
- Regular Breaks: If pain appears, don’t hesitate to pause your activities and rest when you can.
- Shun Heavy Lifting: Shouldering heavy items adds stress to your pelvis. Steer clear of this and ask for assistance if needed.
- Limit Constant Standing: Standing nonstop can heighten pelvic discomfort. Avoid this if possible.
Try Chiropractic Help
A chiropractor, experienced in prenatal care, can ease your pelvic pain with adjustments.
- Pelvic Readjustment: Chiropractic techniques may restore pelvic alignment, lessen pressure, and enhance overall comfort.
- Doctor Discussion: Always talk to your healthcare professional first to verify chiropractic care’s safety for you.
Consider Acupuncture
Acupuncture targets specific points to lessen pelvic pain in your final trimester.
- Ease the Pain: Acupuncture can relax the tension and energize your flow, providing respite from pelvic discomfort.
- Qualified Practitioner: A licensed expert proficient in prenatal acupuncture is the best choice for your treatment.
Explore Physical Therapy
You can control pelvic pain by strengthening your pelvic zone and gaining stability through physical therapy.
- Custom Exercise Plans: A physical therapist can design a bespoke exercise system to fortify the pelvic and core areas, lessening discomfort.
- Direct Treatment: Physical therapists can employ manual techniques for pain relief and better pelvic alignment.
Wrapping It Up
Pelvic pain in the third trimester is a shared concern among expectant moms preparing for their baby’s arrival. Grasping the triggers and mastering the relief strategies can change the game. The toolkit includes gentle movements, the right posture, supportive gear, and knowing the right time to contact a healthcare specialist. There’s a variety of ways to throw off 3rd trimester pelvic pain.
Keep in mind, that every pregnancy is one of a kind, and listening to your body plus asking for help is crucial. By managing pelvic pain correctly, you can concentrate on welcoming your new little one rather than dwelling on the discomforts of the final trimester.
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